Job summary
We are looking for kind, compassionate and committed Health Care Support Workers to join our Adult Inpatient Services team at Dougie Mac. Our 28-bed unit provides expert palliative and end-of-life care to adults with life-limiting conditions across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.
As a Health Care Support Worker, youll be an essential part of our multi-disciplinary team, providing personal, physical, and emotional care to patients during their stay. Youll help maintain dignity and comfort at all times while supporting families during challenging and emotional experiences.
This role is suited to someone with a genuine passion for patient-centred care, strong interpersonal skills, and a flexible, team-oriented approach.
Main duties of the job
The Health Care Support Worker will assist in the delivery of high-quality palliative and end-of-life care on the Adult Inpatient Unit. Responsibilities include providing personal care, monitoring patient wellbeing, supporting clinical staff, and maintaining accurate documentation. You will work within a 24/7 care environment, contributing to individual care plans and supporting patients and families with empathy and professionalism.
This is a rewarding and impactful role, ideal for individuals who want to make a real difference to patients lives as part of a supportive and values-led hospice team.
About us
Dougie Mac provides compassionate care for adults, young adults and children with life-limiting conditions across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. As a values-led organisation, we deliver high-quality, inclusive care across inpatient, community and supportive services. Following our merger with Approach Dementia Support and the expansion into children and young adult services, we now support more people than ever before across all age groups.
Our skilled and dedicated team works collaboratively to deliver responsive, meaningful care in line with our hospice values. We support professional development, reflective practice and wellbeing.
Dougie Mac is proud to be a financially independent local charity, offering competitive pay, generous annual leave, a contributory pension, study opportunities, a healthcare cash plan and free on-site parking.
Our 28-bed Adult Inpatient Unit provides 24/7 specialist palliative and end-of-life care in a calm, purpose-built environment. We support people with complex clinical and emotional needs, and their families, at the most difficult time of life.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) within the Adult Inpatient Unit, you will deliver high-quality, compassionate care to adults with life-limiting illnesses, supporting both patients and their families throughout their time with us.
Working under the supervision of registered nurses, you will contribute to the delivery of individualised care plans and uphold the highest standards of dignity, respect, and professionalism.
Key responsibilities include:
Providing personal and physical care in accordance with each patients care plan
Supporting patients with mobility, nutrition, hydration, hygiene, and toileting needs
Assisting in last days of life care and providing emotional support to patients and their loved ones
Observing and accurately reporting changes in patients physical or emotional condition
Maintaining clear and accurate patient records, contributing to care planning and handovers
Supporting the safe administration of medications (following appropriate training and direction)
Upholding infection prevention and control measures, health and safety procedures, and safeguarding responsibilities
Creating a calm and welcoming environment in line with Dougie Macs values and ethos of care
Participating in ongoing training, reflective practice and professional development sessions
Supporting the general running of the unit including cleaning duties, stock control and basic equipment checks
Youll work within a multi-disciplinary team, rotating across day and night shifts, and contribute to a responsive, person-centred culture that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) within the Adult Inpatient Unit, you will deliver high-quality, compassionate care to adults with life-limiting illnesses, supporting both patients and their families throughout their time with us.
Working under the supervision of registered nurses, you will contribute to the delivery of individualised care plans and uphold the highest standards of dignity, respect, and professionalism.
Key responsibilities include:
Providing personal and physical care in accordance with each patients care plan
Supporting patients with mobility, nutrition, hydration, hygiene, and toileting needs
Assisting in last days of life care and providing emotional support to patients and their loved ones
Observing and accurately reporting changes in patients physical or emotional condition
Maintaining clear and accurate patient records, contributing to care planning and handovers
Supporting the safe administration of medications (following appropriate training and direction)
Upholding infection prevention and control measures, health and safety procedures, and safeguarding responsibilities
Creating a calm and welcoming environment in line with Dougie Macs values and ethos of care
Participating in ongoing training, reflective practice and professional development sessions
Supporting the general running of the unit including cleaning duties, stock control and basic equipment checks
Youll work within a multi-disciplinary team, rotating across day and night shifts, and contribute to a responsive, person-centred culture that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Numeracy and literacy skills required to keep accurate patient records.
- Spoken and written English Language to an appropriate standard to fulfil the job requirements.
Desirable
- GCSE Level (A C or 4 9) in English and Maths or equivalent or a willingness to complete
- NVQ or QCF level 2 in Direct Care / Health and Social Care
Experience
Essential
- Experience in a caring role
- Experience of working with the public and communicating with range of different people
- Experience working as part of a team and alone.
Desirable
- Experience of caring for people with palliative care needs
- Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
- Experience within a clinical environment
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Ability to observe changes and report.
- Ability to demonstrate compassion and empathy.
- Ability to carry out aspects of physical care under direct supervision.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Culturally, personally and professionally flexible
- To display a caring disposition
- Ability to demonstrate compassion and positive working attitude.
- Demonstrate a willingness to work with some flexibility.
- Ability to analyse situations and seek help/advice when required.
- Awareness of own limitations
- Presentable and able to adhere to our clinical uniform policy.
- Flexible working to meet shift requirements.
- Able to meet the requirement of the job role with values aligned to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
Desirable
- Evidence of Palliative End of Life Training
- IT skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Demonstrates calmness under pressure.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Numeracy and literacy skills required to keep accurate patient records.
- Spoken and written English Language to an appropriate standard to fulfil the job requirements.
Desirable
- GCSE Level (A C or 4 9) in English and Maths or equivalent or a willingness to complete
- NVQ or QCF level 2 in Direct Care / Health and Social Care
Experience
Essential
- Experience in a caring role
- Experience of working with the public and communicating with range of different people
- Experience working as part of a team and alone.
Desirable
- Experience of caring for people with palliative care needs
- Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
- Experience within a clinical environment
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Ability to observe changes and report.
- Ability to demonstrate compassion and empathy.
- Ability to carry out aspects of physical care under direct supervision.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Culturally, personally and professionally flexible
- To display a caring disposition
- Ability to demonstrate compassion and positive working attitude.
- Demonstrate a willingness to work with some flexibility.
- Ability to analyse situations and seek help/advice when required.
- Awareness of own limitations
- Presentable and able to adhere to our clinical uniform policy.
- Flexible working to meet shift requirements.
- Able to meet the requirement of the job role with values aligned to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
Desirable
- Evidence of Palliative End of Life Training
- IT skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Demonstrates calmness under pressure.
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.
