Care Assistant

Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust

The closing date is 31 January 2025

Job summary

Acorns Children's Hospice Trust are looking for a Care Assistant for our Three Counties Hospice, Worcester, to deliver holistic care of children and young people who are life-limited or life-threatened at the hospice or in their home. This role is offered on a full time basis, working 37.5 hours per week

Main duties of the job

As a Care Assistant, you will:

Assist the Nurses in assessing the care needs of the children and young people
Deliver day to day care as detailed in the care plan
Facilitate outings, play and activity that is appropriate to age and development needs.

Youll take advantage of training opportunities to further develop your skills and expertise and access clinical supervision when required. Our Care Assistants have opportunities to apply for a Trainee Nursing Associate role with us, where youll study for a professional qualification, which could support your career into nursing.

About You

Previous experience in general childcare and experience in a hospital environment or looking after the physical care of children.
Care Certificate or willing to work towards
NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent)
Knowledge of safeguarding is essential.

Were open every day of the year and are fully responsive to the needs of our children and young people, so we will ask for some flexibility as there will be day and night shifts.

About us

Acorns provides care for babies, children and young people, who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, both in our hospices and in their homes. Our Care Assistants are part of a supportive, multi-disciplinary team delivering care packages that are tailored to each childs individual holistic needs and were structured so that youll simply have the time to care.

Each hospice is purpose-built with individually decorated rooms overlooking our gardens. We try to make it as welcoming and friendly as possible a homely environment for the children, young people and their families.

What We Offer

Up to £24,720per annum (FTE)
37.5 hour per week
Based in Three Counties Hospice, Worcester (WR5 3EZ)
Employee discounts from leading retailers
Employee gym discount scheme
Bike-to-Work scheme
Generous contribution to group personal pension plan or continuation of current NHS pension scheme
NHS pension scheme life assurance or Acorns group life assurance scheme

Date posted

06 January 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£23,400 to £24,720 a year plus additional enhancements

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

B0025-265098

Job locations

Acorns Childrens Hospice

350 Bath Road

Worcester

WR5 3EZ

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose:

Deliver holistic care of children and young people who are life limited/ life threatened in their homes or at the hospice and to provide support to their families.

Main Duties:

1. Nursing and Family Care

> Actively encourage a family atmosphere within Acorns.

> Assist the registered nurse in assessing the care needs of the child and young person when in the hospice or in their home.

> Deliver day to day care as detailed in the care plan to a safe and consistent standard.

> Work with colleagues to ensure all medication is given in a timely manner according to the Acorns medications administration record.

> Facilitate outings play and activity that is appropriate to age and development needs of the child

> Adhere to Acorns policies and maintain an awareness of new and developing care options.

> Every employee has a professional responsibility to maintain an up to date knowledge and awareness of issues required to deliver quality care at the end of life.

> Every employee has a professional responsibility to maintain an up to date knowledge and awareness of issues around the safeguarding of children, and to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to protect children facilitated through effective communication across multidisciplinary agencies.

> Every employee has a responsibility to maintain confidential, accurate and timely records.

> Develop the required computer skills to use technology-based solutions to facilitate effective communication and record keeping.

> Maintain an awareness of the diversity of families supported by Acorns 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.

2. Professional Development

> Actively participate in projects to develop service provision.

> Take advantage of training opportunities to further develop your skills and expertise to enhance your role within the Acorns Care Team including mandatory training sessions.

> Access clinical supervision as and when required.

3. Management and Team Awareness

> Support the Nurse-in-Charge of the shift in-house at Acorns as required.

> Actively guide and supervise volunteer work with children.

> Assist the Matron with ordering and purchasing requirements as necessary for day-to-day running of Acorns services.

> Inform the relevant line manager / on call of incidents and concerns using agreed processes.

> Participate in the induction of new employees as and when required.

4. Communication

> Encourage the philosophy of Acorns and present a good public image.

> Liaise closely with the all professionals and volunteers working with the child/ young person and family to ensure a seamless service.

> Attend team meetings and team briefings and participate in other meetings as appropriate (including external meetings)

5. Health and Safety

> Ensure that infection control guidelines and policies are strictly adhered to.

> Undertake risk assessment and management to ensure that clients, families, visitors and colleagues are safe.

> Be aware of and work within the lone working policies of the organisation.

> Maintain the Health & Safety Regulations of Acorns Childrens Hospice Trust including Fire Regulations within the Acorns buildings.