Job Description
Job title: Health Care Assistant
Reports to: Respite Nurse
Location: Kites Corner, Gloucester
Position Summary
You will work as part of the nursing team supporting life-limited and life-threatened children and their families within Kites Corner.
As a Heath Care Assistant you will be expected to work under the direction of a respite nurse/senior respite nurse and in partnership with the child and family. You will work in a sensitive and professional manner, to ensure that the child’s emotional, social and physical care needs are met in a way which promotes James Hopkins Trust’s vision, mission and values.
You will undertake a range of duties to support the personal care needs of the child, and you will be supported to undertake training to ensure that you are competent and confident to do so.
Dealing with a variety of people you will contribute to the overall performance of the team by being a proactive, and enthusiastic team member. Participating in the provision of family-centred care you will be ensuring the needs of the children are met and continuity of care is promoted at all times.
You will have an insight and understanding of the issues facing families where there is a baby or young child with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition. While interacting with the child and their family you will show them kindness and compassion. You are committed to always delivering exceptional family-centred care at Kites Corner.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Health Care
• Actively encourage a family atmosphere within Kites Corner.
• Contribute positively towards the maintenance of a child and family-focused environment within Kites Corner.
• Recognise the skills and experience of the family in meeting the individual care needs of their child and work in partnership with them to provide holistic care.
• Assist nursing staff in delivering safe quality care to the children staying at Kites Corner.
• Maintain agreed standards of care.
• Contribute to the monitoring and review of care plans by communicating any changes to the child’s care needs.
• Recognise play is an important activity for all children and provide a stimulating and enjoyable environment for the children, appropriate to their developmental stage.
• Speak to the Clinical Lead, Lead nurse or Nursing Management Team at any time there is a concern regarding the child’s condition or any aspects of the child’s care.
• Work flexibly under the guidance of the nursing team to support the children’s needs.
• Identify and follow the child’s care routine and established pattern of care, negotiating any changes with the child and family.
• The safeguarding of children and young people is everyone’s responsibility and you are expected to pass onto the appropriate manager any child safeguarding concerns that you may have that arise in the course of your work.
• Every staff member has a responsibility to maintain confidential, accurate and timely records.
• Complete all documented housekeeping tasks as required to ensure Kites Corner remains clean and safe.
• Maintain an awareness of the diversity of families supported by James Hopkins Trust and ensure that the cultural needs of the children and families are met appropriately.
• Ensure professional boundaries are maintained and that due attention is paid to confidentiality, privacy and dignity at all times.
Personal Development
• Recognise your level of competence and ability and work within them at all times.
• Always ask for assistance if you feel unsure.
• Take advantage of training opportunities to further develop your skills and expertise to enhance your role within the James Hopkins Trust Nursing Team including mandatory training sessions.
• Ensure that all mandatory training is updated as requested.
• You will be expected to attend your individual performance reviews, clinical supervisions, mandatory training sessions and staff meetings.
Responsibility for Clinical Governance and Quality
• Participate in quality control monitoring and auditing processes to ensure the safe delivery of care and maintain high standards through best practice.
• Be proactive in identifying ways of improving practice.
• Identify ways of continued quality improvement, using reflective practice through clinical supervision.
• Actively complete incident documentation in line with a “no blame” approach and James Hopkins Trust’s whistle-blowing policy.
• Adhere to and comply with all James Hopkins Trust’s policies and procedures.
Teamwork
• Take responsibility for ensuring good teamwork and a flexible approach are maintained within the nursing team and the wider Organisation.
• To participate in ‘on the job’ training programmes and teaching sessions.
• To participate in the orientation of new staff, students and volunteers.
• To help with the organisation of James Hopkins Trust events for the families.
• Actively guide and supervise volunteers working with the children.
• Liaise with the Charity Manager regarding ordering and purchasing requirements as necessary for day-to-day running of James Hopkins Trust’s services.
• Inform the relevant line manager of incidents and concerns using agreed processes.
• Carry out any reasonable additional duty as agreed by the Clinical Lead, or Nursing Management Team to meet the changing requirements of the service.
Communication
• In line with James Hopkins Trust’s vision, mission and values; encourage the philosophy of James Hopkins Trust with acts of kindness and helping to make magic memories.
• Always present a good public image.
• Take responsibility for using the appropriate channels to ensure good communication is maintained within the Organisation at all times.
• Attend team briefings and participate in other meetings as appropriate (may include external meetings).
Health and Safety
• Ensure that infection control guidelines and policies are strictly adhered to.
• Follow risk assessments to ensure that children, families, visitors and colleagues are safe.
• Be aware of and work within James Hopkins Trust’s lone working policies.
• Be aware of all Health and Safety issues and adhere to all the James Hopkins Trust policies.
• Be aware of all Fire, Health and Safety regulations at Kites Corner and maintain a safe working environment at all times.
Ways of working and collaborating
• Make a positive contribution to the team and the wider Organisation by playing an active role in growing excellent working relationships within all areas of James Hopkins Trust, such as families, volunteers and staff members.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to creating an inclusive, equal and diverse workplace.
• Work within all of James Hopkins Trust’s policies, processes and procedures at all times.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current and planned activities.
• To carry out any additional tasks and projects as reasonably requested in line with the general responsibility of the role.
Lead by example and be an inspiring role model for others, building trust and living by our Vision, Mission & Values; always keeping children at the heart of what we do.
James Hopkins Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.