About this role
Job summary
St Helena Hospice is seeking a Senior Health Care Assistant, to work within the Hospice IPU.
This is a full time role although part time hours will be considered.
This is a fixed term role for 9 to 12 months
Main duties of the job
The Senior Healthcare Assistant will work independently, delivering elements of health and social care, undertaking clinical work which previously was within the remit of the registered nurse. The Senior Healthcare Assistant may transcend professional boundaries; they are accountable to themselves, their Line Manager and ultimately the patient.
The clinical support required will be an extension to the Assistant Nurse role involving;
Post bereavement appointments (also known as Collections)
Phlebotomy and cannulation
Moving and handling training of clinical staff
Wound care
The Senior Healthcare Assistant will be involved in the assessment and care of patients and will provide psychosocial support to patients and their families whose lives are impacted by illness, loss and grief.
They will work as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) representing a clinical/psychosocial perspective and will work across all St Helena directorates as required. This will include working with external health, social care, and education, other professionals and voluntary organisations when required to support patients and families.
About us
St Helena Hospices core values and behaviours will be embedded in our recruitment, our training and development review and our decision making process.
Training and competencies within the specialities, as well as on-going support and professional development, will be tailored to meet your individual needs.
In return we offer;
A competitive and progressive salary.
Enhanced hourly rates for working unsocial hours
NHS Pension (for active members who wish to transfer and continue their membership)
Group Pension Plan for non NHS Pension Staff
Clinical Supervision
Employee Assistance and Wellbeing support
We cover the cost of your DBS Check and the periodic renewal
Uniform provided
Free on site parking
Subsidised dining and complimentary drinks
Job description Job responsibilities
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship
Duties & Responsibilities:
Coordinating admission and discharge planning where appropriate and answering to the Senior Sister/ Matron.
Perform Last Offices to deceased patients, including safe custody of valuables and belongings. This includes post-bereavement family appointments (also known as Collections) which involve the collection of the medical certificate and the option for loved ones to view the deceased.
Complete CSW competencies within 12 months which will enable the individual to undertake specialist clinical roles; phlebotomy and wound care management, weekly stores ordering, weekly stock medication ordering including Controlled Medications.
To work autonomously and manage their own workload following St Helena policy and procedures and direction from the line manager.
To work effectively as a member of the MDT, identifying and working towards the long- and short-term goals of the service. Liaise with professionals from other organisations for the benefit of the patient and their family.
Mentor HCAs (and appropriate junior clinical staff) supporting their clinical development.
Facilitate mandatory Moving and Handling training for all clinical staff.
Work with the Rehab team and support if required for a double up visit if workload allows. Check weekly rehab stores equipment. Action equipment collection tasks for patients who have RIP.
Work alongside volunteers within the unit and report any concerns about practice to the Line manager.
Work within the nursing team on the IPU (and other areas of St Helena if required) to meet the needs of the patient (hygiene, elimination, nutritional, mobilising, pain, pressure area care, maintain independence spiritual and psychosocial).
Assist in the assessment and interpretation of the impact of serious illness, loss and grief on individuals and provide appropriate support.
To provide advice, guidance and information as required. To contribute within the MDT an understanding of the psychological, emotional and social problems experienced by patients and their families.
To act as an advocate for the patient and families, ensuring that their choices and rights are upheld.
To maintain accurate and comprehensive records with respect to patient/family interventions in line with St Helena policy.
To regularly attend supervision and reflect on practice but maintaining confidentiality in accordance with St Helena policy.
To attend all mandatory training and participate in annual staff development review.
Enforcing infection control and maintaining health and safety within the ward area (as per St Helena policy).
Represent the unit when required on St Helena wide committees (Audit and clinical governance).
Ensure you follow all policies and procedures in relation to prevention and infection control
Person Specification
Qualities Essential
Ability to work autonomously, using initiative to respond effectively to a range of situations Strong commitment to quality, safety, and evidence-based best practice Positive, proactive, and self-motivated approach to work Confidence to contribute effectively within multi-agency and multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings Willingness and ability to engage in clinical supervision, training, and ongoing professional development Ability to appreciate, understand, and value diversity, demonstrating a non-judgemental and inclusive approach Maintains confidentiality at all times and practices within ethical and professional boundaries
Experience Essential
Proven experience working within palliative or end-of-life care Experience of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
Experience of working in a community nursing setting Experience of advocating on behalf of patients and families Experience of managing and prioritising an allocated caseload
Communication Essential
Ability to work empathically, using sensitive and compassionate communication when supporting patients, families, and carers facing complex and emotionally challenging situations Ability to manage and respond appropriately to potentially distressed or challenging behaviours from patients, relatives, or carers Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly at all levels Ability to interact and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external professionals to support coordinated care
Desirable
Experience of supporting difficult or sensitive conversations with patients and families (e.g. deterioration, end-of-life discussions) Confidence in advocating for patients and families within multidisciplinary discussions Experience of communicating with individuals with complex needs (e.g. dementia, learning disabilities, mental health needs)
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Awareness of the holistic needs of patients and families living with life-limiting illness (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual) Understanding of the principles of medical and psychosocial care Good organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively Basic IT skills, including the ability to use electronic patient records and digital systems
Desirable
Understanding and awareness of a range of therapeutic interventions and supportive techniques relevant to palliative care
Qualifications Essential
GCSE level 4 and above in English and Maths Full UK Driving Licence Completion of Assistant Practitioner/Support Worker and Medicines Management competencies (in line with St Helena competency framework) Manual Handling Instructor qualification (or equivalent Recognised Communication Skills qualification (or equivalent)
Desirable
Competence in phlebotomy and cannulation Wound care qualification or relevant training Advanced Communication Skills training Completion of a Principles of Palliative Care course (or equivalent)
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 St Helena Hospice
Address St. Helena Hospice
Barncroft Close
Highwoods
Colchester
CO4 9JU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.sthelena.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)