Bank Hospice Community Carer/HCA

This is a wonderful opportunity to truly make a difference to the lives of the local community. Becoming a carer for Care for Good, a private home care provider service, supporting the work of the Hospice and The Rapid Personalised Care Service, a funded specialist palliative care service for those approaching end of life. In this role you will make a lasting difference to the lives of people through care that will have a positive impact on the patient, and the community for many years to come.

Main duties of the job

As a Bank Carer, you will provide compassionate, flexible and person-centred care to individuals in their own homes. The role can include supporting clients or patients with various levels of health care needs, from those with minimal support requirements to those who are approaching the end of their life. This is a bank role, meaning you will be able to pick up visits when available.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Deliver high-quality care and support tailored to each patient/client's needs.
• Assist with personal care (washing, dressing, toileting, grooming).
• Support with mobility, transfers and safe use of equipment.
• Prepare meals and assist with eating and drinking where required.
• Provide companionship and emotional support.
• Administer or prompt medication in line with care plans.
• Carry out household tasks to maintain a safe environment.
• Record and report accurately on care provided and any changes in patient/client wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with families, healthcare professionals and the wider care team.
• Update care notes in the home.

About us

Based in beautiful surroundings just outside Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, The Hospice of St Francis is a charity which helps 2,000 local people and their families, every year, in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to live their precious lives well. Improving symptoms, achieving personal goals and helping them to feel safe. Defined by each person's need, our free care for people managing, or recovering from, serious illness has many forms of care at the Hospice, at Home, or in our Health and Wellbeing Centre which offers courses, workshops, clinics and therapies.

What we offer:

• Structured induction
• Supportive team environment
• Free onsite parking
• Wide range of free training courses, plus personal development opportunities.

Qualifications, Skills, Experience, Knowledge & Approach

• Compassionate, patient and respectful approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing needs.
• Reliable and punctual with good time management.
• Understanding confidentiality and safeguarding principles, adhering to organizational policies.
• Willingness to undertake training and continuous professional development.
• To undertake duties without direct daily supervision working within broad procedural guidelines.

Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check.
• Right to work in the UK essential.
• You will be empathetic with excellent communication skills; able to listen and respond in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
• You will be sensitive in your approach and may be required to care for patients who are at the end of their life.
• Ability to elevate issues where necessary.
• You can work closely, in a collaborative environment, with all team members and the wider Hospice to achieve our objectives.
• You show resilience when faced with complex and emotionally challenging situations.
• You see the potential in others and understand the impact of their actions on colleagues.

Internal & External Contacts

You will be a team player, able to work well with people at all levels of the Hospice including Clinical colleagues and staff of other services.

Decision Making

Analytical thinker ability to analyse data. Operate effective and efficient working relationships with others at all times.

Mental and Physical Consideration. Working Conditions & Environment

• Commitment to the aims and ethos of The Hospice, Care for Good and the RPCS.
• Continually strive to improve the business.
• Ability to work alone with guidance and support from the care at home manager.
• To be able to take the initiative in assuring the dignity, comfort and care of patients or clients.

Health & Safety

• Understand and comply with all Health and Safety, Fire and Infection Control regulations.
• Complete all mandatory training.
• To work safely within the lone worker policy.

Safeguarding

Act in a manner at all times to safeguard the interests of individual patients or clients and their families and justify public trust and confidence in the Hospice of St Francis, Care for Good and the RPCS.

Person Specification

• Right to work in the UK. Please note: We are unable to provide sponsorship.
• Competence to deliver direct and intimate personal care.
• Able to work independently, and as part of a team.
• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Min of 3 years previous experience in an equivalent role.
• You will be sensitive in your approach and may be required to care for patients who are at the end of their life.
• You show resilience when faced with complex and emotionally challenging situations.
• Ability to elevate issues where necessary.
• Shared values, discretion, respect and a passion for caring for others is essential.
• A car driver, with access to a car.

Please note the successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced level DBS check.

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.