Job summary
As the lead complementary therapist for cancer services at HHFT, you will provide expert knowledge and skills around suitable, effective, and safe therapies to the wider cancer teams, patients, and caregivers. As a practicing therapist you will be directly responsible for providing a range of therapies to both in and outpatients.
You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the complementary therapy service and acting as first point of contact for all enquiries and referrals. As the most experienced and skilled therapist, you will educate cancer staff and support other therapists coming into the service.
You will work closely with the Macmillan Supportive Care Lead to grow and develop the complementary therapy service, which will eventually including building a team of therapists (paid and voluntary).
You will provide this service across HHFT sites as required.
Main duties of the job
- To provide advice and guidance on the suitability, safety, and appropriateness on a wide range of complementary therapies
- To be able to provide at least two types of complementary therapy
- Advise on the supply, storage and usage of equipment or sundries, i.e., massage couch, aromatherapy oils
- Undertake formal assessment of referred patients/clients prior to any treatments
- Prioritise and manage referrals and workload
- Work closely with oncology, haematology, and palliative care MDT's
- Work collaboratively to promote and develop an integrated complementary therapy within cancer services
- Actively participate in audits and evaluation of services
- Work closely with the Macmillan Supportive Care Lead to develop and continually update, relevant literature (written or online), policies, procedures, risk assessments and guidelines for inpatient and outpatient complementary therapies
- Keep concise, accurate records in line with data protection requirements and the Trusts record keeping policies and procedures
- Contribute to the supportive care monthly/annual reporting
- Provide professional leadership to HHFT complementary therapists (paid or voluntary)
- Attend regular department meetings
- Poses a professional membership to a complementary therapy governing body and adhere to their standards and codes of conduct
- Participate in regular CPD activities and clinical supervision
- Deliver complementary therapy education to internal and external audiences
About us
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) provides hospital services to around 570,000 people living in Hampshire and parts of West Berkshire, and specialist services to patients from all over the country. We deliver a full range of district hospital services in a variety of locations.
This is an exciting time to be part of cancer services at Hampshire Hospitals. We are developing an integrated Wellbeing and Supportive Care service for our cancer patients to better support their holistic needs. As the Lead Complementary Therapist, your role will be integral to this. You will work directly with the Macmillan Supportive Care Lead who is setting up this new and exciting service, as well as many other members of cancer services from psychologists and nurses, dietitians to cancer support workers.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Happy to Talk Flexible Working - all requests for flexible and part time working will be considered.
Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Happy to Talk Flexible Working - all requests for flexible and part time working will be considered.
Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Professional qualification in at least two of the following therapies: Aromatherapy, Massage Therapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage (i.e., FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists), CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) and IFPA (International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists)
- Professional qualification in holistic palliative care for complementary therapists
- Evidence of continued professional development in area of specified practice
Desirable
- Professional qualification in counselling skills
- Advanced communication skills
- Knowledge of a wide range of other complementary therapies
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Experience of working in an acute hospital setting, and or a hospice setting
- Minimum 4 years of experience providing complementary therapies in a cancer or palliative care setting
- Understanding of cancer, different types of treatments and potential side effects
- Awareness of research and evidence around complementary therapies
- Experience of working with medical teams to support patients
Desirable
- Experience of working in an NHS environment
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Experience of mentoring, supervision, professional leadership
- Experience of setting up a complementary therapy service
Skills & Ability
Essential
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- IT skills (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with distressed individuals/in difficult circumstances
- Able to prioritise workload
Desirable
- Ability to adapt easily to change and work flexibly
- Experience of carrying out audits and service evaluations
Other Specific Requirements
Essential
- Have professional indemnity insurance
- Are physically fit enough to perform treatments and to spend most of your day standing or walking
- Have a driving licence and access to your own vehicle
Desirable
- Have an awareness Cancer groups in the Wessex region (i.e., CSP, support groups, Wessex Cancer Alliance)
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- Professional qualification in at least two of the following therapies: Aromatherapy, Massage Therapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage (i.e., FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists), CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) and IFPA (International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists)
- Professional qualification in holistic palliative care for complementary therapists
- Evidence of continued professional development in area of specified practice
Desirable
- Professional qualification in counselling skills
- Advanced communication skills
- Knowledge of a wide range of other complementary therapies
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Experience of working in an acute hospital setting, and or a hospice setting
- Minimum 4 years of experience providing complementary therapies in a cancer or palliative care setting
- Understanding of cancer, different types of treatments and potential side effects
- Awareness of research and evidence around complementary therapies
- Experience of working with medical teams to support patients
Desirable
- Experience of working in an NHS environment
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Experience of mentoring, supervision, professional leadership
- Experience of setting up a complementary therapy service
Skills & Ability
Essential
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- IT skills (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with distressed individuals/in difficult circumstances
- Able to prioritise workload
Desirable
- Ability to adapt easily to change and work flexibly
- Experience of carrying out audits and service evaluations
Other Specific Requirements
Essential
- Have professional indemnity insurance
- Are physically fit enough to perform treatments and to spend most of your day standing or walking
- Have a driving licence and access to your own vehicle
Desirable
- Have an awareness Cancer groups in the Wessex region (i.e., CSP, support groups, Wessex Cancer Alliance)
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).
