Team Leader Hospital Palliative Care Team

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Practice, Management, and Leadership

Lead and Model High-Quality Care -Provide individualised care to patients and their families, ensuring that services align with the Hospices standards and philosophy.

Supervise and Mentor Staff - Oversee the Hospital Palliative Care Team through regular supervision, documented meetings, and annual performance reviews, promoting a culture of continuous learning.

Manage Operational Aspects - Take responsibility for the services budget, prioritise referrals and caseloads, and ensure the availability of a responsive, seven-day-a-week service.

Champion Best Practices - Use evidence-based knowledge to guide team decisions and ensure that care practices reflect current research and high standards.

Drive Interdisciplinary Collaboration - Work closely with medical, nursing, and support teams at QEH and GBCH to facilitate an integrated, quality-driven palliative care service.

Communication and Team Coordination

Facilitate Clear, Consistent Communication - Lead daily and multidisciplinary team meetings, ensuring alignment across departments and timely decision-making for patient care.

Build Strong Relationships - Establish and maintain positive, supportive relationships with colleagues across Hospital, Hospice, and community care teams to promote holistic, patient-centered care.

Delegate Effectively - Ensure seamless operations by appropriately delegating tasks, especially during planned leave, to maintain continuity and high standards of care.

Education, Training, and Professional Development

Mentor and Coach Team Member - Foster a supportive environment focused on professional growth, self-directed learning, and staff development across all levels.

Engage in Continuous Learning - Identify and address training needs within the team, delivering education and induction programs in collaboration with LGT and other partners.

Contribute to Sector Knowledge - Participate in and present at training, research forums, and conferences, sharing insights and best practices.

Quality Assurance and Improvement

Ensure High Standards - Regularly monitor and report on standards of care through clinical governance structures, contributing to an ongoing culture of improvement.

Advocate for Patients and Families - Act as a compassionate advocate, upholding dignity and respect throughout the care process and post-mortem.

Participate in Audit and Research Initiatives - Conduct regular audits and engage in research to refine and advance palliative care practices, ensuring patient outcomes drive service improvements.

End-of-Life Care and Bereavement Support

Provide Grief Support - Guide the team in understanding and addressing grief and loss, offering support to patients, families, and colleagues through challenging situations.

Promote Awareness of Bereavement Services - Identify individuals at risk in bereavement and refer them to appropriate support services.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Education - Registered professional qualification e.g., Allied Health Professional, Social Worker, Nursing, with relevant degree and leadership experience.
• Specialised Experience - Senior role experience in palliative care, ideally within a hospital or hospice setting, with proven ability in managing change, staff development, and interdisciplinary team working.
• Leadership and Management - Demonstrated competence in team leadership, staff development, budget management, and operational oversight in healthcare.
• Technical Skills - Proficient in digital health systems e.g., SystmOne, iCare, for effective record-keeping and patient care coordination.

Desirable

• Advanced Study - Masters level study, Advanced Communications Skills, teaching qualifications, and/or leadership certifications are beneficial.
• Research Competency - Knowledge of research methods and experience with data-driven decision-making in palliative care.
• Community-Based Experience - Experience working with community nurses, GPs, and within broader community networks.
• Autonomy and Teamwork - Able to work independently while thriving as part of a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
• Innovative and Solution-Oriented - Strong problem-solving skills, flexibility in handling diverse clinical and operational challenges, and a proactive approach to improving patient care.
• Inclusive and Equitable - Committed to anti-discriminatory practices, embracing diversity, and promoting equity across all interactions and care delivery.
• Flexible Work Approach - Willingness to work across different locations (Hospice, QEH, UHL) and adaptable to weekend or out-of-hours work as needed.

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Community Hospice

Address

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Nhs Trust

Stadium Road

London

SE18 4QH

Employer's website

https://communityhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)