ST PETER AND ST JAMES CHARITABLE TRUST

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:Welfare Adviser - Community

REPORTS TO:Patient and Family Support Service Manager

JOB SUMMARY

To provide an efficient and effective welfare service to the patients and relatives of the Trust, in accordance with the patients’ and the Trust’s best interests. To assist the Specialist CommunityNursing team in offering a welfare advice and guidance service. To operate a regular clinic in the Well Being Centre. Additionally to take referrals from medical, nursing and specialist palliative community care staff, and other team members, including volunteers, patients and family members. To act on behalf of the IPU based Welfare Adviser during any extended absence. To co-ordinate additional leisure activities for the hospice and continuing care patients.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To work as part of the Hospice Patient and Family Support Service and to take a co-ordinating role within the Welfare Service
  • To be familiar with the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) in order to give patients and their relatives appropriate advice, or refer to an appropriate community benefit advisory support service regarding a range of benefits including employment support allowance, housing benefit, council tax reduction, pension credit and pensions etc.
  • To apply for, and disburse, grant money from private or national charities as required to cover various costs, including holidays, transportation, heating/lighting, clothing, special diets etc.
  • Where appropriate, to give advice on the availability of the financial support provision for funeral payments and to explain the process, or to refer to an appropriate community benefit advisory service.
  • Assist the Specialist Community Nursing Team with applications for Blue Badges,Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance, advise on eligibility and assist with application forms or phone claims. To liaise with the appropriate PIP/AA/DLA Unit to claim any increase of benefit based on the health needs of individuals as appropriate.
  • To occasionallyvisit patients in their homes, liaising with the Community Specialist Nursing Team, to assess practical and financial needs.
  • To assist and advise on alternative accommodation where appropriate, including nursing homes, local authority housing, sheltered housing etc.
  • To liaise with relevant professionals/agencies and to advise patients at home about the range of Home Care Services available.
  • To request Home Help, Meals on Wheels, Equipment, and Day Centre place for patients, when required by nursing staff.
  • To provide a range of practical support/advice to patients and their families as required.
  • To access information by liaising with associated professionals/agencies, developing and maintaining a library of practical resources for the benefit of patients and their families, Wellbeing Centre patients, staff and volunteers.
  • To prepare a glossary of information accessible by computer via hyperlinks available in the resource room through a shared file on the desktop for all to use and to keep this resource accurate and up-to-date
  • To provide risk assessments for those patients in the continuing care unit or hospice who go on outings or appointments outside of unit.
  • To organise outings and activities for patients as appropriate.
  • To record all patient visits within their Care Plan on SystmOne.
  • To prepare bi-monthly statistics showing activity and benefits raised.
  • To attend and contribute to the Remembrance Service and support offered to those attending
  • To attend Team meetings, Department meetings, MDT (occasional) and other meetings as required.
  • To attend induction if PFSS manager is unavailable and explain PFSS roles. When required give Power Point presentation and talks to staff, volunteers, groups re welfare role.

Addendum:

The job description is not intended as an indication of the full and detailed range of duties that may be undertaken by the post holder and will be reviewed and developed to reflect the changing needs of the service and the Trust. Other duties that are commensurate to the grade of the post may be requested from time to time.

Employee’s Signature: ______Date: ______

Line Manager’s Signature: ______Date: ______

JD - Welfare Adviser Community 011501/2015