Job summary
We are looking to recruit a Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support Coordinator (YSC)Fixed Term Contract for 6 months working 37.5 hours per week . This post is funded by Teenage Cancer Trust.
To be successful in this role, you will be required to have a diploma or degree in a relevant qualification such as youth work, psychology, social sciences or play specialism.
We are looking for an exceptional individual who must enjoy and have significant experience of working with Teenagers and Young Adults (TYA), be emotionally resilient and have compassion, sensitivity and an engaging personality. Working as part of the TYA Multidisciplinary team and linking into existing wide-ranging patient services, the successful candidate will be based on the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit on Ward 3B at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
The post holder will be responsible for providing both individually tailored and group support both on and off the unit. Working in partnership with other YSC colleagues in the network they will both lead and contribute to a wide range of appropriate peer support opportunities, to enable and encourage patients to socialise and remain active as young people throughout the cancer trajectory, living with and beyond cancer.
Main duties of the job
To lead on and providing a wide range of age appropriate activities and support to facilitate cognitive, social and emotional development of young people aged 13-24 years throughout their cancer treatment and recovery. Working in a range of paediatric, adult and TYA-specific clinical areas at Alder Hey, and some non-hospital settings e.g. for peer support activities. This will include: Taking referrals from clinical staff and identifying appropriate individual, group and peer-support activities to meet the needs of young people. Co-ordinating, and providing diversionary 1:1 and group activities in the hospital setting ensuring they are well-planned, appropriate and safe for all participants. To lead on design and organisation of agreed patient group activities outside the hospital setting, with input from paediatric and TYA team colleagues as appropriate to ensure they are well-planned, appropriate and safe for all participants. Contributing to the design and implementation of programmes to support transition, both in relation to age/development and stages of the cancer care pathway. Developing age-appropriate methods for involving teenagers and young adults in the evaluation/development of services, taking a key role in supporting their involvement. Contributing to the development and use of communication technologies to meet the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer. The role may require travel around the region at times and some evening/weekend working.
About us
The Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Alder Hey provides a home from home environment for young people aged 13-18 undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, symptom control and palliation. The TYA team understand that adolescence is a vitally important and key developmental time in a young person's life and aims to provide specialist care and emotional support through their treatment and prepare them for the future. Crucially we engage with patients as young people first, aim to see beyond their diagnosis and provide opportunities for autonomy, for peer support and to own and shape their cancer experience in a way best suited to them.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties and Responsibilities
Communication
- Develop strong and collaborative professional links with the hospital teams, working particularly closely with representatives and colleagues from other organisations such as the CLIC Sargent staff, including on joint activities and projects where appropriate.
- Act as a contact for Teenage Cancer Trust and other organisations regarding patient participation, and liaise with TYA team to ensure each patient has made an informed choice to participate, with signed consents as required. Support individuals throughout these activities.
- Act as point of contact for Teenage Cancer Trust and other organisations regarding trips, treats, holidays and other opportunities. Liaise with TYA team regarding any such activities as appropriate.
- Be an active member of any adolescent forums, and any other local TYA service development groups as appropriate, taking a lead on projects related to YSC role, agreed with TYA lead Nurse.
- Attend quarterly Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support Co-ordinator meetings as a core member of this group.
Analytical skills
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop age-appropriate methods for gaining feedback from young people and supporting their input into developing services. Report on involvement activities to the appropriate management teams and share the outcomes with patents/families.
Planning and organising skills
- Maintain records of patient contacts and activities provided. Ensure personal information or observations about individual young people are appropriately shared with colleagues to support multidisciplinary care.
- Record and report all concerns relating to needs assessment or safeguarding children or vulnerable young adults to each Ward Area Manager/Lead Nurses.
- Record any untoward incidents using Trust reporting systems.
- Undertake and record structured risk assessments for all organised activities in and out of the hospital liaising with the appropriate Ward/Lead Nurses and other colleagues as appropriate to manage risk.
- Ensure all necessary consents and medical information requirements are obtained for activities and maintain these records safely.
- Keep records of the referrals, contacts, activity/interventions and outcomes for patients accessing the service and be able to analyse the data to help inform practice.
- Ensure records of recreational and technological equipment maintenance are kept according to Trust requirements.
Physical skills
- Be responsible and proactive in maintaining personal physical safety and emotional wellbeing, utilising supervision and support systems on offer via the Hospital Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust and others.
Responsibility for patient/client care
- Establish effective relationships with teenagers and young adults, using age-appropriate approaches and communication skills to identify individuals interests, strengths, areas of concern/need and help them to participate in positive activity while in hospital.
- Maintain appropriate professional contact with patients, whether face-to-face or via online systems, telephone, or text.
- Ensure the responsibilities for patient confidentiality are maintained in all contacts with young people, families, friends and any other individuals or organisations.
- Develop a programme of 1:1 and small-group diversionary and supportive activities and enable young people to participate as appropriate to their physical health and personal preferences.
- Use motivational techniques to engage young people in their cancer treatment plan, follow up schedule and self-care. Assist colleagues in effective communication with individual young people to achieve this aim.
- Contribute to information-giving and preparation of young people undergoing medical procedures and accompany them to provide non-clinical support as required.
