Assistant Practitioner inHighbridge inHighbridge PUBLISHED MON 25 NOV 2024

£27,711 to £31,067 a year pro rata PERMANENT GOOD SALARY

CASELOAD HOLISTIC MULTI-DISCIPLINARY

Somerset County Council r2x3irVP

Part-time hours provide flexibility, allowing for a better work-life balance.

Generous annual leave of 28 days (pro rata) encourages rest and recuperation.

Opportunities for professional progression and development enhance career growth.

A permanent role offers job security in a supportive work environment.

Contributing to the improvement of lives for children and families in Somerset is rewarding and impactful.

Involvement in a multidisciplinary team fosters collaboration and enhances learning from various professionals.

This part-time permanent role is within the Public Health Nursing service, focusing on improving the health and well-being of children and families in Somerset. The Assistant Practitioner will provide direct support and health advice in various settings, assist Health Visitors and School Nurses in holistic assessments, and contribute to the Healthy Child Programme for individuals aged 0-19. Responsibilities include undertaking clinical interventions, managing a caseload, promoting health initiatives, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.

Applicants should have a Childcare qualification and experience working with children and families, demonstrating strong communication skills and a commitment to health improvement. The role requires adherence to safeguarding policies and involves maintaining effective communication with various stakeholders, including children, families, and healthcare professionals.

Opportunities for ongoing training and development are provided, alongside participation in team meetings and the induction of new staff. The Assistant Practitioner must perform duties with a focus on equality, diversity, and safeguarding practices.

Part-time hours based in Highbridge
28 days annual leave (pro rata)
Progression/development opportunities
Permanent role

We're working to improve the lives of children and families in Somerset and you'll be a key part of that. You will be joining our Public Health Nursing service which is comprised of teams of Health Visitors, School Nurses (Specialist Community Public Health Nurses), community staff nurses, and assistant practitioners.

Your work will involve:

Working directly with children and families in a range of settings to deliver core and targeted health support and advice on an individual basis or through delivering group sessions.
Supporting the Health Visiting and School nurse teams in completing holistic assessments of the health and wellbeing of families as well as assessing the ongoing physical, social and emotional development of children.
Fulfilling the requirements of the Healthy Child Programme across the whole 0-19 year age range.
Working closely with our Health and Social Care colleagues, contributing towards multi-disciplinary work and assessments.

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you:

Have a Childcare qualification
Have an experience of working with children and families.
Are able to demonstrate excellent communication skills
Are able to work on your own initiative and as part of a team
Are able to demonstrate your dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of children and families
Are caring, empathetic and friendly

Previous experience working in the community and home visiting is desirable.

About us
Work under the supervision of a co-ordinator and team manager in accordance with policy, protocols, and standard operating procedures. The Registered Practitioner remains accountable for the appropriate and effective delegation of activities and must ensure that the Assistant Practitioner has the competency, confidence, and expertise to carry out such activities. Having accepted the activity, the Assistant Practitioner is accountable for their actions. In a situation where the Assistant Practitioner feels they do not have the necessary skills or ability then they must alert the Registered Practitioner immediately.
Responsibilities

There is a requirement to work with vulnerable children and families in line with national and local policies relating to safeguarding children and to provide support and advice to children, families and schools regarding the health and wellbeing needs of children under the supervision of the co-ordinator and/or team manager.

Undertake defined clinical or therapeutic interventions appropriately as per programme determines (one-to-ones and group work).

Manage own work and case load and implement programmes of care in line with current evidence, taking action relative to an individuals health and care needs.

Promote effective inter-professional and multi-disciplinary team working with peers, colleagues and staff from other agencies and provides appropriate leadership within the scope of the role.

Promote and understand the impact of effective health promotion, empowering, healthy lifestyles such as movement and nutrition and fluid balance.

Undertake physiological measurements as part of an assessment of an individual's healthcare status.

Analyse situations where a range of factors and options need to be determined, e.g., coordinating priority of need.

The post holder will complete a period of induction to achieve the competences required to undertake the role.

Contacts & Relationships

Children, Young people, and their carers.

Public Health Nurses.

