Senior Health Care Assistant (Community)

Job summary Are you looking for a new challenge? Join our Community Care team as a Senior Health Care Assistant, working throughout South East London/Kent/East Sussex delivering respite, end of life care and support to children and young people. You will have a Level 5 qualification in a care related subject, or a willingness to complete, and experience of working with children and young people with complex medical needs. You will need to have excellent communication skills with the capability to interact with teams and families at all levels with the ability to work in collaboration with other professionals. This role requires a flexible approach to working and will be led by the needs of the case load, to include early mornings, late finishes, nights and weekends. There will also be regular travel across our operating region. A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle for business use or access to reliable transport arrangements - will be essential Main duties of the job The post holder will provide care and support for children and young people with life threatening and/or life limiting conditions and their families and carers. This will involve working collaboratively with the family, internal and external multi-disciplinary teams and colleagues. To include taking the lead with specific delegated subjects and tasks to support service provision. The post requires an experienced HCA to be able to use their skills, knowledge and expertise in a variety of situations. To work in the community the HCA must be competent, experienced and able to work as a lone worker. The post holder must adhere to policies and procedures at all times, underpinned by competency in clinical skills, and will be supervised by a registered nurse. Shift pattern will include weekend, bank holidays, early morning/evening and nights which are an integral part of service delivery. The post holder will safeguard all children and young people accessing services, by responding to concerns raised in a timely and appropriate manner and effectively escalating these in accordance with policies and procedures. About us Benefits of working with Demelza include: 36 days holiday which includes an allowance for bank holidays and increases with long servicePaid travel time and mileage allowanceFlexible working patternsKeep your NHS pension* or join our contributory pension schemeTraining and career development Demelza greatly values the benefits of a diverse team and embraces diversity, equality, and inclusion in all areas of its work. We are committed to building a diverse and authentic workplace, ensuring that our team reflects the diversity of the children and families we support. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds. Job description Job responsibilities To implement care plans, as delegated by Registered Nurses to meet the individual needs of each child/young person, upholding their daily routines, as far as is practical. To provide high quality delegated, holistic care to the child/young person (this may include feeding, washing, play and general activities) and support for members of their family. To deliver clinical care as delegated by the Registered Nurse with appropriate competencies in place and in date as defined by the educational matrix and educational framework and Clinical Procedure and Competency Policy. To provide and report on the implementation and evaluation of clinical care and update documentation as appropriate with registered nurse sign off/approval. To deliver direct care as directed by the Registered Nurse, recording and reporting the child/young person responses and notify the Registered Nurse. To ensure all aspects of care are accurately recorded and clearly communicated to other Care Team members and relevant registered nurse. This will include detailed discussions with the parents and/or carers which contribute to developing a care plan for each child/young person. To identify and report on significant changes in children and young peoples conditions or wellbeing outside own areas of competence. To work flexibly, recognising the child, young person and familys expertise and supporting choice for the level of involvement for direct care from the Care Team. To recognise children and young people at risk, promptly reporting concerns in accordance with Demelzas Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy. To promote an appropriate environment in which to care for children and young people and their families, being aware of individuals physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs. To ensure confidentiality is respected and protected at all times both within Demelza and externally. To be aware of the safety needs of the children and young people, siblings, parents and other staff and adopt a preventative safety approach at all times. To recognise children and young people at risk, promptly reporting concerns in accordance with Demelzas Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. To support delegated end of life care, pre and post bereavement support. Residential roles: To complete delegated bereavement suite duties To participate in general household duties when required. This will include cleaning children and young peoples bedrooms, offering hospitality to families and visitors, preparing meals in the absence of the chef and any other duties as required. To participate in hydrotherapy sessions at Demelza Kent as required, as per hydro pool policy. To undertake Lifeguard training and carry out duties in relation to pool monitoring as needed. Leadership To be named lead on specific delegated subjects/tasks as directed by the Care Services Lead/Care Team Leader/Registered Nurse. To lead in the delivery of direct care to a child/young person, as delegated, ensuring good use of resources and facilities available. To share good practice, in order to improve standards of care. To contribute positively to the cohesiveness and well-being of the Care Team. To regularly attend team meetings and to participate in shared decision making, where appropriate. To use the resources of Demelza prudently and effectively to meet the needs of the children/young people and their families, but maintaining a cost conscious approach to all aspects of our work. Role model best practice that adheres to Demelzas policies and procedures. Community roles To work as a lone worker in the home and community Governance To welcome and respect diversity and contribute positively to anti-discriminatory practice, actively promoting equality and diversity. To report all accidents, incidents and near misses accurately and promptly and to actively participate in written assessments of risks. To be accountable for delegated task by a Registered Nurse and proactively follow all policies and procedures, suggesting any improvements or amendments where applicable. To support the delivery of a quality service, participating in any quality review measures in place at Demelza. To actively participate and take the lead with specific delegated topics in Clinical Governance practices, audits and reviews. To comply with mandatory and competency training as defined by the Educational matrix and Clinical Procedure and Competency policy. To work within own scope of competence and to be accountable for a delegated task. Proactively follow policies and procedures relating to care, suggesting improvements where necessary. To attend line management and individual or group clinical supervision as per the Supervision policy. To adhere to the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers (Department of Health). Education To be responsible with maintaining own competencies and additional learning needs relevant to role, liaising with Registered Nurses and Governance team, attending training sessions, completing e-learning and study days as appropriate. Provide micro session training session in specific delegated subject/topic, overseen by relevant Registered Nurse. To be responsive to family, colleague and other professional feedback, actively seeking informal comments from others and show a positive and open attitude to new initiatives. To attend mandatory and competency training as defined by the Educational matrix and Clinical Procedure and Competency policy. To be responsive to family, colleague and other professional feedback, actively seeking informal comments from others and show a positive and open attitude to new initiatives. To value the skills and qualities other Care Team members bring to Demelza and work in a multi skilled environment. To recognise self-capabilities and limitations, sharing any particular expertise willingly and seeking self-development to improve any areas of weakness. To successfully complete Band 3 and 4 equivalent competences, as defined by the Educational Skill Matrix and Band 4 pay progression structure. To mentor and support junior team members and contribute to induction programmes with newly appointed team members. To use appraisal constructively for personal and professional development. To adopt a positive commitment and reflective approach to personal and professional development, participating constructively in an annual appraisal review and to seek learning opportunities to enhance knowledge that will benefit the children, young people and families. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Demonstrate close alignment to all Demelza values Full driving licence and access to own vehicle for business use or access to reliable transport arrangements Substantial experience of working with children and/or young people Evidence of working with children and young people with complex medical needs Diploma/Level 5 qualification in child care/development/palliative care or relevant subject, or willingness to complete Able to adopt a can do approach in a team environment Able to work independently Able to prioritise and innovate to meet the children and familys needs Ability to work all aspects of a rotating shift pattern including early and late shifts, long days, nights, weekends and public holidays Positive approach to all aspects of continuing professional development Ability to openly share information and experience with team members Ability to work as a lone worker in the home and community Desirable Bereavement experience Evidence of mentorship and leadership qualities/qualifications