Care Assistant - Mansfield & Ashfield

To provide individual high-quality care for patients in their own homes, including appropriate support for families, in line with hospice policy and agreed care plans. Care may include supporting patients while symptoms are assessed and brought under control, caring for the dying, supportive psychosocial and spiritual care in line with any agreed plan, enabling patients independence and supporting discharge home.

Working under the direction of a registered nurse and as part of the Beaumond House team and the End-of-Life Care Together Integrated Hub you will help maintain the standard of excellence, so the philosophy and values of Beaumond House Hospice Care are met.

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Therefore all applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK at the time of making the application.

Main duties of the job

• Patient Care
  • Provide personal care in line with the patients care plan under RN supervision, supporting toileting, washing, eating and drinking while maintaining dignity and privacy.
  • After competency sign off, undertake independent visits to deliver delegated care with clear escalation routes.
  • Support patients with medication after completing medicines support training, including prompting, assisting and, where authorised, administering prescribed medication within your competence and under RN direction.
  • Prepare and serve simple meals, snacks and drinks following food hygiene training and hospice policies.
  • Provide care after death, respecting cultural, spiritual and religious needs.
  • After training, carry out verification of expected death in the community in line with hospice policy.
  • Ensure safe custody and accurate recording of patient property.
  • Always maintain patient safety, delivering care only within your training and competence.
• Communication & Family Support
  • Communicate sensitively with patients and families, adapting to preferred communication methods and supporting those with communication difficulties or sensory loss.
  • Respond to queries in a friendly, respectful manner, directing people to the appropriate professional when needed and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Support families with practical next steps after death, including liaising with funeral directors.
  • Report concerns, deterioration or changes in condition promptly to the RN.
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Complete accurate, timely records at the point of care using hospice systems.
  • Share relevant information with the RN and, when directed, with the Integrated Hub or Care Navigator.
  • Document and communicate verification of expected death promptly to relevant professionals, escalating concerns immediately if criteria are not met.
• Teamwork
  • Build positive working relationships with colleagues and volunteers.
  • Communicate professionally with all members of the multidisciplinary team, patients and families.
  • Assisting the induction of new staff, students, bank and agency workers.
  • Attend team meetings, one to ones and after death reviews.
• Training, Development & Standards
  • Attend mandatory training and relevant study days to maintain required competencies.
  • Work in a non-judgemental manner, respecting each patient's individuality, choices and beliefs.
  • Uphold hospice values through professional, compassionate and honest practice.
• Safety, Infection Control & Environment
  • Apply infection prevention and control principles in all aspects of care.
  • Maintain a safe environment by reporting faulty equipment, cleaning and reporting spillages and following hospice safety procedures.
  • Assist with safe storage and disposal of equipment and hazardous materials, including sharps and soiled linen.

Please note this list is not exhaustive. Duties may be reviewed and amended to meet service needs, and the post holder may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks appropriate to the role.

Person Specification

• Experience
  • Desirable: At least 2 years working in a similar role.
  • Experience supporting in palliative, end of life, or complex care patients.
• Qualifications
  • Desirable: NVQ Level 2 or above in care or end of life care.
  • Willingness to work towards a relevant qualification if not already held.
• Practical Requirements
  • Essential: Driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle with business insurance.
• Skills & Knowledge
  • Essential: Flexibility, excellent listening skills and ability to build rapport with others, with a friendly sensitive approach.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English to support safe care, accurate record keeping, and sensitive communication with patients and families.
  • Willingness to complete medicines support training and food hygiene training and to work within clear competency frameworks.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and respect for all individuals.

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: Beaumond House Hospice Care
• Address: Operating within Mansfield & Ashfield NG18 1HA United Kingdom
• Employer's website: https://www.beaumondhouse.co.uk