Cancer Support Worker

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity to appoint to our team of cancer care support workers at University Hospitals Dorset.

The Cancer Support Worker will work closely with the Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialists to ensure the coordination and management of patients at all points of their treatment. The Cancer Support Worker will also act as a point of contact for patients who will have been prepared by their clinical team for Patient Stratified Follow Up (PSFU) - and will be able to signpost patients to assist and support them with their self-management.

Recent experience in a healthcare or social care setting is important, although this role is a support role and is not directlyclinical. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a level of knowledge about, and have experience of, supporting adults with acute or chronic illness. We are keen that the postholder has experience in cancer care.

Interview Date: 14th April 2025

Main duties of the job

• The support worker will work closely with Clinical Nurse Specialists and the multi-disciplinary team to support cancer patients, involving direct communication with patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Key responsibilities include delivering the Personalised Care Programme by conducting holistic needs assessments, creating personalized care plans, and organizing health and wellbeing events. Assessing patient needs and signposting to appropriate services will help individuals live well with and beyond a cancer diagnosis.

• The role includes administrative tasks and practical support, such as booking transfusions or clinic appointments, ensuring a smooth cancer pathway. It also involves contributing to the risk stratification project, supporting the safe care of low-risk patients. Candidates must be organized, able to manage their workload, and proficient in IT systems, with training provided as needed.

• Strong communication skills are essential for managing level 1 psychological distress and escalating level 2 distress when necessary. Compassion, empathy, and a commitment to improving services for cancer patients and their families are vital, along with knowledge or a willingness to work within hospital systems and cancer care.

About us

Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued team mates and colleagues

UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.

This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interview.