Community Support Worker

Job description

Job responsibilities

Undertake training in order to perform high qualityclinical interventions effectively and remain competent to practice theseinterventions, such as clinical observations, blood glucose monitoring,urinalysis, venepuncture, removal or urinary catheter, insertion and removal ofperipheral cannulas, perform ECG, calculation of BMI, all following assessmentand completion of clinical competency. This is not an exhaustive list, and otherclinical interventions may be required dependant on the area of practice. Assess a persons clinical condition, within the individuals scope of competenceusing tools such as, NEWS2 parameters, pain assessment tool, non-verbalsigns of deterioration and know how to urgently escalate concernsappropriately. Work independently or as part of a team to plan your own workload, prioritisingthe clinical needs of the patients in your care. Undertake a range of clinical interventions and to demonstrate accuratephysical skills, with the use of relevant equipment, obtained through trainingand practice, physiological observation monitoring, venepuncture, removal ofurethral catheters, peripheral cannulation insertion and removal, urinalysis,blood glucose monitoring, swab taking inclusive of MRSA, Covid, woundswabbing, simple wound dressings, ECG, placing cardiac monitoring,spirometry, bladder scanning Assist a patient at risk of harm, such as pressure damage, and risk of falls byfollowing the risk assessment and individualised care plan, they will also beexpected to report any changes in condition that may impact the patient, via ourTrust incident reporting system. Adhere to trust policies and standard operating procedures in relation to allaspects of practice. To know how to access the most up to date policies andadhere to them in line with Trust requirements. Promote independence with mobility and to maintain current function andsupport individuals to return to baseline function when there has been a change. Act on own initiative delivering patient care and demonstrate Trust values in allareas of work and to conduct yourself in a professional and appropriate manner. Prevention of adverse effects on health and wellbeing. Support patients withactivities to keep them active and mentally engaged and stimulated, such asthe role of an activities co-ordinator. Work within your own capabilities and demonstrate a personal duty of care,using any resources, valuables, ordering clinical supplies, when using anyequipment such as hoists, examination trollies and wheelchairs Provide support and supervision to new or less experienced staff bydemonstrating and teaching safe practice and explaining supplementary taskswhich need completing in the clinical areas, such as daily cleaning ofenvironment and equipment, quality control checks on equipment, audits orother works to maintain standards, stocking of equipment, organising theclinical environment Accurately record information, such as physiological observations andunderstand the importance of accurate and complete documentation, recordingclearly and accurately all aspects of care given to the individual in relevantdocuments, such as risk assessments, care plans,comfort rounds, fluid and food charts, blood glucose monitoring Promote nutritional intake of food and fluids, this may require assisting withfeeding or completion of menus, preparing for mealtimes, such as positioningand hand washing and maintaining clear and accurate records of intake, suchas Food and Fluid charts. Act as the patients advocate in safeguarding patients from harm using thepatients information, such as falls prevention and pressure damage prevention. Act accordingly if concerned or made aware of any incidents/concerns or harmsuch as safeguarding concerns, reporting incidents using the incident reportingsystem.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification/experience

Desirable

• Care certificate
• English & Mathematics at GSCE grade A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience
• Understands the need for strict confidentiality

Desirable

• Working knowledge of complex care needs of some individuals/families including Safeguarding Children & Adults, Domestic Abuse and Mental Health

Specific Skills

Essential

• Basic computer/keyboard skills
• Fine motor skills - for venepuncture, phlebotomy, and other clinical tasks
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to prioritise and organise work
• Able to work under instruction, under pressure and as part of a team
• Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records
• Able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and to adapt communication style to circumstances
• Able to manage stress in themselves and others
• Able to offer support at times of emotional distress
• Willingness to undertake new skills and training
• Able to work as a team member or independently
• Ability to adapt behaviour to changing and challenging situations
• To be flexible, adaptable, dependable, and punctual
• The post holder must demonstrate a positive commitment to uphold diversity and equality policies approved by the Trust

Desirable

• Healthcare competencies appropriate to area of work

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Moor to Sea Community Nurses, Main base, Totnes

Leatside Surgery, Babbage Road

Totnes

TQ9 5JA

Employer's website

https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)