Working at Zoe’s Place

Job description

Job responsibilities

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES To work as an integral member of the team, undertaking tasks delegated by a Registered Nurse and/or the Head of Care/Deputy. In the absence of the parent/carer, to assume responsibility for the emotional and physical care of a child with the direction and support of a Registered Nurse. To act as an advocate for a child and their family, supporting their decisions and choices. To act as a role model to all junior care assistants at all times and to provide advice and guidance to them as required thus ensuring that a high standard of care is provided by all the team at all times. Ensure that all children have individualised play during their stay at the hospice. To undertake, assist or supervise individual children, in relation to feeding dressing and toileting, with due regard to the child’s individual medical and developmental needs. Under the guidance of and with the support of a Registered Nurse, to complete clinical competencies to enable clinical care to be carried out independently. Ensure the hospice equipment is used and stored appropriately in accordance with the equipment inventory. Know how to clean and maintain equipment used by children e.g. wheelchairs, feeding pumps etc.as directed by the standard operating procedures for cleaning Ensure that all junior care assistants are aware of the cleaning schedule/work book and alongside the nurse in charge guide junior colleagues so that the hospice is kept clean and tidy. If applicable, care for the child’s clothing and ensure that all clothing is recorded, unpacked and clearly marked.to provide guidance to the junior staff/new staff on the procedures to follow. To ensure the maintenance of accurate and timely record keeping. All documented tasks to be countersigned by a Registered Nurse. Led by a Registered Nurse, to be involved in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the care of the children in partnership with the families and the community team. To ensure that all children are given the time and assistance they need in undertaking any activity or intervention whilst encouraging and praising independent skills whenever possible. To ensure that individual children’s care plans are followed to the highest standards. To adhere to Zoe’s Place Trust policies and procedures, guidelines and standards at all times and to promote these to others. Recognise and feedback any changes in child’s condition and where required take appropriate action to support care and treatment under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Adopt the role of link worker as required by Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice and at all times lead by example in the link role. Take advantage of training opportunities to further develop your skills to enhance your role within Zoe’s Place including all mandatory training sessions. Support training and supervision of junior and new Staff Members in all aspects of their work in the Hospice, under the supervision of senior Staff Members. Attend and participate in an annual appraisal and regular reviews of performance and objectives, identifying gaps in knowledge/skills and developing a plan to enhance service and self development. To encourage and promote the philosophy of Zoe’s Place and present a good public image, to co-operate with all staff in maintaining good relationships with outside agencies in order to uphold the charity’s image and to win increased support for its work. Assist in the social activities organised within the hospice including the parent support group and the sibling support group, helping to organise and deliver the activities to a high standard. Answer Nurse Call system, giving assistance as required. Answer the door and telephone appropriately. Respond accordingly, and pass on messages promptly. To ensure effective communication with Zoe’s Place staff, members of the MDT, children and their families and to refer questions to appropriate personnel and communicate answers. To attend staff meetings and participate in other meetings as appropriate. To report any incidents and accidents to the nurse in charge in a timely manner and ensure that they are recorded in the appropriate documentation. To manage clinical duties and resources effectively to ensure the smooth running of the service. Promote and maintain dignity, privacy and confidentiality at all times. Under direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, to participate in the preparation of a child and family for loss and bereavement and to care for a child and family after death. To conduct yourself at all times in a professional manner in both appearance and conduct. To work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and the team. To be aware of, and responsive to, the changing nature of the Trust and adopt a flexible and pro-active approach to work. To promote the speciality of palliative care and evidence based practices and develop the service within the sphere of responsibility. To participate in regular supervision with line manager and any staff for whom you have responsibility. To carry out clinical tasks whilst looking after the child with registered nurse supervision such as tracheostomy care, gastrostomy care etc. This job description is not an exclusive description of the role and will develop and change to meet the evolving needs of the service.  

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience working with children Insight into caring for sick children with learning physical and or sensory needs Able to maintain professional boundaries Willingness to continue with professional development and to transfer own skills and experience into palliative care Excellent use of the English language demonstrated through effective written and verbal communication Able to demonstrate self awareness and well developed coping strategies Awareness of impact of loss and disability on children and their families

Desirable

• Experience of paediatric palliative care and or complex care Experience working for a voluntary organisation Experience of supporting families who have experienced loss or bereavement Evidence of understanding the work of a baby or children’s hospice Experience of working with children with complex care needs Awareness of ethical dilemmas faced in children’s palliative care

Qualifications

Essential

• Essential criteria
• NVQ Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care and/or clinical experience working in a paediatric healthcare setting.

Skills and Attributes

Essential

• Good interpersonal skills Ability to provide holistic care Flexible and able to use your own initiative Basic computer skills Ability to follow protocols and procedures Ability to take instructions Ability to work as part of an expanding team Ability to work shifts including nights and weekends Commitment to equal opportunities Ability and willingness to work towards full competence in clinical skills Able to reflect on difficult situations and to gain support and learn from these Awareness of the skills interactions and models that underpin effective communication with children who have life limiting and or life threatening conditions and their families

Desirable

• Ability to facilitate the development of others Counselling skills Clinical competence Experience of caring for children who are ventilator dependant

Disclosure and Barring Service 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.