Complementary Therapies Coordinator

Job responsibilities

1. Delivery of Complementary Therapy Service

1. Work alongside the complementary therapy volunteers to maintain a high standard of complementary therapy service.

1.2. Coordinate the day to day activity of Complementary Therapy services and Complementary Therapy volunteers through effective planning and prioritisation.

1.3. Respond to referrals for complementary therapy, ensuring that the patient/carer is contacted in a timely manner and the referrer is kept up to date as appropriate.

1.4. Deliver Complementary Therapy treatments, and act as a specialist resource to patients, carers and non-specialist groups of employees and volunteers.

1.5. Oversee appointment scheduling for volunteers to deliver complementary therapy sessions

1.6. Make accurate assessments of individual needs, liaising with the wider team as appropriate.

1.7. To be responsible for the safe storage, use, supply and ordering of aromatherapy oils.

1.8. To deliver talks about the role of Complementary Therapies in palliative care to patients and carers e.g. at the Breathlessness Group/ New Wellbeing programme

1.9. Communicate and work in partnership with the multidisciplinary team to ensure high standards of specialist palliative care to patients and their carers.

1.10. Ensure the maintenance of electronic patient records and other relevant records

2. Volunteer Management

2.1. Liaise with the volunteer team to support the recruitment and selection of new volunteers, including completing volunteer interviews

2.2. Complete inductions with new volunteer therapists, ensuring they are working within the Hospices policies and procedures.

2.3. Effectively supervise the volunteers, including annual reviews, team meetings and ongoing support and training.

3. Professional

3.1. Ensures own registration with the Complementary and Natural Health Council (CNHC), and is aware of the CNHC Code of Professional Conduct and Scope of Professional Practice.

3.2. Maintain own clinical competence and adhere to professional codes of conduct for Complementary Therapists.

3.3. Keep aware of current developments in palliative care and Complementary Therapies and their implications for practice.

3.4. Facilitate the continuing development of self and Complementary Therapy volunteers

Qualifications

Essential

• Good standard of education
• Registration with the CNHC
• NVQ Level 3 ITEC or equivalent
• NVQ Level 3 in Aromatherapy or equivalent
• Qualification in a second Complementary Therapy related field
• Willing to undertake further qualifications
• Understanding of basic clinical care

Experience

Essential

• Several years post graduate experience
• Experience of multi-professional team working
• Oncology, Palliative Care and/or neurological experience
• Experience of working with volunteers
• Experience of providing educational sessions
• Experience of supporting staff/volunteers
• Experience of using computerised patient records
• Experience of working in a Hospice

Particular Skills and Aptitudes

Essential

• Ability to work as an autonomous practitioner
• Advanced clinical assessment skills
• Commitment to professional development
• Ability to work across a wide range of client ages and needs
• Evidence of highly developed communication skills both written and verbal
• Excellent interpersonal skills with particular ability to liaise effectively with patients and multidisciplinary team
• Able to work effectively in an emotionally demanding environment
• Computer literate
• Leadership capabilities
• Decision making skills
• Good organizational and time management skills prioritizing and managing caseload under pressure

Specialist Knowledge

Essential

• Understanding of specialist palliative care provision
• Breadth of knowledge of Complementary Therapies and their application in palliative care.
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Knowledge of current healthcare and Complementary Therapy policy and provision
• Ability to facilitate induction and on-going training of volunteer therapists
• 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).