Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a Home Care Assistant with the Butterwick Hospice Home Care Service. Full and part time hours are available.

This role involves caring for people who have a life-limiting illness, providing support and respite for them, their carers, and families. This involves routinely working in the patients’ own homes within the care plan of the Community Nurse.

Shifts are primarily carried out overnight from 10pm – 7am, although day support may also be required.

Referrals into our service are often urgent so the successful candidate would be able to work flexibly throughout the week, to meet the needs of the service.

The Home Care Service covers Bishop Auckland and the Durham Dales area, however you may be need to work at our Stockton or Bishop Auckland sites as required.

Must have access to a vehicle and a full Clean UK Driving Licence.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for home care assistant with a passion for end of life care and experience working in a similar role or environment.

The candidate should have a Level 2 NVQ qualification in health care or equivalent, or willingness to work towards.

Good communication skills are essential and flexibility is required to allow for a full range of shift cover.

The successful candidate will work in partnership with patients and carers, undertaking care, within the patients home. Within the boundaries of your role you may be asked to provide personal care, emotional support, signposting for families or support with light domestic tasks such as preparing a simple snack. You will work to the Community Nurse’s care plan, maintain accurate documentation of care given and escalate any change in the patient’s condition as appropriate.

You will predominantly work as a lone worker, but will liaise with members of the health care team, and other members of Hospice staff. You will be invited to attend regular team sessions, to maintain links with the rest of the hospice, to maintain your skills and to receive support in your role.

Key Responsibilities

To work in partnership with patients and carers/families, undertaking fundamental care within the agreed boundaries of their role.

To report to the Butterwick lead nurse/clinical manager on call any incidents that occur whilst sitting in the patient’s home.

To ensure the patient’s comfort, safety, and dignity at all times.

To assist patients in the performance of the activities of daily living they would perform for themselves if able.

To maintain confidentiality at all times.

To exercise responsibility by accessing and accepting opportunities for supervision – including clinical supervision – and ongoing training.

To understand the importance of team work and work closely with members of the Primary Health Care Team, and other members of the Hospice staff.

To be available for work at short notice and be prepared to be flexible.

To act at all times as an ambassador of Butterwick Hospice and the Home Care Service, to patients and their carers/families, to colleagues, and to members of the public.

To carry out the duties and responsibilities in compliance with Butterwick Hospice policies and procedures, current legislation, and codes of conduct as applicable.

To maintain public relations and promote the Hospice values.

To undertake such other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the nature of the post.

Qualifications

Essential- NVQ L2 in healthcare or willingness to work towards.

Experience

Essential- experience of working in a similar role/environment, not necessarily a hospice.

Part-time hours: – discuss at interview

Salary standard rate: £12.58 per hour

Travel costs reimbursed

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Flexible Night shifts/Day shifts as required

(We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.)