Cancer Support Worker

The Royal Marsden; Sutton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Sutton is seeking support workers to coordinate care for patients navigating the health system after cancer treatment. Candidates should have essential qualifications in care, such as GCSEs in English and Mathematics, and relevant health experience. This role requires strong communication skills and effective organization. The position is part of a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to supporting staff and patients alike.

Qualifications

• Relevant health or social care experience at AfC Band 2 or 3 or equivalent.
• Experience of multiprofessional working.
• Evidence of good communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate care for a defined group of patients.
• Organise and prioritise designated workload.
• Implement, monitor and review care plans.

Skills

IT skills

Effective organisation skills

Ability to communicate both verbally and non-verbally

Education

GCSE English Language and Mathematics (Grades A–C) or equivalent

NVQ3 or care certificate

Job description

Job overview

Under the supervision of the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), the main purpose of the AFC Band 4 Support Workers‑Care co‑ordination is to support people to navigate the complex health and social care system during and following completion of cancer treatment. The post holder will coordinate care by providing a single point of access, including rapid re‑entry into the system for those people identified as having urgent or specialist needs; and coordinate care, education and support for people with non‑complex care needs. Education and training will be provided for post holders.

Main duties of the job

• Coordinate the care for a defined group of patients assessed by a registered practitioner as having level one care needs for supported self‑management.
• Organise and prioritise the designated workload in relation to identified needs.
• Contribute to the holistic needs assessment and the development of an individual care plan.
• Implement, monitor and review the care plan with the patient and carer, in line with standard operating procedures and protocols and modify as appropriate.
• Evaluate outcomes of care delivery with the registered practitioner.
• Coordinate the necessary assessments, appointments or investigations to fast track people back into the system if required.
• Demonstrate the ability to recognise and respond appropriately when faced with a sudden deterioration or an emergency situation, alerting the team or enabling rapid response as appropriate.

Person specification

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential criteria

• GCSE English Language and Mathematics (Grades A–C) or equivalent
• NVQ3 or care certificate

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of continued role development
• Willingness to undertake learning and development courses
• NVQ4
• plus additional training to diploma level equivalent, or equivalent through short courses

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential criteria

• Relevant health or social care experience at AfC Band 2 or 3 or equivalent
• Experience of multiprofessional working
• Experience in the use of data management
• Evidence of good communications skills
• Understanding of person‑centred care
• Understanding of the health and social care environment
• Experience of coach / teaching patients and carers

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of Cancer Support services across the UK.
• Experience in coordinating a patient workload
• Awareness of Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer and other national cancer policies
• Knowledge of relevant cancer treatments, interventions and terminology

SKILLS AND ABILITY

Essential criteria

• IT skills
• Able to use own initiative
• Effective organisation skills
• Ability to communicate both verbally and non‑verbally on a daily basis with people at all levels

Desirable criteria

• European Computer Driving Licence or equivalent

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.

Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff

At The Royal Marsden we have an immune‑compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.

The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient‑facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.