/ Marie Curie
Job Description

Job titleHealthcare Assistant

DepartmentHospice

LocationMarie Curie Hospice,Edinburgh

Reports toWard Sister/Charge Nurse

Accountable toNurse Manager/Inpatients

Job Purpose/Summary

To undertake a range of duties relating to the care of patients with palliative care needs in hospices including day therapy as directed and supervised by a registered practitioner.

Accountabilities (Duties & Responsibilities)

  • Provides care for named patients with palliative care needs in accordance with the patient’s care plan
  • Communicates with patients, carers and health professionals in a professional manner
  • Recognises changes in symptoms and conditions notifies other health care professionals as necessary
  • Assists patients with regular oral medication where the patient is self-medicating
  • Escorts patients with minimal care needs outside of the usual care setting
  • Provides support to patient’s carers or family members
  • Cares for the body after death and supports family members/ carers after death
  • Updates patient records and hands over care given appropriately
  • Participates in audits, surveys or other clinical governance activities as requested
  • Assist in the coordination and support of volunteers working in Day Therapy.
  • Be responsible for ensuring all equipment utilised is cleaned and safe for use before each patient session. Plus stored correctly and safely when not in use.
  • Uses resources economically and efficiently
  • Practices in accordance with Marie Curie’s health and safety policies, adheres to fire regulations and maintains own personal safety accordingly
  • Maintains own conduct in accordance with Marie Curie’s ‘Code of Conduct for HCAs’
  • Participates in own personal development through Marie Curie’s Induction and PPRD programme
  • Promotes privacy and dignity in all aspects of patient care.
  • Works effectively within the multidisciplinary team and acknowledges the importance of all disciplines.

General
In addition to the specific duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description, all Marie Curie employees should be aware of their specific responsibilities towards the following:

  • Marie Curie is committed to encouraging volunteering throughout the organisation and as such the post holder will be expected to support and respect volunteers, and may be asked to work alongside or supervise a volunteer as part of their role whilst working at Marie Curie.
  • Marie Curie operates a no-smoking policy. The post holder should either be a non-smoker or be prepared not to smoke in any Charity premises, grounds or vehicles or when on Marie Curie business outside the office.
  • Adhere to all health and safety and fire regulationsand to co-operate with the Charity in maintaining good standards of health and safety.
  • Adhere to all Marie Curie policies and procedures at all times
  • Actively promote and support the safeguarding of vulnerable adults, young people and children, observing and adhering to Marie Curie policies on safeguarding
  • Uphold ethical and professional standards and not behave in a manner that is likely to bring the Charity into disrepute.
  • Promote and sustain a responsible attitude towards equal opportunities and diversity within the Charity.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing registration requirements or any national professional or occupational standards associated with the role.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and development and to participate in any training relevant to the role.
  • For designated roles, the post holder will be responsible for health & safety, business continuity planning and/or risk management. (These responsibilities will be notified on appointment).

This job description is not exhaustive. It merely acts as a guide and may be amended to meet the changing requirements of the charity at any time after discussion with the post holder.

/ Marie Curie
Person Specification

Job title: Healthcare Assistant– Hospice

Criteria / Essential / Desirable / How assessed
Skills/abilities / - Ability to plan own work
- Ability to respond to changes in patient conditions
- Ability to work within a team
- Good communication skills
- Ability to prioritise a patient’s care needs
- Uses own initiative
- Motivated to learn
- Maintains a mature outlook
- Possesses a responsible attitude / - Basic healthcare clinical skills, e.g., observations / Application form/interview
Knowledge / - Knowledge of care giving
- Has an empathy and understanding of issues encountered by patients with palliative care needs / Application form/interview
Qualifications, training and education / - NVQ2 or willing to work towards S/NVQ2 /Marie Curie HCA Development Programme / - Attended relevant caring courses/training / Application form
Experience / - Recent experience in a health/ social care setting / - Experience in caring for people with palliative care needs / Application form/Interview
Other requirements / - Flexible approach to working patterns
- Willingness to undertake work during the day and at night / Interview

Successful candidates in this role must be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) within 6 months of their start date, and comply with the SSSC regulations and code of practice.

Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments to these criteria will be considered to accommodate personal circumstances such as disabilities

/ Marie Curie
Terms & Conditions

Job titleHealthcare Assistant- Hospice

Salary scaleAgenda for Change Pay Scale Band 2

Annual leave entitlement35 days (including 10 bank holidays) pro rata

Notice periodOne Month (after first six months service)

Working hours33.75 hours per week

Disclosure Check Enhanced with barred

Otherbenefits

  • Continued access to NHS Pension Scheme (subject to eligibility)
  • Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme
  • Season ticket loan
  • Loan schemes for bikes; computers and satellite navigation systems

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