Social Worker - Hospice at Home

Job responsibilities

1. Main Responsibilities:

1.1. Provide a Social Work Service

1.2. Take referrals from the multi-disciplinary team concerning psychological, emotional and social problems of Hospice patients.

1.3. Make accurate assessments of client and family problems with full understanding of available resources. Formulate plans to assist patients and their families in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team.

1.4. Participate in In-Patient Unit rounds and multi-disciplinary meetings as required, and provide the multi-disciplinary team with an understanding of the psychological, emotional and social problems of individuals and families under severe stress or in crisis.

1.5. Liaise between the Hospice, Local Authority, local CCGs and other community agencies for the benefit of terminally ill patients and their relatives, to assist with discharge from the Hospice and/or ensure appropriate care in the community.

1.6. Work directly with patients and their families in the community and In-Patient Unit, using individual, group or family focused techniques, involving other members of the multi-disciplinary team as appropriate.

1.7. Access to community-based services that relate to people who dying, their families and the bereaved.

2. Contribute to the management of the service

2.1. Supervise the work of more junior colleagues and students

2.2. Effectively manage a caseload of clients, in collaboration with team colleagues.

2.3. Maintain accurate and up to date records of activity, in accordance with Hospice systems and procedures.

2.4. Contribute to and where appropriate lead the development of policies, procedures and protocols.

3. Education and Professional Development

3.1. Contribute to the design, delivery and evaluation of programmes for the teaching and training of staff, volunteers and outside agencies, and participate in the multi-disciplinary programmes provided by the Hospice.

3.2. Participate in the education and training of social work students, including contributing to the provision of practice placements for student social workers.

3.3. Keep up to date in relation to professional knowledge, awareness and attitudes to palliative care and bereavement services, including research findings and leading edge practice

3.4. Maintain registration with the Health Care Professions Council and work to the standards of professional conduct and practice required.

3.5. Maintain individual membership of the Association of Palliative Care Social Workers and participate in the Associations regional meetings.

3.6. Attend team and wider staff meetings as required and participate in regular supervision.

4. Research and audit

4.1. Participate in the clinical audit and research activities of the Hospice

Experience

Essential

• Relevant experience, (preferably post qualification) including: working in a public sector setting with responsibility for the delivery of statutory social work services, e.g. local authority or hospital, preferably as a qualified social worker.
• Working with people who are facing loss.
• Working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience of working within a voluntary service and supervising the practice of volunteers.
• Experience of working with people who are terminally ill and/or people facing bereavement.
• Experience of service evaluation.

Qualifications

Essential

• Recognised qualification in Social Work .e.g. BA, BSc, MA in Social Work, -Diploma in Social Work, Certificate of Qualification in Social Work.
• Current registration with relevant Health Care Professions Council.

Desirable

• Certificate/diploma/professional registration in Counselling or ----Psychotherapy.
• Post Qualifying Award(s) in Social Work.
• Teaching or Practice Education qualifications.
• Masters degree in a relevant discipline.

Specialist Knowledge

Essential

• An understanding of the principles of palliative care.

Particular Skills and Aptitudes

Essential

• Able to work with adults and children of all ages
• Able to teach and to facilitate the practice development of volunteers, students and professional colleagues
• Working knowledge and competence in word processing, basic spreadsheets, databases and Power Point
• Able to travel independently
• Valid full driving licence and use of a car
• Counselling and/or therapy skills
• Experience of providing clinical supervision
• Experience of facilitating reflective practice

Personal Qualities and Other Requirements

Essential

• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Established self-care and management skills.
• Commitment to provision of a culturally sensitive service.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn.
• Awareness of, and commitment to the Mission, Vision and Values of the Hospice.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).