Job summary
This role matters: The way someone dies, lives on in the minds of the people they leave behind. This is why family support is such an important part of Hospice care at St Johns.
We are looking for a compassionate, committed and professional Family Support Social Worker to join our very special team of knowledgeable and experienced palliative care clinical staff. This is a unique opportunity for the right person to use their social worker skills and commitment to the work of the Hospice to support patients and those important to them.
Our Family Support team are justifiably proud to put patients and their loved ones at the heart of everything they do. Working within our Family Support team you will give emotional and psychological support to patients and their loved ones on the inpatient ward and in day services. We are proud that our care is not only about managing symptoms but about supporting a holistic approach to patient-centred palliative care. If you are looking to take on a role where every day you can see the difference you have made to peoples lives, come and join us.
St Johns Hospice offers a range of staff benefits including Health Cash Plan, Continuing Professional Development and free onsite parking.
Applications are welcome from candidates who would prefer either 37.5 or 30 hours per week. Informal enquiries are welcome, please get in touch.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will work with other multi-disciplinary professional teams to surround the person and those
important to them. The postholder will ensure that services and interventions take account of the
whole person as well as their family and be the link between health and social care.
Working as part of the family support team, the postholder will give emotional and psychological
support to patients and families on the inpatient unit and in day services.
The postholder will utilise
their social worker skills to support complex discharge arrangements.
To ensure that risk factors and safeguarding concerns as assessed, with the safeguarding lead.
The postholder will carry out individual holistic assessment of patients social and practical needs,
and support MCA and DOLS assessments
About us
St Johns exists to promote and provide skilled and compassionate palliative care of the highest quality. The Hospice provides care in a variety of settings, directly serving our local communities from Grasmere to Garstang and from Sedbergh to Morecambe. The Hospice is rated good by CQC.
Hospice care at St Johns is provided free of charge. The NHS contributes 25% of the Hospices annual running costs, the remaining being obtained via the generosity of the public.
What we do
St Johns Hospice provides Specialist Palliative Care services and support to those affected by life-shortening illnesses. These currently include:-
- In-patient care, currently 13 beds
- Provision of community specialist palliative care through a combined team of Clinical Nurse Specialists, our Hospice at Home Team and our night sitting and day respite services
- Specialist clinics with a Consultant in palliative medicine
- Lymphoedema clinics and service
- Education for community GPs, nurses, undergraduates (nursing, medical and allied health professionals)
- Bereavement and family support
- Complementary Therapy
To provide these services, the Hospice employs around 220 staff and is well supported by our dedicated volunteers.
The Hospice does not currently provide respite care or long-term care for patients. We aim to assess and manage patients symptoms in order for them to return home wherever possible, supported by our Community Services and Family Support teams.
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN
DUTIES
- Manage
own complex caseload and work autonomously as a Social Work Practitioner as a
member of the multi-disciplinary team in an effective way, using IT software
and Systems appropriately.
- Manage
and be accountable, with supervision and support, for own social work practice
and maintain accurate and up to date records and files at all times.
- Work
closely with colleagues in the multi-disciplinary team and provide consultative
advice, education and support to members of the hospice MDT regarding the needs
of people with advanced life limiting illness, their family/carers.
- Be
aware of and work within the Policies/Procedures/Standards of St Johns
Hospice, including those relating to Infection control, Health & Safety and
Moving and Handling.
- Maintain
service user confidentiality at all times.
- Adapt
communication as required in order to provide information appropriately to all
individuals.
- Exercise
the professional duty of candour being open and honest with all patients
about all aspects of care and treatment.
- Maintain
awareness of patient diversity to meet individuals cultural needs.
- Contribute to the development of psychological support within St
Johns Hospice.
- Support staff involved in MCA and DoLS assessments and
applications.
CLINICAL
- Help
with conflict mediation between family members, where this is possible.
- Utilise
talking therapies to support patients through their illness journey, supporting
the family as well.
- Act
as an advocate for the patient and their family when needed, referring to
formal advocacy services when needed.
- Advice
on financial matters, referring to external agencies for help as required.
- Assess
challenges and risks for patients and families, such as potentially abusive or
neglectful situations, emotional needs of the patient, and safety risks in
their environment
- Obtain
consent for assessments and interventions, working in the best interest of the
patient when it is not possible to gain informed consent.
- Undertake
holistic assessments to identity the problems and resources available to
patients, families and carers resulting in effective plans to support patients,
families and carers.
- Carry
out psychological, emotional and social assessments of people and carers with
consideration for diversity.
