Frailty Prevention Health Coach

Job responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Ref No:

1. JOB DETAILS

Job Title: Frailty Prevention Health and Wellbeing Coach

Reports to: NGPS on behalf of North Gosforth Primary Care Network Clinical Director

Accountable to: Primary Care Network Board

Grade: Band 4

Location: Community 5 practices in Gosforth, Newcastle

Term: Fixed Term 12 months. Full Time / 37.5hrs/week

Closing Date:

Interview Dates:

2. JOB PURPOSE

North Gosforth Primary Care Network is a group of GP practices in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne (Park Medical, Brunton Park, Broadway, Regent Park and Gosforth Memorial) working collaboratively to improve the health of our population. Newcastle GP Services is a host employer for the Network.

The Network has designed an exciting 12-month frailty project and are looking to recruit a health and wellbeing coach to form part of the project multi-disciplinary team. The project will primarily work with elderly and or frail patients who live alone or with their families, providing proactive care aimed to maximise their health and well-being and prevent unnecessary or unscheduled urgent care. Using both in-person and online/remote interventions the role will seek to build patients confidence to undertake independent exercise, build muscle and increase core strength to reduce their long-term risk of falling. The post will be supported by a diverse multi-disciplinary team all working for the benefit of the patient. Experience in elderly care and a passion for working with older patients is essential. The ideal candidate should be pro-active, motivated, and good at managing complex situations.

3. PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Work with frail and elderly patients to understand their level of knowledge, skills and confidence, when engaging with their health and well-being and subsequently supporting them in shared decision-making conversations

Manage and prioritise a caseload, in accordance with the health and wellbeing needs of your patients, by taking an approach that is holistic, non-judgemental, based on strong communication and negotiation skills

Provide personalised support to individuals to be active participants in their own healthcare.

Coach and motivate patients in individual and group settings to identify their needs, set goals, and supporting patients to achieve their personalised health and care plan objectives

Where required and as appropriate, refer patients to other health professionals within the PCN including Social Prescribing Link Workers and wider health and social care, connecting patients to other health groups.

Use existing IT and MDT channels to screen patients, to identify those that would benefit most from health coaching.

Use IT to deliver online / remote physical training for both individuals and groups

Explore and support patient access to a personal health budget, where appropriate, for their care and support.

To participate in the development of care pathways to promote uniformity of care.

To manage complaints in a calm and courteous manner, ensuring that wherever possible complaints are dealt with efficiently and satisfactorily and resolved locally.

4. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

See the Person Specification which is attached.

5. KEY RESULT AREAS

Actively collect and maintain data that will demonstrate patient improvement in key areas, such as Time Up and Go/Gait speed tests.

To take an active role in risk assessment, supporting implementation of strategies to minimise risk. Ensuring incidents and near misses are reported, through promoting a no blame culture.

Act in accordance with GP Practice and Statutory Guidelines and Policies, including Health and Safety initiatives.

Will work in accordance with project objectives.

Contribute to PCN board meetings and Project Steering Groups to meet the objectives of the Project.

6. COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

To create an environment that fosters good communication between patients / carers and health care professionals, that meet the individuals needs.

Be an effective and confident communicator and a role model in the community to other members of the health care team.

Participating and communicating with relevant health care professionals in the MDT and wider primary care setting

7. SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Lone working in the community.

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer with insurance
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development

Desirable

• Exercise for Older Adults PT qualification
• Degree in sports / social sciences
• Adult safeguarding training
• Data protection training

Experience

Essential

• Experience in relevant specialist area
• Experience of multidisciplinary working
• Experience of developing, implementing and evaluating projects & audits

Desirable

• Experience of using motivational interviewing
• Experience of working with older people

Skills

Essential

• Ability to plan and manage own time effectively
• Ability to generate written communication which is relevant, concise, and accurate
• An ability to use information technology to maximise personal effectiveness, or willingness to develop these skills
• Ability to demonstrate verbal communication skills
• Demonstrates a sound knowledge and application of up-to-date evidence based clinical trends and practices in specialist area

Desirable

• Understanding of current changes within Primary Care, particularly those affecting Primary Care Networks
• Ability to work with and engage people to support them making healthier choices and enjoy exercise
• Desire to develop leadership skills and develop role of health and wellbeing coach in the health setting

Knowledge

Essential

• Understanding of Information Governance and Confidentiality
• Understanding of equality and diversity issues and how this affects patients, visitors and staff
• Understanding of what the NHS Constitution means to you, and your responsibilities to the public, patients and colleagues.
• Up to date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues.
• Knowledge of evidence based practice.
• Proficient use of IT and online communication tools
• Awareness of clinical governance and risk management issues.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• An ability to be flexible in a changing environment
• An ability to work independently
• An ability to demonstrate a commitment to team working
• An ability to develop and maintain links with outside agencies
• An ability to learn and apply knowledge appropriately
• An ability to use tact and diplomacy when necessary
• Demonstrates innovative ideas

Other Requirements

Essential

• UK Driving licence - car available for work
• The ability to undertake reflective thinking on own practice.
• Self-motivated.
• Flexible and positive approach to work.
• Good attendance record.

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).