Health Care Assistant - 12 months contract

The Methodist Church in Britain; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

St Giles Hospice in Birmingham is seeking a Health Care Assistant for a fixed-term 12-month post at the hospice site and in patients' homes, supporting end-of-life care.

You will assist with daily living, personal care, eating and comfort under the close supervision of registered nurses, and you may contribute to care after death; right to work in the UK is required, sponsorship is not offered.

Qualifications

• Good standard of education.
• Willingness to undertake study if required.
• Knowledge of care procedures consistent with NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
• Experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with personal hygiene and appearance under the direct supervision of registered nurses.
• Support patients with daily living activities in line with individual care programmes.
• Assist patients with eating, drinking, toileting and access to toilet facilities.
• Help patients to be as comfortable as possible and to make the best of their remaining time.
• Support patients, relatives and carers as they approach end of life, exchanging information and signposting to other hospice services.
• Maintain sensitive, caring and tactful relationships with patients, families and carers.
• Inform registered nurses of significant changes in patients' conditions.
• Assist with technical care, including vital signs, urine testing and obtaining specimens.
• Keep accurate, timely paper and electronic care records and maintain confidentiality.
• Assist with care after death.
• Assist with clinical procedures following appropriate training.
• Maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of self, staff, patients and others on hospice property

Skills

Excellent communication and interper­­

IT literate

Compassionate

Confidentiality

Empathetic

Education

Good standard of education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

This fixed-term, 12-month Health Care Assistant post sits within St Giles Hospice, a charity providing palliative care to people with terminal illness, at its site and in patients' homes. The role supports patients and families at end of life with daily living, personal care, eating, toileting and comfort, under the close supervision of registered nurses. It is distinct for its end-of-life focus, including care after death. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as no sponsorship is offered.

What the job involves

• Assist with personal hygiene and appearance under the direct supervision of registered nurses
• Support patients with daily living activities in line with individual care programmes
• Assist patients with eating, drinking, toileting and access to toilet facilities
• Help patients to be as comfortable as possible and to make the best of their remaining time
• Support patients, relatives and carers as they approach end of life, exchanging information and signposting to other hospice services
• Maintain sensitive, caring and tactful relationships with patients, families and carers
• Inform registered nurses of significant changes in patients' conditions
• Assist with technical care, including vital signs, urine testing and obtaining specimens
• Keep accurate, timely paper and electronic care records and maintain confidentiality
• Assist with care after death
• Assist with clinical procedures following appropriate training
• Maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of self, staff, patients and others on hospice property

What’s required

Qualifications

• Good standard of education
• Willingness to undertake study if required
• Knowledge of care procedures consistent with NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Experience

• Experience in a healthcare setting

Skills & knowledge

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• IT literate
• Compassionate
• Able to keep information confidential
• Empathetic

Checks & eligibility

• Valid driving licence
• Eligibility to work in the UK

Other

• Team player
• Able to work under pressure
• Collaborative
• Ambassador for St Giles Hospice
• Exhibits the hospice's values and behaviours

Nice to have

• Experience in palliative care or oncology
• Some understanding of caring for patients in a palliative care environment
• Level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care