- Provide
patients, families and carers with information with regards to employment,
housing, benefits and legal issues, including financial support through grants
making bodies.
- Make
and sustain links with external agencies relevant to the provision of
palliative care at St Johns Hospice.
- Contribute
to continuing care funding applications where appropriate.
- Participate
in the supervision and internal education process and comply with St Johns
Hospice policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Assist
and support the patients and families needs and respond appropriately in a
person centred approach.
EDUCATION
- Participate
in relevant multi-professional teaching programmes internally and externally.
- Support/mentor
relevant students undertaking practice development placements.
- Link
with local authority teams to educate them on the role of palliative care and
the Hospice.
- Co-facilitate
level 2 safeguarding training for relevant staff within the Hospice, ensuring
compliance is met both statutorily and competently.
- Lead
a clinical supervision group internally, using reflection and challenge to
support staff.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Work
within recognised professional standards in compliance with professional
registration.
- Be
aware of an ensure implementation of National Standards Framework and
Guidelines and best practice.
- Provide
a statutory and therapeutic social work service using individual, group or
family techniques.
- Network
with other Hospice and Social Work teams locally and nationally keeping up to
date in developments in palliative care and be an active member of the
Association of Palliative Care Social Workers.
- Proactively
assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities that will
enable enhanced contribution to meet the objectives of the hospice strategy.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Represent
St Johns Hospice at internal and external meetings as required to maximise the
profile of the hospice.
- Be
aware of national, regional and local issues and plans relevant to palliative
care services.
- Represent
St Johns Hospice at functions and other events as necessary.
PEOPLE AND DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT
- Support
admin volunteer(s) within social work team.
STANDARD/ENHANCED DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT
Enhanced DBS disclosure + Barring Check required for this post.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO ST. JOHNS HOSPICE
Please refer to the uploaded Job description for full details of the points below
1. Confidentiality
2. Health and Safety
3. External Interests
4. Statutory Training
5. Flexibility
6. Safeguarding
7. Disclosure and Barring
8. Equality and Inclusion
9. Volunteers
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN
DUTIES
- Manage
own complex caseload and work autonomously as a Social Work Practitioner as a
member of the multi-disciplinary team in an effective way, using IT software
and Systems appropriately.
- Manage
and be accountable, with supervision and support, for own social work practice
and maintain accurate and up to date records and files at all times.
- Work
closely with colleagues in the multi-disciplinary team and provide consultative
advice, education and support to members of the hospice MDT regarding the needs
of people with advanced life limiting illness, their family/carers.
- Be
aware of and work within the Policies/Procedures/Standards of St Johns
Hospice, including those relating to Infection control, Health & Safety and
Moving and Handling.
- Maintain
service user confidentiality at all times.
- Adapt
communication as required in order to provide information appropriately to all
individuals.
- Exercise
the professional duty of candour being open and honest with all patients
about all aspects of care and treatment.
- Maintain
awareness of patient diversity to meet individuals cultural needs.
- Contribute to the development of psychological support within St
Johns Hospice.
- Support staff involved in MCA and DoLS assessments and
applications.
CLINICAL
- Help
with conflict mediation between family members, where this is possible.
- Utilise
talking therapies to support patients through their illness journey, supporting
the family as well.
- Act
as an advocate for the patient and their family when needed, referring to
formal advocacy services when needed.
- Advice
on financial matters, referring to external agencies for help as required.
- Assess
challenges and risks for patients and families, such as potentially abusive or
neglectful situations, emotional needs of the patient, and safety risks in
their environment
- Obtain
consent for assessments and interventions, working in the best interest of the
patient when it is not possible to gain informed consent.
- Undertake
holistic assessments to identity the problems and resources available to
patients, families and carers resulting in effective plans to support patients,
families and carers.
- Carry
out psychological, emotional and social assessments of people and carers with
consideration for diversity.
- Provide
patients, families and carers with information with regards to employment,
housing, benefits and legal issues, including financial support through grants
making bodies.
- Make
and sustain links with external agencies relevant to the provision of
palliative care at St Johns Hospice.
- Contribute
to continuing care funding applications where appropriate.
- Participate
in the supervision and internal education process and comply with St Johns
Hospice policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Assist
and support the patients and families needs and respond appropriately in a
person centred approach.
EDUCATION
- Participate
in relevant multi-professional teaching programmes internally and externally.
- Support/mentor
relevant students undertaking practice development placements.
- Link
with local authority teams to educate them on the role of palliative care and
the Hospice.
