About this role
Job summary
Rochford Primary Care Network has a fantastic opportunity for a healthcare assistant, on a part time basis, to work within their population health team, and assist the practice to support their PCN colleagues.
Working under the direct supervision of the population health practitioner, the post-holder will work within their own competencies and will be expected to conduct clinical aspects of NHS Health Checks.
Main duties of the job
Main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Conduct NHS health checks, new patient health checks & over 40 health checks. Conduct baseline observations such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure etc recording findings accurately. Conduct Body Mass Index (BMI) checks. Help raise awareness of health & well-being & how it can be promoted, providing advice to patients. Support patients to adopt health promotion strategies and encourage principles of self-care. Deliver opportunistic health promotion & lifestyle advice. Support the practitioner with the management of chronic diseases in a community-based setting. Record & assess blood pressure and hypertension. Screen & signpost Dementia. Give accurate & appropriate information to patients and groups within own competencies. Work to address health disparities within the community by advocating for equitable access to healthcare & public health resources. Assist in planning & executing health promotion campaigns & initiatives, including health screenings & awareness events.Please see job description attached for further information.
About us
Rochford PCN priorities include:
Addressing health inequalities at a local level by using data & local intelligence through partnership with local Wellbeing Link Coordinators to reduce social isolation. Enhancing our staff & wellbeing by upskilling our local workforce to make general practice an attractive place to work. Supporting our staff to have access to relevant training & development opportunities so that they are continuing to improve the care that they are providing to patients. Improving patients access to various different services in their local community to ensure that they have the right care at the right time with the right professional. Supporting our member practices & the local population with recovering from the long term effects of COVID-19.All of our PCN staff are employed by GP Healthcare Alliance (GPHA). GPHA values staff & can offer:
NHS pension. A supportive & friendly working environment. Flexible working hours. Peer support. Support with training & development. Reimbursement for parking & travel expenses for attending meetings/off site sessions.All flexible offers and working arrangements will be considered.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Please note 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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Job description Job responsibilities
The post holder works under direct supervision of the population health practitioner supports the delivery of targeted interventions that aim to reduce health inequalities and improve the health outcomes of the local population.
They will work within own agreed competencies with the Population Health Practitioner and will be expected to conduct clinical aspects of NHS Health Checks in a variety of different settings either in the local community, patients own home or in a clinic setting. These include, but not limited to:
To conduct NHS health checks, new patient health checks and over 40 health checks.
Conduct baseline observations such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate/rhythm, recording findings accurately.
Phlebotomy where properly trained and appropriate.
Conduct Body Mass Index (BMI) checks as directed.
Helping raise awareness of health and well-being and how it can be promoted, provide advice to patients and making any necessary referrals within the practice or across the PCN.
Supporting patients to adopt health promotion strategies and encourage principles of self-care.
Deliver opportunistic health promotion and lifestyle advice where appropriate.
Supporting the practitioner with the management of chronic diseases in a community-based setting.
Blood pressure and hypertension recording and assessment in a community-based setting.
Dementia screening and signposting in a community-based setting.
Give accurate and appropriate information to patients and groups within own competencies.
Work to address health disparities within the community by advocating for equitable access to healthcare and public health resources.
Assist in planning and executing health promotion campaigns and initiatives, including health screenings and awareness events.
The post holder will work with the population health practitioner to increase health and wellbeing of patients through improved identification and disease management in the community. The team plays a lead role in undertaking and facilitating holistic assessment and care for patients with long term and complex physical, mental health, social care needs. The Population Health Care Assistant plays a pivotal role in promoting preventative care and supporting the health and well-being of the local community. You will work collaboratively with healthcare providers and community resources to achieve population health goals and improve healthcare outcomes. This may also include working with PCN colleagues to ideas and support applications for population health funding available via charity organisations or the Council.
You will participate in outreach sessions in sheltered housing and community spaces, to speak to patients and help them with the monitoring and management of their long-term condition.
During the outreach session you will be required to:
Offer blood pressure checks.
Height and weight checks.
Provide information and advice on over-the-counter medications.
Contribute to opportunistic long term condition monitoring that support the practices Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) indicators and PCN priorities.
Raise awareness of NHS and public health campaigns to members of the public such as Early Cancer Diagnosis, Stop Smoking, Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) testing and hypertension case finding etc.
Engage with patients to promote preventative healthcare measures, screening, and immunisations.
Conduct proactive outreach to identify and support patients with chronic diseases and complex health needs.
Assist patients in managing chronic conditions through education and lifestyle guidance.
Provide health education to patients on topics such as nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and medication adherence.
Collaborate with community organisations and agencies to support public health initiatives and engage with vulnerable populations to strengthen community wellbeing.
Communication
Communicate effectively with other team members.
Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising their needs for alternative methods of communication.
Enthusiastic about health promotion and lifestyle change.
Personal and people development
Take responsibility for own developmental learning and performance, including participating in supervision.
Take responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal development.
Work with management on any new training requirements.
To recognise and understand the roles and responsibilities of individuals working in the primary health care team.
Experience of motivational interviewing.
