Health Care Assistant inArtington inArtington PUBLISHED TUE 15 OCT 2024

Depending on experience £22,836 - £24,968 Plus Geographical allowance and enhancements PERMANENT GOOD SALARY

FIRST AID MATERNITY MENTAL HEALTH MULTI-DISCIPLINARY NHS PENSION WEEKEND

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices rLEkJpjc

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is seeking a compassionate Health Care Assistant to join their expanding team at Christopher's Hospice in Artington. The role involves providing nursing and palliative care to children and young people with life-limiting conditions while creating a welcoming and safe environment for their families. Key responsibilities include assisting with clinical care, supporting nutrition needs, participating in household duties, and maintaining effective communication with families and the care team. Candidates should have relevant experience in health or social care settings and be prepared to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

In addition to providing hands-on care, the Health Care Assistant will engage in personal development training, adhere to safeguarding policies, and support the organisational mission of inclusivity and excellence. The position offers various benefits, including a pension scheme, generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to the welfare and safety of children and families. Successful candidates will undergo a DBS check and are expected to uphold the organisation's values of professionalism, respect, integrity, and diversity.

Due to the expansion of the in-hospice services we have an opportunity for a caring and compassionate Health Care Assistant to join our experienced team. This is a rare opportunity to support children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

As a Healthcare Assistant you will take a role in creating a welcoming, safe and caring environment in which families can be relieved of all or some of the care needs of their child, working alongside them and supporting them.

You will provide care within Christopher's Hospice near to Guildford, working alongside the wider multi-disciplinary team.

The post requires a person with relevant experience of working with children and families in a health or social care setting. You will be expected to participate in a rota to cover 24/7, working a reasonable share of weekends and public holidays.

To support and assist in providing nursing / palliative care for the children, ensuring that the needs of the children and their families are at the centre of all decisions.
To participate in the appropriate clinical care of the children.
Assist with nutrition where applicable (i.e. assisting with menu completion, feeding assistance), working closely with the Nurses.
Participate equally with all Care Team members in general household duties.
To behave at all times in a manner that is sensitive to the differing cultural and religious needs of the children / families.
To ensure that the provision of care is consistent with the policies and philosophy of Shooting Star Childrens Hospices.
To be aware of child protection issues and be able to take the required action. To identify personal training and development needs with the Care Team Leader / Head of Care.
To attend appropriate in-house training as identified in the personal development plan and to take proactive advantage of the professional support offered by Shooting Star Childrens Hospices to meet the demands of working within this challenging field.
To work with the Lead Nurses and the Head of Hospice Services to promote and develop the work of Shooting Star Childrens Hospices.
To ensure the maintenance of effective communication skills with the children and families, within the care team, and with the Shooting Star Childrens Hospices Management team.

About us
Part 1: Job Profile

Main purpose of job
To take a role in creating a welcoming, safe and caring environment in which families can be relieved of all or some of the care needs of their child, working alongside them and supporting them.

Duties and key responsibilities

To support and assist in providing nursing / palliative care for the children, ensuring that the needs of the children and their families are at the centre of all decisions.
To participate in the appropriate clinical care of the children.
Assist with nutrition where applicable (i.e. assisting with menu completion, feeding assistance), working closely with the Nurses.
Participate equally with all Care Team members in general household duties.
To behave at all times in a manner that is sensitive to the differing cultural and religious needs of the children / families.
To ensure that the provision of care is consistent with the policies and philosophy of Shooting Star Childrens Hospices.
To be aware of child protection issues and be able to take the required action. To identify personal training and development needs with the Care Team Leader / Head of Care.
To attend appropriate in-house training as identified in the personal development plan and to take proactive advantage of the professional support offered by Shooting Star Childrens Hospices to meet the demands of working within this challenging field.
To provide in-house training where appropriate with colleagues.
To work with the Lead Nurses and the Head of Hospice Services to promote and develop the work of Shooting Star Childrens Hospices.
To ensure the maintenance of effective communication skills with the children and families, within the care team, and with the Shooting Star Childrens Hospices Management team. To report complaints relating to patient care and inform the Lead Nurses or Head of Hospice Services as soon as possible, to ensure that the complaint is recorded and a report prepared in accordance with the complaints procedure.
To act in accordance with, and adhere to, all Shooting Star Childrens Hospices policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
To take reasonable care not to endanger yourself or anyone else by act or omission.
To take reasonable care or your health and safety and that of other people who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work, and to ensure that statutory regulations, organisational policies, codes of practice and safety rules are adhered to.
Part 2: Main duties and key responsibilities

Professional
fessional
To take responsibility for your personal development in liaison with your line manager.
To take responsibility for undertaking the four elements of annual mandatory training, i.e. Fire Safety, Safeguarding Children, and Infection Control. Moving and Handling.