- Co-facilitate
level 2 safeguarding training for relevant staff within the Hospice, ensuring
compliance is met both statutorily and competently.
- Lead
a clinical supervision group internally, using reflection and challenge to
support staff.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Work
within recognised professional standards in compliance with professional
registration.
- Be
aware of an ensure implementation of National Standards Framework and
Guidelines and best practice.
- Provide
a statutory and therapeutic social work service using individual, group or
family techniques.
- Network
with other Hospice and Social Work teams locally and nationally keeping up to
date in developments in palliative care and be an active member of the
Association of Palliative Care Social Workers.
- Proactively
assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities that will
enable enhanced contribution to meet the objectives of the hospice strategy.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Represent
St Johns Hospice at internal and external meetings as required to maximise the
profile of the hospice.
- Be
aware of national, regional and local issues and plans relevant to palliative
care services.
- Represent
St Johns Hospice at functions and other events as necessary.
PEOPLE AND DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT
- Support
admin volunteer(s) within social work team.
STANDARD/ENHANCED DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT
Enhanced DBS disclosure + Barring Check required for this post.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO ST. JOHNS HOSPICE
Please refer to the uploaded Job description for full details of the points below
1. Confidentiality
2. Health and Safety
3. External Interests
4. Statutory Training
5. Flexibility
6. Safeguarding
7. Disclosure and Barring
8. Equality and Inclusion
9. Volunteers
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Social Work Diploma.
- Current Registration with Social Work England.
Desirable
- Social Work Degree.
- Education qualification.
Other
Desirable
- Car owner / driver able to travel as required.
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 2 years post qualification experience.
- Experience of applying for NHS Continuing Health Care, and awareness of process.
Desirable
- Experience in a Palliative Care setting.
- Experience of facilitating groups (carers).
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of theories of loss.
- Knowledge of legislation including MCA, DOLS, Safeguarding and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults.
- Knowledge of local authority eligibility criteria & assessment process.
- Knowledge of health & social care systems.
- Ability to participate in Hospice educational initiatives, particularly safeguarding level 2.
- Ability to produce written reports that are relevant, concise, accurate and legible.
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills, written, verbal and non-verbal.
- Basic counselling skills.
- Good IT skills across Microsoft Office 365.
- Knowledge of audit in clinical services.
- Awareness of electronic patient records.
Desirable
- Ability to participate in standard setting and audit.
- Evidence of application of research in practice.
- ECDL Qualification.
- Use of EMIS patient care records.
- Counselling qualification.
Values and Personal Attributes
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate a commitment to palliative care multi-disciplinary team working.
- Ability to motivate self.
- Ability to monitor self and develop effective coping strategies.
- Ability to initiate and maintain effective working relationships with health and social care colleagues.
- Personal grief resolved sufficiently to fulfil the role.
- Ability to work flexibly, including unsocial hours if required.
- Ability to provide emotional, psychological, practical, social support and advice to patients, family/carers.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Social Work Diploma.
- Current Registration with Social Work England.
Desirable
- Social Work Degree.
- Education qualification.
Other
Desirable
- Car owner / driver able to travel as required.
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 2 years post qualification experience.
- Experience of applying for NHS Continuing Health Care, and awareness of process.
Desirable
- Experience in a Palliative Care setting.
- Experience of facilitating groups (carers).
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of theories of loss.
- Knowledge of legislation including MCA, DOLS, Safeguarding and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults.
- Knowledge of local authority eligibility criteria & assessment process.
- Knowledge of health & social care systems.
- Ability to participate in Hospice educational initiatives, particularly safeguarding level 2.
- Ability to produce written reports that are relevant, concise, accurate and legible.
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills, written, verbal and non-verbal.
- Basic counselling skills.
- Good IT skills across Microsoft Office 365.
- Knowledge of audit in clinical services.
- Awareness of electronic patient records.
Desirable
- Ability to participate in standard setting and audit.
- Evidence of application of research in practice.
- ECDL Qualification.
- Use of EMIS patient care records.
- Counselling qualification.
Values and Personal Attributes
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate a commitment to palliative care multi-disciplinary team working.
- Ability to motivate self.
- Ability to monitor self and develop effective coping strategies.
- Ability to initiate and maintain effective working relationships with health and social care colleagues.
- Personal grief resolved sufficiently to fulfil the role.
- Ability to work flexibly, including unsocial hours if required.
- Ability to provide emotional, psychological, practical, social support and advice to patients, family/carers.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
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).
Additional information
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).
