Healthcare Support Worker

Job summary There are WTE positions (up to hours per week) available.
Applications for full and parttime working will be considered.
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives ofpeople with frailty in our communities across Plymouth, the South Hams, andWest Devon?
Do you thrive in a dynamic and innovative healthcare environment?We have some very exciting opportunities to join our exciting Community FrailtyVirtual Ward project.
This project forms part of a wider plan to improve urgentand emergency healthcare delivery.
We are committed to revolutionising healthcare delivery forfrail and elderly patients by launching a Community Frailty Virtual Ward.
Ouraim is to provide high-quality, patient-centred care in the comfort of theirown homes, reducing hospital admissions and length of stay in hospital andenhancing overall well-being through enhanced care coordination.
"Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility"Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted.
Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity.All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.
Main duties of the job As Band 3 HCSW, you will play a criticalrole in our new multidisciplinary team, covering one or more of the 6 newfrailty virtual wards that we have planned for our locality.
The post holderwill work closely with consultants, pharmacists, dietitians, and otherhealthcare professionals to ensure seamless, integrated care on the virtualward, supporting the delivery of healthcare related tasks under the directionof the wider MDT.
We will consider applications for people seeking full & part time posts and flexible hours.
Key ResponsibilitiesSupport the delivery of healthcareRecognise and report changes in clinical needSupport people and their families and carersduring their admission to the frailty virtual wardInterviewing between at the Beauchamp Centre towards the end of October, Mount Gould Hospital.
Successful candidatesare asked to bring their documentation to enable the start of thepre-employment checks as soon as they can post interview.
If you are happyfor this process to start prior to receiving the outcome of the interview,please bring with you:Copies of any qualifications relevant to theroleCopies of training certificates (digital copiesare acceptable)3 forms of identification, to include yourRight to Work documentation and 2 proof of address (ideally a printed bankstatement from a Current Account).
This must also include at least onephotographic identification document.
This will allow us to startpre-employment checks without delay.
About us Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall.
Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration.
We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place.
Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships.
Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities.
If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.
Job description Job responsibilities Therole of the Senior Health Care Assistant is to assist the trained nurse indelivering physical, social, and psychological care to the patient/clientwith physical healthcare problems/illnesses, admitted to Frailty VirtualWards.
Tohave the ability to recognise and report any changes in a patients conditionand needs.Thepost holder will be directed to undertake tasks once adequate instruction hasbeen given by the trained nurse and both parties are confident that the taskcan be fulfilled competently.
The postholder will provide line management and mentorship to junior staff.However,the trained nurse is required to carry the responsibility for decision makingand direction.Towork under the direction of a registered member of nursing staff, but at timeswill not have direct supervision (as in a communitysetting).To work within ateam supporting and assisting qualified staff in the implementation of patientcare, that includes personal hygiene, toileting, undressing and dressing ofpatients, moving and handling and assisting with mobilisation.To liaise and assist all disciplines involved in themanagement and care of patients in ward/home environment.Onceassessed as competent, perform simple wound care, ECG recording, tracheostomycare, blood sugar monitoring, catheter care, venepuncture, temperature, bloodpressures, pulse oximetry and other clinical responsibilities as delegated bythe registered nursing staff.To use clinical decision-making tools to inform care,such as, Waterlow, MUST etc.
and be able to highlight significant results tosenior staff.To be able to give information and advice to patientsand carers as appropriate nutritional or pressure care information.To be able toidentify when there may be a safeguarding risk for any patient or carer andknow the process to follow.To be able to identify if a patient needs to besignposted or referred to another service to ensure all care needs are met andliaise with the senior staff to ensure this occurs.To acknowledge own limitation and scope of practiceand seek advice and support from senior staff as needed.Toundertake a range of competencies that have been included within the job roleas a senior healthcare assistant.Toprovide self-directed, individual activities for specified patients in all healthcare settings working within riskmanagement guidelines, this may include working alone in the clinical area/community for periods of time.Tocarry out efficiently and effectively task and instructions assigned by the registered undertake only those tasks for which she/he has had instruction and iscompetent to fulfil as a senior healthcare assistant.To provide mentorshipand support to junior staff or studentsTo engagewith audits, quality improvement projects and service changes as directed bythe inpatient manager.Toprovide a high standard of care under the direction and supervision of more seniorstaffToassist the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery and evaluation of patientcare.To liaise across inpatient and communitycolleagues in the statutory and non-statutory services as appropriate.
