HCA inGloucester inGloucester PUBLISHED 17 DEC 2023

You will work as part of the nursing team supporting life limited and life threatened and severely disabled children and their families within Kites Corner.

Working under the direction of the Nusing Management team you will be guided by the Play Leader in play activities but also support the respite nurses/senior respite nurses to provide care in partnership with the child and family. You will work in a sensitive and professional manner, to ensure that the childs emotional, social, and physical care needs are met in a way which promotes James Hopkins Trusts vision, mission and values. As part of the care team, you will be required to work on a shift system basis to provide care for overnight and weekend respite sessions.

You will be supported with training to ensure that you are competent and confident to support the play and personal care needs of the children who visit JHT. Working closely with all team members, you will take part in child friendly activities, keep documentation updated and provide structured and planned family centred care at our respite sessions (which are regulated by Ofsted early years and CQC).

Dealing with a variety of people you will contribute to the overall performance of the team by being a proactive, and enthusiastic team member, ensuring the needs of the children are met and continuity of care is always promoted.

You will have empathy and understanding of the issues facing families where there is a baby or young child with a life threatening or life limiting condition. While interacting with the child and their family you will show them kindness and compassion. You are committed to always delivering exceptional family centred care at Kites Corner.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Health Care & Play

Actively encourage a family atmosphere within Kites Corner

Contribute positively towards the maintenance and upkeep of a child and family focused environment within Kites Corner, preparing activities and maintaining up to date displays.

Recognise the skills and experience of the family in meeting the individual care needs of their child and work in partnership with them to provide holistic care.

• Assist nursing staff in delivering safe quality care to the children staying at Kites Corner.
• Maintain agreed standards of care.
• Contribute to the monitoring and review of care plans by communicating any changes to the childs care needs.
• Create a safe, secure and stimulating environment - one where children can explore their potential.
• Recognise play is an important activity for all children and provide a stimulating and enjoyable environment for the children, appropriate to their developmental stage.
• Speak to the Nursing Management Team at any time there is a concern regarding the childs condition or any aspects of the childs care.

• Work flexibly under the guidance of the nursing team to support the childrens needs.

Identify and follow the childs care routine and established pattern of care, negotiating any changes with the child and family.

The safeguarding of children and young people is everyones responsibility and you are expected to pass onto the appropriate manager any child safeguarding concerns that you may have that arise in the course of your work.

Every staff member has a responsibility to maintain confidential, accurate and timely records.

Complete all documented housekeeping tasks as required to ensure Kites Corner remains clean and safe.

Maintain an awareness of the diversity of families supported by James Hopkins Trust and ensure that the cultural needs of the children and families are met appropriately.

Ensure professional boundaries are maintained and that due attention is paid to confidentiality, privacy and dignity at all times.

Personal Development

Always recognise your level of competence and ability and work within them.

Always ask for assistance if you feel unsure.

Take advantage of training opportunities to further develop your skills and expertise to enhance your role within the James Hopkin Trust Nursing Team including mandatory training sessions.

Ensure that all mandatory training is updated as requested.

You will be expected to attend your individual performance reviews, clinical supervisions, mandatory training sessions and staff meetings

Responsibility for Clinical Governance and Quality

Participate in quality control monitoring and auditing processes to ensure the safe delivery of care and maintain high standards through best practice

Be proactive in identifying ways of improving practice.

Identify ways of continued quality improvement, using reflective practice through supervision & appraisals

Actively complete incident documentation in line with a no blame approach and James Hopkins Trusts whistle-blowing policy

Adhere to and comply with all James Hopkins Trusts policies and procedures

Teamwork

Take responsibility for ensuring good teamwork and a flexible approach are maintained within the nursing team and the wider Organisation.

To participate in on the job training programmes and teaching sessions

To participate in the orientation of new staff, students and volunteers.

To help with the organisation of James Hopkins Trust events for the families

Actively guide and supervise volunteers working with the children.

Liaise with the Administration team regarding ordering and purchasing requirements as necessary for day-to-day running of James Hopkins Trusts services.

Inform the relevant line manager of incidents and concerns using agreed processes.

Carry out any reasonable additional duty as agreed by the Nursing Manager to meet the changing requirements of the service.

Communication

In line with James Hopkins Trusts vision, mission and values; encourage the philosophy of James Hopkins Trust with acts of kindness and helping to make magic memories.

Always present a good public image

Take responsibility for using the appropriate channels to ensure good communication is always maintained within the Organisation

Attend team briefings and participate in other meetings as appropriate (may include external meetings)

Health and Safety

Ensure that infection control guidelines and policies are strictly adhered to.

Follow risk assessments to ensure that children, families, visitors and colleagues are safe.

Be aware of and work within James Hopkins Trusts lone working policies.

Be aware of all Health and Safety issues and adhere to all the James Hopkins Trust policies.

Be aware of all Fire, Health and Safety regulations at Kites Corner and always maintain a safe working environment.

Ways of working and collaborating

• Make a positive contribution to the team and the wider Organisation by playing an active role in growing excellent working relationships within all areas of James Hopkins Trust, such as families, volunteers and staff members.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to creating an inclusive, equal and diverse workplace
• Work within all of James Hopkins Trusts policies, processes and procedures at all times.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current and planned activities
• To carry out any additional tasks and projects as reasonably requested in line with the general responsibility of the role.

Lead by example and be an inspiring role model for others, building trust and living by our Vision, Mission & Values; always keeping children at the heart of what we do.

James Hopkins Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We're on the lookout for a caring and compasionate Health Care Assistant to join our Care Team. You're a natural-born caregiver who has experience working with children and an interest in developing your knowledge of complex additional needs and providing appropriate nurse led care, plus you take imense pride in keeping your working environment spit spot.

You'll be working hand in hand with the Registered Nurses and Play Leader to oversee the daily operations of all our respite sessions. This means brainstorming exciting activities, maintaining meticulous family centred care and documentation, & stepping up to the plate to make sure the children always have a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.

But here's where you shine: You don't just care about ticking off boxes, you're invested in creating magical moments that'll stay with our families for a lifetime. Whether it's a small act of kindness or a fun-filled family event, you're always willing to go the extra mile to make sure everyone has a blast.You're curious about creativity and play for children with severe disabilities and complex nursing needs, and you're never one to shy away from trying new things. Most importantly, you're a compassionate and empathetic person who knows how to communicate with anyone and everyone. Let's make some unforgettable memories together! Email Michele Shepherd, Nursing Manager for more information

About you

• You are somebody who cares passionately about creating magic memories for the families and children we support, whether it be a simple act of kindness or helping with hosting fun events for the whole family.
• Take pride in keeping a clean and tidy environment with high attention to detail
• Be proactive in keeping the childrens areas organised and setting up stimulating activities for the children before each session
• You will have an interest in creativity and play for children and young people with severe disabilities and complex nursing needs.
• Experience of working with children and young people.
• Understand the importance of working confidentially.
• Have experience of personal care tasks and be happy to undertake some clinical tasks.
• Be available to work shifts weekdays and weekends, in both term and non-term time.
• Have a willingness to attend any training appropriate for the role.
• Be flexible and adaptable to several tasks to ensure that high standards are kept throughout the building.
• A self-motivated team player, willing to work creatively by trying new things in inventive ways so we are providing the best care and respite experience for the families we support.
• A caring, empathetic person with excellent interpersonal skills