About this role
Job summary
Are you a caring and compassionate person looking to make a real difference to patients at the end of life when they need it most? Do you want to work for a highly-respected local charity that supports the York community?
St Leonard's Hospice is recruiting skilled and empathetic individuals to join the Hospice@Home team as Health Care Assistants to make a difference both personally and professionally to patients who require palliative and end of life care. This is a great opportunity to consider a career move into palliative care, as you don't need to have any previous care experience. There is time at the Hospice to provide the best standards of care and to build relationships with patients and their families which makes us different to other care settings.
We are recruiting full time positions which work37.5 hours per week. The clinical teams operate on a rotational shift pattern which includes earlys, lates and long days over weekends and bank holidays. Shifts are allocated well in advance so our team can have a great work/ life balance. The salary band for this role is £25,082 - £26,753 per annum plus shift enhancements.
Main duties of the job
Under the guidance of Registered Nurses, our Health Care Assistants play a pivotal role by:
Delivering high standards of holistic care which is tailored to individual patientsProvide emotional support to patients loved onesProviding excellent communication to patients and their families and membersMaintaining accurate records of careWorking with a dedicated team of professionals, ensuring the needs of the patients and families are met with compassion and excellenceCreate a positive and safe environment for patients
Our ideal candidates will:
Be committed to delivering exceptional careHave excellent interpersonal skillsHave the ability to respond appropriately to emotionally challenging situationsBe willing and flexible to working unsocial hours including weekends and bank holidays
What we can offer you:
Competitive salaries and pending a pay awardShift enhancements for working unsociable hoursUp to 41 days of annual leaveContinuation of NHS pension and annual leave entitlement (T&Cs apply)Attractive pension scheme for non-NHS staffExtensive employee discounts on shops, holidays and lifestyle choices and Blue Light Card discountsA supportive induction and tailored development plan to provide you with confidence and the specialist skills requiredOngoing development opportunities during your employment including Workforce WednesdaysFree on-site car parkingTransport provided for those working in Hospice@HomeA supportive and friendly working environment
About us
Our mission is to provide excellent care and support to those living with life-limiting illness and to the people they care about, to enrich their lives and to contribute to the ongoing development of end-of-life care. We do this by placing our patients at the centre of everything we do, and through involving patients and their families in all decisions regarding their care.
We can only achieve this with the help of our amazing colleagues, by developing and recognising their contribution, and by sharing our knowledge and skills through education, audit and research.
We do not have sponsorship status and therefore all our offers are made conditional upon our candidates submitting evidence of their right to work in the UK in conjunction with our other pre-employment checks.
Job description Job responsibilities
To work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team in providing a high standard of care for patients and their families under the care of the Hospice.
Main duties and responsibilities
Professional
1. Develop excellent communications with the patient and their family, passing on all relevant information to a qualified nurse.
2. Inform a qualified nurse of any change in the patients condition.
3. Respect the privacy and dignity of the patient at all times and keep strict confidentiality.
4. Carry out personal cares for the patient under the direction of a qualified nurse.
5. Maintain accurate records of care under the supervision of qualified staff.
6. When required to act as a patients escort on external visits.
7. Undertake light domestic and catering duties.
8. Participate in full rotation across all shifts including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Managerial
1. Follow Hospice procedures when giving or receiving telephone messages.
2. Follow Hospice procedures in the care and custody of patients valuables and property.
3. Follow the Hospice procedures on the reporting of all accidents, incidents, hazards or complaints.
4. Exercise care and economy in the use of property and equipment.
5. Maintain a caring and mutually supportive working environment for all members of staff and volunteers, being sensitive to the emotional needs of colleagues and giving appropriate support to them.
Education
1. Assist with the orientation of new staff members and others on placement within the Hospice.
2. Is prepared to work towards achieving the Care Certificate.
Person Specification
Personal Essential
Work confidentially and with discretion Enthusiasm Awareness and ability to cope with pressure Ability to work in a challenging environment Flexible to the changing needs of the post Be accurate and methodical Honest, trustworthy, reliable and punctual Approachable, team player Committed to providing a quality and measurable service Ability to accept support from other team members Respect for others ethnic or/and religious/spiritual beliefs Committed to own continuing professional development A commitment to Hospice care and to have a philosophy and concept of Hospice care
Other requirements Essential
Be prepared to assist with Hospice fundraising activities Valid driving licence Enhanced DBS check Ability to work unsocial hours including nights and weekends
Desirable
Vehicle owner Knowledge of York and surrounding area
Communication Essential
Good written and verbal communication Good interpersonal skills Ability to be sensitive and empathetic Able to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team
IT Essential
Good basic IT skills Knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Qualifications Essential
Care Certificate or willingness to undertake training
Desirable
NVQ Qualification in Care
Experience Desirable
Experience of palliative care Experience of working as a carer Experience of working in a community setting
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 Leonard's Hospice
Address St Leonard's Hospice
185 Tadcaster Road
York
North Yorkshire
YO24 1GL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.stleonardshospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)