Toprovide professional influence, direction, clarification and support for newand existing staff, nursing, occupational therapy, students, volunteers etc.Toensure the adherence to Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Controlguidelines at all times.MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibility for People Management To be involved in the continued development of the Senior Health CareAssistant role and other Health Care AssistantsTo provideguidance and support to junior staff or studentsTo provide line management to Health Care AssistantsTo receiveline management support and supervisionResponsibility for financial and/or physical resourcesThe post holder will have no direct responsibility for finances; however,they will adhere to the relevant trust policies on financial issuesThe post holder will use Livewell Southwest resources responsibly Responsibility for administrationTo ensure competencies inrecord keepingReportany changes in the patients condition or care needs to the supervising trainednurse and / or relevant therapist and document accordingly.Maintainaccurate and complete patient records in accordance with organisationalguidelines.Maintain confidentialityof information being aware of trust policies and local protocols and keepingup-to-date with changesTo access email and otherinformation through Livewell Southwest intranet Responsibility for people who useour servicesSupportpeoples care through provision of key skills including emotional and spiritualcare, positioning, communication, tissue viability, oral and personal hygiene,and nutritional awareness.Assistpeople to achieve their optimal level in their physical health care whilstalways maintaining their comfort and dignity at all times.To support patients to identify and overcome fears within a relationshipof empathy and trust.
To work with patients and carers to work towardspatients recovery.To monitor the physical health of serviceusers and report any changes to registered staff so that the care plan can bekept fully up to date.The post holder will actas a suitable role model.Thepost holder is required to comply with all infection prevention and controlpolicies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern totheir immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it isthe individuals responsibility to escalate to Director of Operations/ChiefExecutive Office.
Be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse and knowprocedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns.To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions andplanned activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life.
To recordcontacts, interventions and observations on the electronic record systems.
Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementing,and evaluating care to patients.
This to include participation in case reviewand assessment for admission / discharge processEscort patients to other inpatients /departments or other areas designated by trained staff, which may include thecommunity settings.Record and manage patients property.Responsibility for implementationof policyand/or service developmentsTo comply with Livewell southwest policies and procedures relevant tothe role.Thiswill include adherence to Uniform & Dress Code Policy.To report any observed incident of unprofessional behaviour,accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences, or faulty equipment.To participate professionally in service development and proposedservice changesComply with universal infection control precautions and procedures.Tobehave in a manner which does not bring Livewell Southwest into disreputeTo complete all Mandatory training and other training pertinent to therole, as agreed by line manager.
Other ResponsibilitiesThe post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, andcompetencies within a band 3 senior health care assistant.Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner inaccordance with Livewell Southwest policies To participate in induction and supportprogrammes in relation to new staff and volunteers as directed by the nurseTo actively engage in clinicalsupervision both as a supervisor and supervisee if appropriate.
In line withlocal guidelines review, reflect and develop own practice and performancethrough effective use of professional and operational supervision andappraisal.To demonstrate ongoing personal andprofessional development through participation in internal and externaldevelopment opportunities, reflecting and recording learning outcomes in aprofessional portfolio.
