Continuing Health Care Practitioner

NHS Jobs; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs is seeking a care needs assessor to undertake non-complex and proportionate assessments that are evidence-based, focusing on holistic needs and sustainable support options. The post involves arranging and reviewing social care support, with escalation to social work colleagues for more complex cases.

You will work within recognised procedures, prioritise daily workload, and use initiative to resolve issues.

Responsibilities

• Undertake detailed assessments of care and support needs with a holistic view of the person

Job description

Job Purpose:

The post holder will be required to undertake non-complex and proportionate assessments that are evidence-based. The term non-complex is defined as - predictable situations often where the person is motivated to engage and respond to information, guidance, and advice. The person may present a low level of risk to self or others, and the risk can be managed safely. These situations often require short-term interventions, and the decisions require some analysis of different views and factors impacting on the persons life. Examples could include mental capacity assessments and health and social care assessments of people who have a variety of needs. The post holder is also required to arrange and review the delivery of social care support. There may be situations where the work is complex and on these occasions the post holder will need to seek support from social work colleagues or their line manager.

Decision-Making:

The job involves working within recognised procedures and requires the post holder to use initiative when organising their workload and determining work priorities daily. You will also be expected to: Respond independently to problems and unusual situations with access to an Advanced Practitioner and colleagues for advice and guidance. Deal with any unexpected problems or situations through recognised procedures. Undertake Independent decision making on handling particular situations and unexpected problems. Resolve problems or situations which may be complex and not covered by existing procedures. Use judgement to assess a particular situation and decide the best way forward for resolution, when there is conflicting information. Raise concerns with an Advanced Practitioner, i.e. in relation to Safeguarding, moving and handling, in relation to the above points.

Accountabilities:

To undertake detailed assessments of care and support needs and reablement goals, with the specific focus of taking a holistic view of the persons needs and considering the options of support available to them. To undertake reviews of formal support arrangements. To undertake non-complex assessment of needs. To undertake non-complex carers assessments. To help people and their carers to identify sustainable contingency plans to help them maintain independent living in emergency and crisis situations. To comply with all relevant legislative requirements as well as Livewell policies and procedures. To recognise statutory responsibilities in respect of providing Community Care services. Responsibility for providing information, advice and guidance on established Livewell policy and external regulations and/or statutory requirements related to the well-being of people. Occasionally required to demonstrate duties and provide advice, guidance and support to other employees, students or trainees. Also to provide feedback to the Practice Learning Managers/ Student Supervisors. Responsibility for accurately inputting information of work undertaken on electronic systems, i.e. Care first 6 and systm1 and also using a number of systems for checking information relevant to the persons needs. Responsibility to ensure that data inputted onto the system is accurate. Work in partnership with all other relevant agencies to ensure the needs of vulnerable adults are addressed, e.g. police, NHS. To recognise the need for other professional involvement within the team and across Livewell services. Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Physical Effort

Regular travel to service users' homes, residential homes and nursing settings to undertake assessments and reviews. Occasional moving and handling risk assessment activities and observation of care environments. Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking and using display screen equipment when completing assessments and maintaining electronic records.

Mental Effort

Daily requirement for sustained concentration when undertaking assessments, reviewing information, completing reports and maintaining accurate electronic records. Regular analysis of information from multiple sources to assess needs, identify risks and determine appropriate support plans. Frequent decision-making and problem-solving, including situations where there may be conflicting information or no clear procedural solution. Regular interruptions and conflicting demands, such as urgent calls, referrals and changing service priorities requiring frequent reprioritisation of workload.

Emotional Effort

Daily involvement with vulnerable adults and carers experiencing ill health, disability, crisis situations, loss of independence and terminal illness. Working with individuals who may be difficult to communicate with due to cognitive impairment, mental health issues or communication difficulties. Regular exposure to safeguarding concerns, abuse, neglect and situations where adults may be at risk of harm. Managing sensitive conversations regarding care needs, financial implications of care, risk management and future support arrangements. Occasional exposure to verbal abuse, aggression or challenging behaviour from service users, relatives or members of the public. Managing conflict and family disagreements whilst remaining professional and objective.

Working Conditions:

Most of the work within our team will require the post holder to assess service users within their own environment or a residential/nursing setting. Serious verbal abuse, aggression and other anti-social behaviour from people and/or members of the public can occur occasionally.