At a Glance
- Tasks: Support cancer patients and their families, coordinating care and providing essential administrative support.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at The Royal Marsden, a leader in cancer care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients while working in a compassionate team.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, NVQ Level 4 in Health or Social Care preferred.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 36483 € per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Breast Unit for a Cancer Support Worker to join our established team in Sutton. Vacancies within our team are rare - this is a unique opportunity to work in our dedicated friendly and supportive team whilst making a difference to patients and families. Are you an experienced support worker looking to make a real impact in oncology? We look forward to hearing from you.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will form an integral part of the Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team in caring for the physical, social and psychological needs of patients diagnosed with cancer and their carers throughout their cancer care and following treatment. The post holder will co‑ordinate and monitor the completion of Holistic Needs Assessments by patients and escalate concerns to the CNS. The post holder will provide administration support to the CNS, triage phone calls, support with completing and sending referrals, liaise with community teams, and update and maintain databases.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Triage telephone calls to the CNS team phone liaising directly with patients/carers, signposting working with defined protocols and guidelines and escalating as needed to CNS and clinical team. Documenting and communicating outcomes.
- Assist with completing patients and CNS staff with Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) paperwork in clinics and elevate concerns to the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) where appropriate. Signpost patients to services to help meet their needs identified from the HNA.
- Co‑ordinate and ensure that as patients end treatment.
- Act as the patient advocate and facilitator in order to resolve issues that may be barriers to accessing the service.
- Coordinate referrals and ensure all relevant information is present as per policy and protocols.
- Actively participate in the provision of routine information and advice for patients and carers.
Education/Qualifications
- GCSE English Language and Mathematics (Grades A-C) or equivalent
- NVQ Level 4 in Health or social care
- Care certificate or willingness to complete Medical Terminology course
Experience
- Experience in coordinating a patient workload
- Experience of multi‑professional working
- Experience in the use of data management
- Evidence of good communication skills
- Understanding of Cancer Support services across the UK.
- Awareness of Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer and other national cancer policies
- Knowledge of relevant cancer treatments, interventions and terminology
- Awareness of the Urological cancer diagnostic pathways
Skills Abilities/knowledge
- Evidence of effective negotiating and influencing skills
EEO and diversity statement
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Flu vaccination expectation
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease. The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the utmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
Legal compliance
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Cancer Support Worker in Sutton employer: Royal Marsden
The Royal Marsden is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Cancer Support Workers to join a dedicated and supportive team in Sutton. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion, the organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that empowers staff to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities and a commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cancer Support Worker in Sutton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the oncology field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Breast Unit and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their supportive team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for patient care! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the well-being of patients and their families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our dedicated team at The Royal Marsden.
We think you need these skills to ace Cancer Support Worker in Sutton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting cancer patients shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives and how your experiences have shaped that commitment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cancer Support Worker role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in coordinating patient workloads and working with multi-professional teams. We love seeing how your skills match our needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate when applicants communicate effectively, just like we do with our patients.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this unique opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Marsden
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cancer support services and the specific needs of patients. Familiarise yourself with the Holistic Needs Assessment process and be ready to discuss how you would handle various patient scenarios.
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Cancer Support Worker, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've made a difference in someone's life, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with patients and their families.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to role-play common scenarios with a friend to get comfortable with triaging calls and discussing sensitive topics.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, patient care protocols, or ongoing training opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