This would include support groups and inductionopportunities.Toknow how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly.COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS Toact as an ambassador for Livewell with external agencies and partnerorganisations.Alwaysaddress staff, patients and members of the public in a politeandrespectful manner either in person or on the telephone.Beconversant with and comply with all relevant organisational protocols andpolicies and have valid organisational IT access.Compassionate,caring and kind in their practice.De-escalationskills.Tosupport the team in promoting a recovery orientated environment by identifyingrecovery focused activities and imparting information and education asrequired.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOBThepost holder will be competent in computer skills.The post holder may be exposed to some working conditionsincluding exposure to vomit, sputum and body fluids.
Inpatient: Carry outmeasurements (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, urinalysis,phlebotomy, wound care, intentional rounding and ECGs.Community: Carry out measurements (height, weight, bloodpressure, pulse, temperature, urinalysis, phlebotomy, wound/ pressure areacare, assisting in Doppler assessments and certain injections/ diabetesmanagement and catheterisation when deemed competent on a known patient.
To assist with ordering clinical supplies and equipment to ensure stockis maintained.The post holder will be expected to travel around Plymouth in the course of their duties as appropriate.Toundertake and be competent in breakaway training.Shiftwork including night shifts if working in an inpatient -based scenario.The post holder will always have to carry a personal alarm withthem when working within the constraints of the community-based area (clientshomes).The post holder will need to travel and attend to service users based across Plymouth and other geographical areas.
Full and valid driving licence and access to a car for work purposes is required.
Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act will be taken into account for the successful applicant.Please see supporting information for full JobDescription and Person Spec.
Person Specification Knowledge Essential Awareness of safeguarding principles.
Basic IT skills.
A basic understanding of physical health presentation.
Good communication and listening skills.
Continual assessment of patient.
Organisational skills.
Problem solving skills.
An awareness to maintain professional Boundaries.
Awareness of own limits and boundaries in relation to own job role.
Good written communication.
Sensitive understanding of diversity issues and ability to promote anti-discriminatory practice/ equal opportunities.
Resilience.
Willingness to positively share your own life experiences, personal experiences of your own ill health with service users and carers.
Ability to problem solve and create innovative solutions to help empower patients and carers.
Demonstrates an empathy of people.
Desirable Has the ability to provide line management / mentoring to junior staff.
Willingness to undertake training in relation to required skills.
Knowledge of the triangle of care.
Additional Requirements Essential Friendly and caring manner.
Approachable.
An appreciation of working with a wide age group of clients.
Flexible approach.
To work rotational shift pattern over 24 hours.
Qualifications Essential NVQ level 3, QCF level 3 in Health and Social care or equivalent qualification.
Care certificate.
Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within physical health settings.
Ability to participate in activities with patients.
Ability to contribute to the process of and the delivery of high standard of care as planned in care programme.
Desirable Vocational Qualification Level II or able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and ability to work to that level.
Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within physical health settings.
Specific Skills Essential Demonstrate effective communication skills with a range of people in various situations.
Ability to engage patients in activities off the Unit.
Ability to manage time and plan work.
To complete clinical records.
To take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties.
Ability to work in a team effectively.
Should have ability to demonstrate basic IT skills Awareness of personal safety.
Breakaway and Lone Working training if based in a community environment.
Care plans and risk assessments.
Confidentiality.
De-escalation skills.
Motivated.
Compassionate.
Empathetic.
Reliable.
Confidence in dealing with patients.
Ability to work in stressful conditions.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Desirable Current driving licence (Community based only).
Flexible approach to working arrangements.
Experience Essential Previous healthcare experience at: Band 2 level or equivalent, Band 3 level or equivalent.
Experience of one year in a Physical Health setting.
Awareness of vulnerable adult / protection issues and guidance.
Recent experience of working in a care setting.
Team working.
Clinical governance.
Ability to work with minimum of supervision.
To undertake baseline physical observations.
Evidence of continuing professional development.
Desirable Experience of variety of Physical Health settings either inpatient or community.
Previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
Working within an NHS setting.
Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards achieving personal goals in a related social care or health setting.