Public Health Practitioners.

Senior Managers.

Early Year Providers.

General Practice /Primary Health Care Teams.

Locality Safeguarding Nurse and Looked After Children Nurse Teams.

Paediatric Continence Services.

Integrated Therapy Services.

Community groups and voluntary organisations.

Wider partner agencies

Communicate in person, face to face, in writing and, where appropriate, electronically with all the above contacts.

Vary the style and level of communication with individuals, families and carers to meet the differing levels of understanding.

Actively involve young people (where appropriate) in decisions about their own healthcare.

Attend and contribute to Area team meeting monthly to facilitate effective communication within children and young peoples services.

Resources

Responsible for maintaining stock control and safe use of equipment other than equipment they personally use.

Participate in the induction of new staff.

Allocate work to and support the development of others and may supervise, mentor or assess other staff as required

Participate in appraisal and personal development to meet service and organisational objectives.

Further information specific to this job

The successful candidate has a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children and young people they are responsible for or come into contact with.
Corporate Responsibilities

Understand, uphold, and promote the aims of the councils equality, diversity, and inclusion policies; health, safety and wellbeing of self and others; and Organisational values in everything you do. Equality and Diversity practice covers both interaction with staff, service users and communities and includes challenging discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity for all.

More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:

Here are 5 questions you could be asked if you apply for this job: Start practice interview... NEW!

1. Can you tell us about your childcare qualification and how it has prepared you for this role?

2. Describe your experience of working with children and families. What specific challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

3. Have you previously worked in a community setting or conducted home visits? If so, can you share an example of your experiences and what you learned?

4. This role requires strong communication skills. Can you provide an example of a time when you effectively communicated with a child or family, particularly when they were experiencing difficulty?

5. Working within a multi-disciplinary team is essential for this position. Can you describe a situation where you collaborated with healthcare professionals or other agencies? What was your role, and what was the outcome?

1. Can you tell us about your childcare qualification and how it has prepared you for this role?

2. Describe your experience of working with children and families. What specific challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

3. Have you previously worked in a community setting or conducted home visits? If so, can you share an example of your experiences and what you learned?

4. This role requires strong communication skills. Can you provide an example of a time when you effectively communicated with a child or family, particularly when they were experiencing difficulty?

Useful skills for an Assistant Practitioner: Click to view

To work as an Assistant Practitioner in the UK, you will need a combination of clinical and interpersonal skills, as well as specific qualifications. Here are some of the key skills and requirements for this role:

Essential Skills:

1. Clinical Skills:

- Basic knowledge of health care practices and procedures.

- Ability to assist in patient assessments, care planning, and implementation of care.

- Familiarity with safety and risk management in a healthcare setting.

2. Communication Skills:

- Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and team members.

- Ability to provide clear information and support to patients.

3. Interpersonal Skills:

- Empathy and the ability to build rapport with patients.

- Teamwork and collaboration skills for working within multidisciplinary teams.

4. Organizational Skills:

- Time management and the ability to prioritize tasks in a busy healthcare environment.

- Attention to detail to ensure accurate documentation and reporting.

5. Problem-Solving Skills:

- Ability to assess situations and work collaboratively to find solutions to patient care issues.

6. IT Skills:

- Basic computer skills for maintaining patient records and using healthcare software.

Qualifications and Experience:

- Educational Background:

- Typically, a Level 4 qualification in health or social care, such as a Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma, or equivalent. Some employers may accept a Level 3 qualification with relevant experience.

- Relevant Experience:

- Previous experience in a healthcare setting is often required, which may include roles such as Health Care Assistant (HCA) or support worker.

- Professional Registration:

- While Assistant Practitioners are not required to be registered with a professional body, having relevant certifications or being part of a recognized organization (e.g., the Nursing and Midwifery Council or Health and Care Professions Council) may enhance job prospects.

Additional Skills:

- Adaptability and Resilience:

- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing circumstances.

- Knowledge of Policies and Procedures:

- Understanding of healthcare regulations, policies, and ethical considerations.

- Continuous Professional Development:

- Willingness to engage in further training and professional development opportunities.

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