Health Care Assistant NIGHTS (Hospice at Home)

NHS; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job description

Health Care Assistant NIGHTS (Hospice at Home)

East Lancs Hospice is a registered charity, founded in 1984. We support and care for patients with a life limiting illness and their families. We provide this in a number of ways; at the hospice and in peoples own homes across our community of Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

With approximately 120 employees and over 250 volunteers, our people are our biggest asset whom we value tremendously. Our services to the local community would not be possible without our motivated and caring workforce who always strive to deliver excellence in all that they do. The hospice is a unique and special place, kindness and compassion are qualities that run throughout the hospice and our people truly believe in what we do.

Due to increased demand for home based palliative and end of life care, we have opportunities for experienced individuals who are committed to providing wellbeing and enabling support including end of life care for our patients as well as those that matter to them.

This role may be closed early applications dependent, as recruitment is ongoing so please apply as soon as possible. Previous applicants need not apply.

Unfortunately, at present we are unable to support applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK.

Main duties of the job

You will play a key role in delivering high standards of care and support to enable patients to remain in their own home. Promoting independence, quality of life and engaging in activity that is meaningful to patients and those important to them, you will have the confidence and experience to work regularly without direct supervision in accordance with care plans provided by registered practitioners. As our service covers the communities of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, car driver and access to your own vehicle with business insurance is essential.

The role is for nights only, expectations around your shift pattern will be discussed at interview.

About us

The salary for this post is £23,419 for full time hours and this is pro-rata for part-time hours; Pro Rata £12,490.13 (20hrs) / £21,857.73 (35hrs). Hours are worked on a rota basis over seven days inclusive of nights, days, evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays.

We have an excellent, collaborative working environment with a generous holiday allowance of 27 days + 8 Bank Holidays with the option to buy an additional 4 weeks leave. There is an employer / employee matched private pension of up to 7% and you will have access to learning and development opportunities, ongoing training, and funded access to a private health scheme. There is also onsite parking and an onsite Cafe with reduced staff prices.

Aside from the terms and conditions detailed above, you will be joining a very special and unique organisation, where people are at the heart of everything we do.

Job responsibilities

To work as a member of the Hospice at Home Team supporting patients and families in their own homes. You will deliver high standards of hands-on care to the patient and their families supporting the patient to remain at home and prevent avoidable admissions to hospital for those with life limiting illness. You will work unsupervised in accordance with care plans provided by registered practitioners.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

1. Deliver quality nursing care according to agreed plan of care devised by the nursing team.
2. Develop understanding of the principles of palliative care and work with patients and families following care plans addressing their individual physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs.
3. Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent situations and contact the appropriate Community Nursing Teams/GP/Out of Hours relaying any relevant information on the condition of patients, their care or treatment.
4. Monitor the progress of patients along their disease pathway and report any changes to the Head of Hospice at Home.
5. Support patients with therapeutic and diversional activity, activities of daily living, promoting independence within patient limitations to enhance independence and quality of life.
6. Provide supportive care to families as directed by the nursing team to support the wellbeing of families and prevent breakdown of their social situation, enabling patients to stay at home.
7. Be empathic and courteous to patients and relatives treating them with care and consideration at all times.
8. Ensure accurate patient records are kept in line with hospice guidelines and NMC Record Keeping Guidance.
9. Contribute to clinical reports, data collection and statistics as required by the Head of Hospice at Home.
10. Exercise good personal time management, punctuality, appearance and consistent reliable attendance.
11. Positively engage with opportunities for direct support and supervision, the development and maintenance of skills and knowledge including scheduled rotational placement within other clinical areas including for example the Inpatient Unit and Support and Wellbeing.

Person Specification

• Car Driver with your own vehicle.
• Basic standards of English and Maths.
• NVQ Level 2 in care/equivalent.
• Practical experience of caring for patients or family.
• Understanding and sensitive to the needs of individuals requiring end of life care.
• Flexible approach to work, able to work any shift pattern including nights.
• Able to work alone without direct supervision.
• Able to work in a team.
• Able to relay messages accurately.
• Communicate effectively with patients, relatives and colleagues.
• Highly enthusiastic and motivated about the work of the hospice.
• Willingness to partake in fundraising activity.
• Ability to relate positively to peers.
• Understand and maintain confidentiality at all times in line with hospice policies.
• Positive attitude to change and flexible working practices.
• Professional appearance and behaviour.
• Willingness to adapt to change as the organisation develops.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.