About this role
Job summary
Ad Hoc Palliative Support Workers
Hospice at Home Bank Staff
About the Role:
Caring for someone in the final weeks and months of life is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Our Hospice at Home service supports people to remain in the comfort of their own homes, promoting dignity, independence, and compassionate care at the end of life.
As a Palliative Support Worker, you will visit patients across the Rossendale community, sometimes working independently, to provide practical care, basic nursing support, and emotional reassurance. You will work under the guidance of our experienced Registered Nurses.
This is a bank (ad hoc) role, offering flexible hours and a variety of shifts, sometimes at short notice ideal for those seeking work that fits around other commitments.
What We're Looking For:
We are seeking caring, reliable individuals who are passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
You will need:
Previous adult healthcare experience (essential), ideally within lifelimiting or palliative careNVQ Level 2 in Care or equivalent is desirable but not essentialExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to work both independently and as part of a supportive teamA proactive, compassionate approach to careFull UK driving licence, access to your own vehicle, and business insuranceAppointment subject to an enhanced DBS check
Main duties of the job
Deliver personal care including washing, dressing, oral care, continence care, catheter hygiene, stoma support, skin care, pressure area care and repositioning.
Support safe mobility using appropriate equipment, falls prevention and moving and handling techniques.
Assist with nutrition and hydration, meal preparation, food and fluid monitoring, and escalate swallowing concerns.
Provide comfort measures, symptom support, observation of wellbeing, recognise deterioration and escalate concerns promptly.
Deliver end-of-life care, emotional support to patients and families, and compassionate communication.
Maintain infection prevention standards including hand hygiene, PPE, waste disposal and equipment cleaning.
Complete accurate documentation including visit records, MAR charts, skin, bowel and bladder records, incidents and safeguarding concerns.
Communicate effectively with the Team Leader, RN, District Nurses, carers and emergency services where required.
Support carers through education, reassurance and signposting.
Use, check and report faults with equipment including profiling beds, pressure mattresses, hoists, slide sheets and mobility aids.
Undertake light housekeeping related to patient care.
Following training and competency assessment, administer prescribed PRN medication from a completed MAR chart, maintain accurate records and report medication concerns.
Recognise safeguarding concerns, environmental risks and lone working issues, escalating promptly in accordance with policy.
About us
Why Join Rossendale Hospice?
Make a real difference to patients and families at a crucial time Flexible bank work to suit your lifestyle Generous enhancements for unsocial hours Supportive, experienced hospice team Be part of a respected local charity with strong values
Pay & Enhancements
£12.71 per hour (standard rate) Enhancements currently paid: Evenings 9pm onwards, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays Retainer rate of £6.17 per hour paid during downtime Mileage is paid at 55p per mile
For an informal discussion, please contact Hospice at Home on 01706 393870
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Description
Position: Ad Hoc (Bank) Palliative Support Worker Hospice at Home
Reports to: Clinical Services Team Leader
Pay: £12.71 (plus unsocial hours enhancements and mileage) (Retainer rate during downtime).
Hours: Various/Flexible
Location: Rossendale Hospice/Community
Our Vision and Values
Our Vision: To positively influence a future in which everyone within Rossendale who accesses our services receives the best possible care and support.
Our Values: Underpinning our vision, we have three core values:
Compassion
Integrity
Excellence
Openness
Our staff and volunteers uphold these values in everything they do, irrespective of their role.
About the Role
As a member of the Hospice at Home team, you will:
Work as a carer in the patients home, complementing the care already provided by the community nursing service and social services.
Deliver basic nursing care to support patient comfort and wellbeing.
Be flexible and responsive to the individual needs of patients and their families/carers, ensuring compassionate and person-centred care.
Communicate effectively with the Hospice at Home Team Leader and other team members after each shift to provide updates on the patients condition and any changes observed.
Key Responsibilities
Care Delivery
Work as a carer in the patients home, enhancing care already provided by community nursing and social services.
Provide basic nursing care and emotional support to patients and their families/carers.
Be flexible and responsive to the individual needs of patients and their families.
Communicate effectively with the Hospice at Home Team Leader and other team members after each shift to update them on the patients condition.
Teamwork & Collaboration
Work as part of a team providing nursing care and support within the home environment.
Liaise closely with other agencies involved in patient care in the community.
Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team, adapting to a variety of tasks as needed.
Support Wellbeing Day Services when required, including during periods of downtime.
Professional & Clinical
Attend all mandatory training sessions (e.g., fire safety, manual handling, CPR).
Report accidents, incidents, or potential risks immediately to the Hospice at Home Team Leader.
Engage in lifelong learning and attend any training suggested by the Team Leader.
Participate in annual appraisals and objective setting.
Compliance & Governance
Act at all times in accordance with Rossendale Hospice policies and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to GDPR and data protection requirements.
Safeguard the health and well-being of children and vulnerable adults, following all safeguarding policies and mandatory training.
Health & Safety
Understand fire regulations and actions required in the event of a fire.
Report any incidents/adverse events in line with Hospice policy.
Follow infection control principles and maintain effective hand hygiene.
Take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of staff, patients, volunteers, and visitors in accordance with Hospice Health and Safety Policy.
Manual handling and/or heavy lifting is a key requirement of the role.
Person Specification
Other factors Essential
Full, current, valid UK driving licence. Access to a vehicle for work purposes. Car insurance including business cover.
Personal Attributes Essential
Empathetic and respectful approach to patients and families. Reliable, professional, and committed to Hospice values. Willingness to engage in lifelong learning and attend mandatory training as required.
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Ability to provide compassionate, person-centred care. Strong communication skills to liaise effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Good organisational skills and flexibility to adapt to changing needs. Competent in basic record-keeping and reporting.
Desirable
Experience in palliative or end-of-life care. Knowledge of local community healthcare services.
Qualifications Desirable
NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent) NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
Experience Essential
Previous experience in an adult care setting (community, hospice, or healthcare environment).
Desirable
Experience working with patients with life-limiting illnesses (desirable but not essential).
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 Rossendale Hospice
Address Rossendale PHCC New Cribden House
161 Bacup Road
Rawtenstall
Lancashire
BB4 7PL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.rossendalehospice.org/ (Opens in a new tab)