About this role
Job summary
Senior Health Care Support Worker will work as part of a team providing high quality and compassionate care to individuals. They will have the understanding and ability to deliver delegated care under the direction of their supervisor, and support the multidisciplinary team in the delivery of high quality care to enable individuals to achieve their person-centred goals.
The post holder will carry out well-defined routine duties in accordance with the individual's care plan, promote independence and check on the individual's overall progress, comfort and wellbeing.
When working as a lone worker the post holder will act on own initiative to make a situation safe and report any concerns as required
Work within a range of healthcare settings this may include colleagues from both health and social care.
The post holder will report to a Registered Professional who will directly or indirectly supervise their work.
Main duties of the job
Experience of working in a care setting would be advantageous but all necessary skills training, professional updates and mandatory training as appropriate to the post will be provided.
Full details of duties can be found in the job description.
Communicate effectively with individuals, their families, carers and health/social care practitioners using a range of styles and ensuring information remains confidential at all times.
Communicates with patients when taking samples or specimens, performing tests.
Communicates with patients when carrying out tests.
Communicate both routine, complex and sensitive information to patients/clients, relatives and colleagues.
Help to maintain good communication, liaison and working arrangements with Trust Directorates, other Trusts and other agencies.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Undertake defined clinical or therapeutic interventions appropriately as delegated by a Registered Practitioner and as documented in the care/treatment plan.
Prepare individuals for activities to be carried out by other members of the healthcare team, looking after them before, during and/or after those activities in line with their care/treatment plan
Support individuals with their identified health needs implement clinical care and care packages as directed.
Use interpersonal skills to build a therapeutic relationship with patients.
Identify and respond to signs of pain or discomfort.
Promote personal independence and assist with an individual's overall comfort and wellbeing.
Possess an awareness and understanding of what is normal concerning their patients/clients wellbeing and report that which is out of normal parameters to the Registered Professional.
Be able to follow set protocols and procedures to carry out elements of the individual's care plan as agreed with the Registered Professional.
Understand and be able to carry out reflective practice.
Be able to work under their own initiative within the remit of the role.
Work with individuals of varying levels of dependence.
At times be considered a "lone worker" and as such will carry out and undertake familiar tasks with minimum supervision.
Have an awareness of subtle cues concerning an individual's wellbeing and will respond to take action concerning common symptoms, within agreed protocols and guidelines pertinent to their work area.
Be expected to participate in the facilitation of groups and activities, giving support to Registered Professionals
Be required to respond to emergency situations within their sphere of competence
and will escalate risks accordingly.
Show awareness of advocacy and an understanding of wider issues (e.g., home concerns).
Recognise and understand role boundaries and limitations.
Support individuals with activities of daily living and the promotion of independence.
Have an understanding of mental capacity and respond appropriately.
Recognize deteriorations in health and take action and report appropriately within sphere of competence.
Report any changes in physical and/or psychological health needs as appropriate.
Demonstrate what it means in practice to provide person centered care and support
Promote health and wellbeing, encouraging individuals to achieve their goals and independence.
Perform basic life support for individuals using appropriate resuscitation techniques and equipment.
Undertake a range of physiological and psychological observations using the appropriate tools.
Be expected to develop and maintain all the clinical skills necessary for this position
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good standard of literacy and numeracy and spoken English (Minimum Level 2, or Functional Skills).
- Vocational Qualification Level 3 equivalent level or equivalent experience.
- Level 3 qualification or Certificate in Healthcare,
Desirable
- Care Certificate or willing to work within agreed time scale
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working within a health or social care setting or undertaking a caring role.
- Evidence of the promoting independence.
- Experience of working independently.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- A good understanding of health and social care models.
- An understanding of the physiology, psychology and organisation and function of the human body.
- Understanding of actions which can improve an individual's quality of care.
- The provision and promotion of holistic person-centred care.
- Understanding of duty of care and safeguarding of individuals.
- Understanding of patient-centred goals and how to support individuals to achieve their goals and promote independence.
- Understanding of an individual's place in society and key supportive factors.
Desirable
- Ability to travel across the Trust.
- To work flexibly to cover a variety of shift patterns,
- Frequent moderate effort required.
- Ability to cope with frequent distressing or emotional situations.
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
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
South Petherton Hospital
Bernard Way
South Petherton
Somerset
TA13 5EF
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)