Mandatory Criteria
1. Other duties

The post holder will be working in a developing environment, and they will therefore be expected to undertake other appropriate duties as required for the effective operation of Shooting Star Childrens Hospices.
2. Professional Codes of Conduct
The post holder will be required to respect professional codes of conduct and practice relevant to their role, as appropriate
3. Health and Safety
Be responsible for health and safety in the area under their control and ensure that they are familiar with Shooting Star Childrens Hospices policy on health and safety at work.
4. Mandatory Training
The post holder will attend all mandatory training relevant to their role
5. Our values and behaviours
Shooting Star Childrens Hospices is a leading childrens hospice charity for babies, children, and young people with lifelimiting conditions, and their families. We require that all our staff share our common values and display behaviours that will enable us to achieve our goals.
Professionalism we will safeguard our families, each other and our organisation by working to ethical and professional standards at all times.
Respect We will treat each other with the utmost respect.
Integrity We will be open, honest and transparent in all that we do.
Diversity We will respect individuality and ensure inclusion and fairness to all. Excellence We will strive for excellence in all that we do.

Shooting Star Childrens Hospices is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of children and young people. All staff members are expected to adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes undergoing appropriate training, following reporting protocols for any concerns related to child welfare, and promoting a safe and supportive environment for children and young people. Before commencing employment, successful candidates will be required to provide satisfactory references and undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

What we offer:
Pension scheme
NHS Pension Scheme (eligible employees)
Stakeholder pension scheme
Employee contribution 3.5%
Shooting Star Childrens Hospices contribution 4.5%
Additional contributions we will pay 1% above the contribution up to a limit of 7%
Annual leave
35 days including Bank Holidays rising with length of service
2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years service
Contractual benefits
Generous sick pay scheme
Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave pay
Flexible working arrangements
Death in service benefits
Reimbursed professional membership fees
Eye care
Employee referral scheme
Blue Light discount card
Health and wellbeing
Employee Assistance Programme
Occupational Health
Mindfulness sessions
Cycle to work scheme
Mental Health First Aiders
Nutritionally balanced meals at Christophers (free employees)

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Shooting Star Childrens Hospice is committed to inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that getting things right is critical for us to live our organisations values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.
We are always trying to improve our way of working to be more inclusive and equal. Our vision is for Shooting Star Childrens Hospice to be a place where people of all backgrounds, groups and communities feel welcomed to work and volunteer.

More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:

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More about the NHS

The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, established in 1948 with the simple yet profound principle of providing healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use. This revolutionary system aimed to ensure that access to medical services would not depend on an individual’s financial situation, a concept that has since become fundamental to British societal values. Learn more...

More about MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health has emerged as a critical issue in the United Kingdom, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis highlighted the fragility of mental well-being across different demographics, from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly. It has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of mental health care, accessibility, and the stigmas often associated with mental illnesses. Learn more...

Useful skills for a Health Care Assistant: Click to view

To work as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) in the UK, you will need a variety of skills and qualities to provide effective care and support to patients. Here are some essential skills and qualifications:

1. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and empathetically with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.

2. Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with patients and providing emotional support is crucial.

3. Compassion and Empathy: Understanding the feelings and experiences of patients to provide the best possible care.

4. Physical Stamina and Strength: The role may involve lifting and moving patients, as well as being on your feet for long periods.

5. Teamwork: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated care.

6. Patience and Resilience: Caring for patients, especially those with complex needs, can be challenging, so patience is essential.

7. Attention to Detail: Noticing changes in a patient's condition and following care plans accurately.

8. Basic IT Skills: Many healthcare environments use electronic patient records, so familiarity with computers is beneficial.

9. Organizational Skills: Managing your time and priorities effectively to ensure that all patient needs are met.

10. Understanding of Health and Safety Regulations: Knowledge of infection control, safeguarding, and maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff.

11. Basic Clinical Skills: Depending on the setting, you may need skills such as taking vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure), assisting with personal care, and understanding basic medical terminology.

Qualifications

While formal qualifications are not always required to become an HCA, some employers may prefer candidates with:

- Relevant Experience: Experience in care settings, either paid or voluntary, is highly valued.

- NVQs or Diplomas: Qualifications in Health and Social Care, such as an NVQ Level 2 or 3, can enhance your employability.

- Basic First Aid Certification: Having this certification can be beneficial.

Additional Training

Many employers offer on-the-job training, and you may also be expected to complete mandatory training courses, such as:

- Manual handling

- Health and safety

- Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children

- Infection prevention and control

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