Health Care Assistant Bank (Band 3) in Newry

Bank work is casual/relief work offered on an ad hoc basis, as and when there are shifts available. However, it is expected that you will complete one shift per month to keep up to date with changes and developments within the department.

HOURS: Variable. You must be flexible and adaptable to work across Monday to Sunday.

SALARY: Band 3 (pro rata)

LOCATION: ST John's House, Newry

RESPONSIBLE TO: Inpatient Services Manager and Clinical Sister(s) Newry, Northern Ireland

Main Purpose of Job: As a member of the Health Care Assistant team (Bank), you will work as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team in providing holistic specialist palliative care to patients and families within the inpatient unit.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the patient as required with fundamental nursing care in all aspects of activities of daily living as delegated by registered nursing staff (e.g., washing, toileting, eating and drinking).
• Undertake clinical duties as required in the unit, delegated by registered nursing staff. These may include venepuncture, simple dressings, and physiological observations.
• Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and colleagues in an empathetic and professional manner.
• Observe, report, and document any changes in patients' condition, nutrition or behaviour, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual condition; be aware of key palliative care symptoms and notify the relevant multidisciplinary team members in the event of emergency or deterioration.
• Build and maintain trusting relationships with patients and their loved ones, demonstrating empathy and promoting hospice values at all times.
• Undertake duties to ensure high standards of hygiene and prevention of cross infection; comply with policies on Infection Prevention and Control.
• Where appropriate, provide information and guidance on services/benefits available to the patient and assist them in accessing these (signposting to the required service or relevant person in the MDT).
• Work within the limits of own competences and responsibilities; refer issues beyond these limits to registered nursing staff.
• Ensure equipment and stock levels are maintained and assist in ordering and documentation of same.
• Promote and advocate for Evora Hospice at all times.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Work in accordance with Evora Hospice policies and procedures.
• Participate in clinical supervision and the annual performance review process to identify opportunities for learning and development.
• Participate in mandatory training and be willing to undertake further learning to meet changing needs of the service.
• Actively participate in team meetings and share learnings for the benefit of all.
• Fully participate in workplace audits and assist in developing the service to improve patient outcomes.
• Participate in the induction and training of new staff, students, and others.

Reporting & Records:

• Maintain accurate records (manual/electronic) with legible, accurate writing in black ink and clearly signed and time dated.
• Participate in patient hand-over reports and respect the confidentiality of the work involved.
• Report accidents/incidents/complaints immediately to the nurse in charge and assist in the investigation, verbally and in writing as required.
• Adhere to Evora Hospice policies, including Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR).

Health & Safety:

Under the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, you are required to take all reasonable steps to ensure your own health and safety and the safety of others who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work. You must cooperate with regard to health and safety arrangements and familiarise yourself with relevant policies for your area of work.

Equal Opportunities:

Evora Hospice operates an equal opportunities policy in accordance with the Fair Employment (NI) Acts 1976 and 1989, the Sex Discrimination (NI) Order 1976, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. All employees have a responsibility to be familiar with policies on equal opportunities and to help ensure a working environment in which the dignity of all fellow employees is respected.

Values & Behaviours:

• All employees of Evora Hospice are required to promote and support its mission and values. Core Values: Dignity, Compassion, Integrity, Innovation, Excellence and Equality.
• Always operate with honesty and integrity.
• Show respect for and sensitivity towards all those you meet in your working day.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Actively develop self and others where possible.
• Participate in corporate or fundraising events to enable all employees to contribute to the charity's success.
• Operate with tact, patience and diplomacy and maintain a professional approach towards colleagues and service users.

Additional Information: This job description will be reviewed in light of new developments. It should not be regarded as restrictive or definitive but acts as a broad guide to the demands of the post.

Essential Criteria:

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent)
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant experience
• Ability to demonstrate excellent standards and practices of delivering holistic care
• Knowledge of specialist palliative care and the responsibilities of the post
• Excellent communication, record keeping, organisational and time management skills
• Motivated, enthusiastic, and committed to team working for positive patient care
• Flexible, reliable, and responsive to change
• Ability to foster openness and transparency
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and be sensitive to various situations
• A full understanding of confidentiality practices
• Maintain high standards of personal integrity and accountability

Desirable Criteria:

• NVQ Level 4 Health & Social Care or equivalent
• Experience of working with patients with palliative care needs

Applicants Note: Applications will only be considered from people who demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential criteria.

Evora Hospice (formerly Southern Area Hospice) consists of a 12 bed inpatient unit, based in Newry, Co Down, providing specialist palliative care to patients with a terminal illness, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease. Our Community Services offers day care in Dungannon, Newry and in the patients' own home. Services include counselling and bereavement support for adults and children, therapeutic services, physiotherapy, social work and chaplaincy.