Palliative Support Worker Hospice at Home in Rawtenstall

As a member of the Hospice at Home team you will:

• Work as a carer in the patients home, complementing the care already provided by the community nursing service and social services.
• Deliver basic nursing care to support patient comfort and wellbeing.
• Be flexible and responsive to the individual needs of patients and their families/carers, ensuring compassionate and person-centred care.
• Communicate effectively with the Hospice at Home Team Leader and other team members after each shift to provide updates on the patients condition and any changes observed.

Main duties of the job:

• Work as a carer in the patients home, enhancing care already provided by community nursing and social services.
• Provide basic nursing care and emotional support to patients and their families/carers.
• Be flexible and responsive to the individual needs of patients and their families.
• Communicate effectively with the Hospice at Home Team Leader and other team members after each shift to update them on the patients condition.

About us:

Thank you for showing an interest in a career at Rossendale Hospice. Working with us offers many benefits. Our roles are immensely rewarding, and you will become part of a talented and committed team. We all share a passion for the work we do. Our patients and their families and carers are at the heart of everything we do, and we consider it a privilege to provide comfort, dignity, and support at a time when it is most needed.

Rossendale Hospice's philosophy is built around choice, ensuring patients receive the care they want, in the place they choose, whether that is at the Hospice or in their own home. As a registered charity, we receive around 21% of our running costs from commissioners, with the remaining 79% funded through charitable donations and fundraising activities.

Job responsibilities:

• Work as part of a team providing nursing care and support within the home environment.
• Liaise closely with other agencies involved in patient care in the community.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team, adapting to a variety of tasks as needed.
• Support Wellbeing Day Services when required, including during periods of downtime.

Professional & Clinical:

• Attend all mandatory training sessions (e.g., fire safety, manual handling, CPR).
• Report accidents, incidents, or potential risks immediately to the Hospice at Home Team Leader.
• Engage in lifelong learning and attend any training suggested by the Team Leader.
• Participate in annual appraisals and objective setting.

Compliance & Governance:

• Act at all times in accordance with Rossendale Hospice policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to GDPR and data protection requirements.
• Safeguard the health and well-being of children and vulnerable adults, following all safeguarding policies and mandatory training.

Health & Safety:

• Understand fire regulations and actions required in the event of a fire.
• Report any incidents/adverse events in line with Hospice policy.
• Follow infection control principles and maintain effective hand hygiene.
• Take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of staff, patients, volunteers, and visitors in accordance with Hospice Health and Safety Policy.

Personal Specification:

• Evidence of basic care training or willingness to undertake training.
• Mandatory training compliance (manual handling, fire safety, CPR).
• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).

Skills & Knowledge:

• Ability to provide compassionate, person-centred care.
• Strong communication skills to liaise effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good organisational skills and flexibility to adapt to changing needs.
• Competent in basic record-keeping and reporting.
• Experience in palliative or end-of-life care.
• Knowledge of local community healthcare services.

Experience:

• Previous experience in a care setting (community, hospice, or healthcare environment).
• Experience working with patients with life-limiting illnesses (desirable but not essential).

Personal Attributes:

• Empathetic and respectful approach to patients and families.
• Reliable, professional, and committed to Hospice values.
• Willingness to engage in lifelong learning and attend training as required.

Other Factors:

• Full, current, valid UK driving licence.
• Access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• Car insurance including business cover.
• Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

This job description will be reviewed annually as part of the appraisal process and may be updated to reflect changing service needs. Rossendale Hospice provides training and development opportunities for all employees. All staff are expected to work positively alongside volunteers and demonstrate the Hospice values of excellence, collaboration, respect, dignity, and professionalism. Rossendale Hospice is a no-smoking organisation.

Safeguarding: All employees and volunteers must act to always safeguard the health and well-being of children and vulnerable adults, adhering to Hospice and Lancashire Safeguarding policies and participating in mandatory training.

Records Management & Data Protection: Employees have a legal responsibility for all records they handle, including patient health, financial, and administrative data. Annual Data Protection training is mandatory, and any breaches must be reported immediately to the CEO or Clinical Services Manager.