Be aware of the legal issues pertinent to the role of a basic HCA.
Ability to work confidently in the community.
Health, safety, and security
Use the personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines. Identify the risks involved in work activities and undertake them in a way that manages the risks. Use appropriate infection control procedures and maintain work areas in each clinical room so that they are clean, safe, and free from hazards reporting of any potential risks identified, including: Hand washing.
Universal hygiene procedures.
Collection and handling of laboratory specimens.
Segregation and disposal of waste materials.
Reporting and treatment of sharps injuries.
Dealing with blood and body fluid spillages.
Assist patients and colleagues in adopting sound infection control measures:
Understand and apply the principles of the cold chain.
Ensure safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs within area of responsibility.
Know the general principles of first aid and resuscitation to be able to undertake initial actions as appropriate.
Be aware of statutory child health procedures and statutory local guidance and referral criteria.
Know the health and safety policies and procedures within the workplace, including fire procedures, maintaining documentation, monitoring, and maintaining of equipment and furniture within your area of responsibility.
Use the computer monitor safely.
Be able to identify the risks to health of microbiological and chemical hazards within the working environment according to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.
Service improvement
Be aware of and, if appropriate, assist in current clinical audit.
Work with colleagues in the team on the development of current and new services and other initiatives. This may also include working with colleagues to obtain funding/grants available to support population health initiatives in Rochford.
Collaborate closely with the Population Health Nurse, Physician Associate, HCA and Data and Outreach Coordinator to identify areas of need for Rochford District PCN.
Using data to identify at-risk groups of patients and designing outreach sessions that support targeted interventions.
Refer patients to the Rochford District Multi-Disciplinary Team meeting where further support or advice is needed.
Quality
Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk in the care of patients.
Ensure own actions are consistent with clinical governance systems.
Practice in accordance with agreed standards of care.
Enable patients to access appropriate professionals in the team.
Ensure stock items under your control are ordered and available in the treatment and consulting rooms.
Know how clinical governance affects the HCA role and bring to the attention of more senior staff any specific risk situation.
Know the practice's policies, especially the whistle-blowing policy, available in the practice staff handbook.
Be able to manage your own time effectively.
Equality and diversity
Act in ways that recognise the importance of people's rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with procedures.
Respect the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients and carers.
Understand basic legal and communication issues regarding child abuse, family violence, vulnerable adults, substance abuse and addictive behaviour.
Function as a chaperone when required.
Information processes
Record information and activities undertaken with patients and carers in an accurate and timely fashion using manual or computer systems as appropriate.
Maintain confidentiality or information relating to patients, relatives, staff, and the practice.
Maintain accurate and contemporaneous electronic patient records on SystmOne.
Take the necessary precautions when transmitting information.
Clinical governance
Ensure that consultations are undertaken safely in line with the organisations health and safety policies. Ensure that patient identifiable information and smart cards are transported in line with the information governance policy. Ensure accurate and legible notes of all consultations and treatments are recorded promptly in the patients notes on SystmOne. To ensure the safety of patients, relatives, and colleagues and to report all incidents and near misses in line with the risk management policy. To remain up to date with all mandatory training. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding adult and children guidance to ensure that those at risk of abuse/suffering abuse are identified and the necessary process to protect them is followed. To meet responsibilities as an employee as set out in the organisations corporate and clinical policies. To maintain confidentiality at all times. This JD is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities but rather an outline of the principal areas of responsibility. The role is likely to evolve to meet the changing needs of the service.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in Maths and English or equivalent. Level 3 or equivalent Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) or National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in Health and Social Care. Care Certificate
Desirable
Vaccination and Immunisation Foundation Course for both adults and children Phlebotomy Certification Ear Syringing Certification
Experience Essential
Experience of working in a healthcare setting. Clinical Knowledge & Skills New patient medicals including height, weight, BP, pulse, and wellbeing advice. Ability to record accurate clinical notes. Basic observation taking BP/Pulse/SATs/BME Competent in Clinical Waste and Sharps policy and procedure. Excellent communication skills (written and oral). Strong IT skills. Clear, polite telephone manner. Competent in the use of patient record management systems: SystmOne. Effective time management (planning and organising). Ability to work as a team member and autonomously. Good interpersonal skills. Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure. Competent in the use of Microsoft Office and Outlook. Competent and enthusiastic about health promotion and lifestyle change. Able to collaborate well with other people and deal with the challenges of ever changing and demanding situations.
Desirable
Competent in other portals: ICE. 6 months relevant experience working in a primary care environment Experience of working in the community and or outreach environments in the last two years Experience of delivering Immunisations (flu, B12, childhood, travel) Experience of phlebotomy Chaperone procedure
Other Essential
Personal Qualities Able to manage own time and prioritise work. Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations. Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient. Committed to patient confidentiality. Able to work flexibly in community settings and non-traditional HCA clinics. Resilient and adaptable in changing environments.
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 GP Healthcare Alliance
Address Rochford PCN
The Puzey Family Practice
Southwell House
Rochford
Essex
SS41AY
United Kingdom
Employer's website http://www.gphealthcarealliance.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)