About this role
Job summary As a Senior Healthcare Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting our Registered Nurses, Nursing Associates and Clinical Nurse Specialists to deliver outstanding, person-centred care to patients and those important to them, both within our Inpatient Unit and Community services. If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference during some of life's most important moments, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job Deliver high-quality, compassionate and individualised care to patients with life-limiting illnesses in the hospice and community settings. Support patients with personal care, nutrition, hydration, mobility and emotional wellbeing, ensuring dignity, respect and choice remain at the centre of care. Undertake clinical observations and report any changes in a patient's condition promptly to the Registered Nurse team. Carry out extended clinical duties, following competency assessment, including phlebotomy, catheter care, blood glucose monitoring, simple dressings and medication-related tasks. Support patients, families and carers during challenging and sensitive situations, including end-of-life care, bereavement and care after death. Maintain accurate patient records using SystmOne and contribute to effective communication across multidisciplinary teams. Assist with admissions, discharges, referrals and care planning under the supervision of Registered Nurses. Provide guidance and support to Healthcare Assistants, helping with induction, teaching and day-to-day team support. Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver holistic patient care. Ensure clinical environments are safe, well-maintained and compliant with health and safety requirements.
About us We are a highly regarded hospice team dedicated to delivering outstanding specialist palliative care. We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development, involvement in education and service improvement projects, and the chance to make a meaningful difference to patients and families when they need it most.
Job description Job responsibilities Deliver high-quality, compassionate care and support to patients in line with individual care plans, ensuring dignity, comfort, and wellbeing at all times. Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide safe, effective, and person-centred care. Build positive and professional relationships with patients, families, carers, and colleagues through effective communication and interpersonal skills. Assist patients with their physical, emotional, and personal care needs while respecting their individual beliefs, cultures, preferences, and choices. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential patient records using relevant IT systems and documentation processes. Adhere to professional standards, confidentiality requirements, data protection legislation, and the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers. Observe, monitor, and report changes in patients' conditions to appropriate healthcare professionals, contributing to ongoing assessment and care planning. Prioritise workload effectively, work independently when required, and respond flexibly to changing patient needs and service demands. Support the delivery of palliative and end-of-life care, ensuring patients and families receive compassionate and respectful support. Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, and supportive care environment in accordance with organisational policies and procedures. Actively participate in training, supervision, and continuous professional development to enhance knowledge and skills within healthcare and palliative care practice. Undertake any additional duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility to support the effective delivery of hospice services.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Evidence of level 2 Apprenticeship or Diploma in a Health-related subject such as Care Certificate.
Desirable
Willingness to study for NVQ Level 2 or 3 and/or undertake further education in palliative care / attend study days
Experience Essential
Experience of working in a similar role as part of a multidisciplinary team in a healthcare setting. Confidence in use of IT and able to demonstrate good literacy and numeracy skills. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and good command of spoken English (assessed at interview). Understanding of the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business and requirements of the Data Protection Act (2018) and General Data Protection Regulation (2018). Understanding of the Code of Conduct for Health Care Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England
Additional Criteria Essential
Motivation to develop knowledge and skills and to undertake self-development. Ability to use your own initiative, prioritise workload and respond to changing situations. Demonstrates self-awareness and coping strategies when supporting patients and families through sensitive situations. Committed to inclusive, compassionate care, respecting diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and needs in line with palliative care principles. Access to own transport to get to and from hospice due to rural location.
Desirable
Flexible and reliable, able to work day and night shifts according to patient dependency.
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 Peter & St James Hospice
Address North Common Road
North Chailey
Lewes
West Sussex
BN8 4ED
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://stpjhospice.org/ (Opens in a new tab)