Health Care Assistant Job Description

JOB TITLE: Healthcare Assistant AREA OF WORK: In-Patient Unit, Day Care, Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Backford. REPORTS TO: Ward Manager ACCOUNTABLE TO: Clinical Services Manager HOSPICE PAY BAND: 4 SALARY: £14,913 – 16,515 (FTE based on 37.5 hours per week)

Areas of main responsibilities

Job Purpose

 To assist in the delivery of nursing and specialist palliative care, ensuring the highest possible standards of care are received by patients and their carers while in the hospice, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Core dimension 1-Communication level 2

 Undertake effective communication with patients in specific clinical situations ensuring care is delivered to the patient both effectively and efficiently, including:  Initiating the session/time management  Gathering the information  Identifying any problems that may impact on their ability to undertake a procedure.  Closing the session consultation  Being aware of potential barriers to communication.  Recognise situations when an alternative method or style of communication is required, e.g. disability, language or culture.  Undertake effective communication with all levels of the multi-disciplinary team.  Attend staff meetings and read information as required.  Work effectively in the team and support structures that are in place to ensure the smooth running of the work.  Report complaints or concerns to the Nurse in Charge.  Have an understanding of the ethical issues that impinge on practice, including: i. The responsibilities and obligations of the Data Protection Act (1998) regarding patient confidentiality. ii. The importance of clearly representing the patient’s viewpoint to others.

Core dimension 2- personal and people development (level 1)

 To recognise and understand the roles of individuals working within the Hospice healthcare team, and understand how the roles of other staff and agencies interface with your own.  Have an understanding of how the current National Service Frameworks and other national and local policies impact on the work.  Know and work within key practice policies1 that affect the work, ensuring that all delegated tasks are supported by written agreed policies.  Be aware of the legal issues pertinent to working as a Nursing Auxiliary I. Accountability and delegated responsibility II. Consent III. Duty of care IV. Use of clinical guidelines and protocols.

 Work with the Senior Nurse to maintain own development plan following annual appraisal.  Attend courses relevant to specialist palliative care and non-clinical practice to maintain safe practice.  Develop own knowledge and skills through work-based learning, ensuring all mandatory training is kept up to date.

Core dimension 3 health, safety and security (level 1)

 Act in ways that are consistent with legislation, policies and procedures for maintaining their own and others’ health, safety and security.  Assist in maintaining a healthy, safe and secure environment for everyone who is in contact with the organisation.  Work in a way that minimises risks to health, safety and security.  Summon immediate help for any emergency and take appropriate action to contain it.  Report any issues at work that may put health, safety and security at risk.  Work with patients and colleagues, adhering to sound infection control measures.  Apply infection control measures within policies and guidelines of the organisation, including: i. Hand washing ii. Universal hygiene precautions iii. Collection and handling of laboratory specimens iv. Segregation of disposal of waste materials v. Dealing with blood and body fluid spillages.

 Have a knowledge of , and abide by, the following: i. Health and safety procedures and documentation within the workplace ii. Fire procedures iii. Procedures for monitoring and reporting the state of the equipment and furniture

 Identify risks to health from microbiological and chemical hazards within the working environment according to the control of substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.  Be aware of personal safety and systems within the Hospice.

Core dimension 4 Service Improvement (level 1)

 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.  Be aware of the importance of public involvement in service development.

Core dimension 5 quality (level 1)

 Ensure your work is within your limits 2of competence through participation in training and adherence to protocols.  For areas within own clinical responsibility: practice in accordance with agreed standards of care.  Enable patients to access appropriate professionals in the practice team and beyond.  Manage own time effectively  Ensure stock items under your control are replaced and available in all working areas.  Know the cost implications of the work undertaken, ensuring compliance.  Be supportive of the principles of evidence-based, cost effective practice.  Know how Clinical Governance affects the Auxiliary role and alert senior colleagues when situations could adversely affect the users of the service, especially with regards to the ‘Whistle blowers policy’

Core dimension 6-equality and diversity (level 2)

 Recognise the importance of people’s rights and act in accordance with legislation, policies, procedures and relevant standards.  Act in ways that: i. Acknowledge and recognise people’s express beliefs, preferences and choices. ii. Respect diversity iii. Value people as individuals

 Take account of their own behaviour and its affect on others.  Identify and take action when their own or others behaviours undermines equality and diversity.  Be aware of the of the practice of gaining informed consent from all people prior to consultation and procedures.  Confidentiality: Recognise the need to protect patients’ and carers’ confidentiality at all times.  The patients right to make their own decision  Be aware of other ethical considerations that may arise within Specialist Palliative Care.  Be alert of possible signs of; family violence, vulnerable adults and child abuse. If appropriate, draw it to the attention of the Senior Nurse or Social Worker.

Confidentiality and Security of Information

 Within your position you will be expected to adhere to the Security of Information Policy that concerns your job role within the Hospice.  You will be expected to attend security and confidentiality training as and when required.  Should you have any matters of concern you are encouraged to raise these with your line manager.

Health and well-being dimensions

HWB1-Promotion of health and well being, and prevention of adverse effects on health and well-being (level3 1) Contribute to promoting health and well-being, and preventing adverse affects on health and well-being.

HWB2 Assessing and Care planning to meet health and well-being needs (Level 1)

Assist in the assessment of people’s health and well-being needs. HWB3 Protection of health and well being (level 1)

Recognise and report situations where there might be a need for protection HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning

Undertake tasks related to the assessment of physiological and/or psychological functioning.

Occupational Health

REQUIREMENT DESIRABLE ESSENTIAL METHOD OF ASSESSMENT Occupational Occupational Health Health Clearance This may be a paper screen Hepatitis B Yes Immunisation Yes record

HEALTH AND SAFETY

As an employee of the Hospice of The Good Shepherd, the post holder has a duty, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to:-

 Take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and all other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.  co-operate with their employer to ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation and the Health and Safety policies and procedures of the Hospice of The Good Shepherd, not intentionally or recklessly interfere with, or misuse, anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare, in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions.

DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY All staff will be treated with respect by management, colleagues, patients and visitors and equally staff will treat management, colleagues, patients and visitors with the same level of respect.

4 Staff will be supported to challenge any discriminatory behaviour that may be based on differences in race, disability, language, culture, religion, sexuality, age, and gender or employment status.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties of the post and will be reviewed from time to time in conjunction with the post holder.

CRB Requirements/references All posts are subject to satisfactory enhanced CRB clearance and 2 satisfactory references.

Person Specification Nursing Auxiliary

Criteria Evidenced by Essential Desirable Education/training/qualifications Minimum NVQ level 2 and Application Minimum NVQ 2 experience in a Health Care form/interview Desire and setting motivation to learn. Experience Evidence of mandatory Application Experience Evidence of training such as manual form/interview within health Mandatory handling. care setting. training. An understanding of the importance of such training. Understanding of the importance of mandatory training. Interest and experience in Application Interest and Evidence of caring form/interview willingness to courses or develop skills experience in palliative care. Knowledge/skills/abilities/competencies Good communication skills Application Understanding form/References/ what good interview communication skills are. Evidence of Specialist Application form, Experience in a knowledge and skills interview palliative care setting Importance of confidentiality, Interview Evidence of the privacy and dignity. importance Good written and spoken Application Evidence English form/interview Personal qualities/attributes Caring qualities Interview/application Yes form/references Team player References/interview Yes /application form 5 Enthusiasm and motivation Interview/application Yes form/references A willingness to learn Application form Yes interview/references