Cancer Information and Support Advisor

Main purpose of post

• Provide direct support to people affected by cancer by meeting in person with or providing digital or telephone support to people using the service (patients/clients, carers, relatives, professionals).

• Provide high quality information and support within defined level of competence in relation to cancer. This will include assessment of service users' information and support needs (Holistic Needs Assessment/Cancer Care Review), provision of written or verbal information, supportive listening and action planning to facilitate self-management.

• Manage referrals from clinical teams in a timely manner, liaising with clinical teams, primary care teams and community partners where necessary.

• Provide care coordination around the individual to ensure their experience of support feels seamless and is transparent, including support from partner agencies.

What you do

Delivery of information and support to people living with and beyond cancer and their families

• Provide information and support within level of competence of the post (Macmillan Levels of Intervention Criteria L1,2,3,4; NICE approved four tier model of psychological support Level 1, 2 & 3).

• This will include:

• Assess the needs of individuals attending / contacting the service and identify the required level of intervention.

• Support users sensitively to help them understand clinical information they have been given (e.g. around diagnosis, treatment, effects of the illness and treatment, cancer terminology), helping to resolve situations where users feel they have been given conflicting information. This will include addressing concerns and queries and working to resolve them and the ability to recognise and work within the limits of own competence and responsibility is crucial, referring issues beyond these limits to relevant people.

• Understand that there will be frequent exposure to distressing/ highly distressing situations and deal with difficult and highly emotive situations in a sensitive manner and base decisions on own professional judgement.

• Deal with service users with complex enquiries or support needs, or who need help in accessing or understanding information, referring to appropriate members of the wider clinical team (CNS, oncologist) when appropriate or signpost them to other supportive services.

• Liaise with clinical staff to support patients and carers in distress.

• Demonstrate a high level of skill acquired through relevant training or equivalent experience whilst demonstrating awareness of the limits of own practice and knowledge and when to seek appropriate support/ advice.

• Provide supporting information around topics such as reducing the risk of cancer, healthy living, diagnosis, treatment options, side effects and living with cancer, in the most appropriate format (e.g. written, verbal, and others as appropriate to overcome any barriers to communication).

• Provide advice on a range of issues e.g. benefits, travel insurance, and facilitate access to services e.g. specialist benefits advice, complementary therapy.

• Liaise with relevant staff at all levels as appropriate both within the charity and externally to address issues identified, and seek advice with more complex issues, directly involving others where necessary, e.g. Clinical Lead (HCP), Cancer Information and Support Advisors, Head of Cancer Support Services; Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS).

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of effective relationships with partner organisations in primary and secondary and the voluntary the sector via networking, also giving talks and presenting at relevant groups.

• Plan and deliver 'pop-up' information clinics, ensuring these pop-up clinics are evaluated.

• Lead the development and delivery of courses and workshops.

• Lead peer support groups and service-user involvement.

Operational Delivery

• Collect and collate data regarding contacts with people who use the service both in person and by telephone and produce reports of activity as required.

• Plan and organise events and displays externally liaising with departments and agencies as required.

• Lead discrete projects or service improvements under direction of the Head of Cancer Support Services

• Work flexibly to deliver the objectives of the cancer support service, including attending events and outreach sessions across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and Bassetlaw.

• Ensure service user participation in development of the service, including facilitating forums and meetings.

• Facilitate open and effective communication with multi-professional teams, both internally and externally.

• Maintain systems and processes to promote a healthy, safe and secure working environment and maintain accurate documentation and report any concerns.

• Act as a role model by demonstrating expertise and maintaining credibility, ensuring a positive image of Weston Park Cancer Charity is maintained.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 6 months

Pay: £37,624.00-£41,739.50 per year

Work Location: In person