About this role
Job summary
Great Oaks Hospice provides quality end of life care and support services, free of charge, for adults, and their families, in the community.
As we grow our services to meet the needs of our community, we are seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Health Care Assistant into a key role in our Hospice@Home team.
Successful candidates will need to work flexibly in the community, providing social, emotional, physiological and wider-wellbeing care to our patients.
If you are looking for a new, fulfilling role and hold an NVQ Level 2/3 or Care Certificate in Health Care or equivalent; have 2 or more years experience in a palliative/End of Life Care setting; and are looking for a fulfilling role, we would like to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
Hospice at Home provides skilled nursing care to patients and their families within their own home or usual care environment for specific periods of time. The Health Care Assistant works under the direction of the Hospice@Home Lead, who establishes the care needs of the patient and family from the District Nurse in their capacity as the keyworker.
The Health Care Assistant provides quality care that encompasses physical, emotional, and wider well-being of the patient plus appropriate and timely support to their family and those affected by the situation.
About us
Great Oaks Hospice is located in Coleford, Gloucestershire. We are a charity and our team provide end of life care services, free of charge, for adults, and their families, across the Forest of Dean Community.
Our mission is to provide the best care and support for everyone when they need it most and working with our staff, volunteers, community, supporters and partners we aspire to be the most trusted provider of hospice care and support for our community.
Job description Job responsibilities
Overview of Responsibilities
Within the home environment and as a Lone Worker, to:
Follow policies and guidelines as per Hospice at Home HandbookWork in accordance with Lone Worker PolicyRecognise and report limitations of own professional competence/experience and personal living standards that may differ from those in receipt of careRecognise the need and undertake any training identified via Line Management and/or annual appraisalBe aware of risk to self and others under Health and Safety RegulationsVerbally report any accident or untoward incident as soon as possible followed by written reportBe aware of Out of Hours Procedures when seeking advice and/or supportRespect peoples personal choices for lifestyle and living arrangementsWork collaboratively and constructively in line with our vision, mission and strategyCommunications
Establish and maintain effective communication with patients, relatives and carers as part of their receipt of End-of-Life CareTo be aware of the role of all personnel within the wider multi-disciplinary team including community staff, social services, hospital professionals, the specialist palliative care team and other agenciesMaintain regular professional contact with Community Services Manager and Hospice at Home CoordinatorTo maintain good working relationship with other hospice staffEstablish and maintain communication with individuals and groups about difficult or complex mattersQuality Standards
Ensure own actions promote qualityTo cooperate with Great Oaks in establishing professional competence within the role and monitor standards of care achieved through audit and/or User feedbackTo understand own role in the organisation and the Hospice at Home teamWork within the current clinical governance framework and follow appropriate policies and procedures/guidelines and protocols as designated by Great Oaks Hospice and CQCCustomer Service
Effectively communicate in order to advise and provide information to patients, carers and their familiesTo be actively involved in promoting the Hospice at Home service to the community, primary health care teams, community hospitals and other potential patients and referrersTo maintain an awareness of the charitable status of the organisation and its reliance on donations and fund raisingService Development
Contribute to the implementation of services by making constructive suggestions as to how services and own/teamwork can be improvedContribute effectively to evaluations of care e.g. AuditsAttend identified meetings which support the role of all team membersActively engage in discussions about development of future services to patients, carers, bereaved carers and professional colleaguesEquality and Diversity
Be aware that the Hospice at Home service is provided within the resources available to adults with malignant or non-malignant conditions wishing to be cared for at home within the context of End-of- Life Care regardless of gender, culture, age, abilityChallenge behaviour which infringes the rights of othersRecognise and actively seek/give advice about ethical dilemmas triggered by the nature of the patientscircumstancesHealthcare
Contribute to the development of Hospice at HomeEnsure patient comfort is maintained at all timesTo fulfil existing plan of care and document progress of patientsTo liaise with Hospice at Home Coordinator and/or patients keyworker and any other relevantpractitioner such as Out of Hours GP/DN, funeral director etc. on behalf of patients and their carersInformation
Responsible for accurate record keeping within the community notes and reporting to Hospice at Home CoordinatorBeing able to use IT / Digital Platforms for delivery of service.Ensure confidentiality and dignity is implemented at all timesContribute to the distribution of pertinent information for patients, carers and professional colleaguesActively engage in discussions about development of future services to patients, carers, bereaved carers and professional colleagues
Person Specification
Other Requirements Essential
Occupational Health screening is required for this role. There will be an expectation to be fit for role and carrying out light to moderate nursing duties such as manual handling.
Professional Knowledge Essential
Awareness of Ambitions for Palliative and End of Life Care and the Gloucestershire End of Life Care Strategy Competent in personal care to very sick patients Awareness of changes in condition and possible need for symptom control Awareness of infection control issues Knowledge of evidence-based care Clear and concise documentation skills
Qualifications Essential
NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent Care Certificate in Health Care
Experience Essential
Experience in palliative/End of Life Care within a community setting such as: Hospice environment Community nurse service Community hospital Be able to work independently without direct supervision
Personal Skills & Attributes Essential
Good interpersonal skills Effective team worker Flexible, innovative, and motivated
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.
Employer details Employer name Great Oaks Hospice
Address Great Oaks Hospice
The Gorse
Coleford
Gloucestershire
GL16 8QE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.great-oaks.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)