- Collaborate with colleagues to identify health and wellbeing issues for the patient group and for individuals, and to provide young people with access to age-appropriate awareness and health promotion materials.
- Assist in providing ward environments in which young people feel safe, welcomed, respected and encouraged, and that facilitate supportive social interaction between patients.
- Ensure recreational, craft and other non-medical equipment used by TYAs is maintained for safety and cleaned in line with relevant policies e.g. infection prevention, food hygiene.
- Co-ordinate agreed therapeutic hospital-based activities provided by internal or external agencies e.g. art therapy, music workshops, and liaise with the complementary therapy service.
- Supervise unqualified staff such as play specialist students and volunteers.
- Encourage teenagers and young adults in hospital to maintain their personal routines, independence, education/work and personal interests. Help them keep up their links with family, friends, school or work.
- Attend the relevant ward handover and multidisciplinary meetings to contribute to coordinated assessment and support, report on work being undertaken with patients, raise any concerns and seek advice.
- Contribute to transition programmes for teenagers in the childrens service, working under guidance of clinical staff to help young people develop their understanding of their illness, treatment and self-care needs and supporting successful transfer from child to adult services.
- On the request of clinical colleagues, contribute to the support available for young people attending follow up clinics to identify their concerns and signposting them to sources of appropriate information, advice and support.
Participatory Activities
- Provide opportunities for social interaction, creative expression and informal support with other teenagers and young people with cancer including Look Good, Feel Better, and accompanying young people as required e.g. Teenage Cancer Trust Find Your Sense of Tumour and Albert Hall events.
- Organise and lead a programme of social and support activities out of hospital for teenagers and young adults with cancer living in the Hospital Trusts catchment area. Provide supported opportunities for friends, partners and siblings in the TYA age group to participate as appropriate.
- Identify organise and promote opportunities for teenagers and young adults with cancer to engage in challenge activities that encourage positive contribution and personal development for example activity weekends and opportunities.
- Co-ordinate and contribute to the development of communications technology to facilitate the opportunity for therapeutic support encouraging social interaction and explore options for using internet for patient involvement and feedback.
- Act at all times in accordance with the National Youth Agency ethical and professional code. Adhere to TYA service guidelines concerning the maintenance of personal and professional boundaries.
- Undertake and record structured risk assessments for all organised activities in and out of the hospital liaising with the appropriate Ward/Lead Nurses and other colleagues as appropriate to manage risk
Responsibility for policy/service development
- To assist with the implementation of policies that are related to the Childrens and Young Peoples Improving Outcomes Guidance.
- To advise and be involved with the production of information that is related to the TYA service, this may be professional or for service users. They will also lead on ensuring that service users are involved at all stages of the production process.
- Contribute to Trust data returns for Teenage Cancer Trust and provide source data related to YSC activities as requested.
Responsibility for financial and physical resources
- Plan for and utilise Teenage Cancer Trust activity funds effectively to ensure maximum benefit from expenditure.
Responsibility for research and development
- To evaluate support services and activities in a timely and appropriate fashion.
- To support the development of a TYA focus group that will allow TYAs the ability to feedback about experiences and contribute towards future service developments.
- To contribute to any local and national research projects that are appropriate to the YSC role.
- Participate in research by outside agencies regarding teenage cancer and adolescent issues.
- Maintain own learning through personal study/reading and attending agreed study days or conferences. Undertake mandatory and other specific training required to fulfil the role and responsibilities.
- Participate in the national Teenage Cancer Trust funded YSC group for mentorship and development.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties and Responsibilities
Communication
- Develop strong and collaborative professional links with the hospital teams, working particularly closely with representatives and colleagues from other organisations such as the CLIC Sargent staff, including on joint activities and projects where appropriate.
- Act as a contact for Teenage Cancer Trust and other organisations regarding patient participation, and liaise with TYA team to ensure each patient has made an informed choice to participate, with signed consents as required. Support individuals throughout these activities.
- Act as point of contact for Teenage Cancer Trust and other organisations regarding trips, treats, holidays and other opportunities. Liaise with TYA team regarding any such activities as appropriate.
- Be an active member of any adolescent forums, and any other local TYA service development groups as appropriate, taking a lead on projects related to YSC role, agreed with TYA lead Nurse.
- Attend quarterly Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support Co-ordinator meetings as a core member of this group.
Analytical skills
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop age-appropriate methods for gaining feedback from young people and supporting their input into developing services. Report on involvement activities to the appropriate management teams and share the outcomes with patents/families.
Planning and organising skills
- Maintain records of patient contacts and activities provided. Ensure personal information or observations about individual young people are appropriately shared with colleagues to support multidisciplinary care.
- Record and report all concerns relating to needs assessment or safeguarding children or vulnerable young adults to each Ward Area Manager/Lead Nurses.
- Record any untoward incidents using Trust reporting systems.
- Undertake and record structured risk assessments for all organised activities in and out of the hospital liaising with the appropriate Ward/Lead Nurses and other colleagues as appropriate to manage risk.
- Ensure all necessary consents and medical information requirements are obtained for activities and maintain these records safely.
- Keep records of the referrals, contacts, activity/interventions and outcomes for patients accessing the service and be able to analyse the data to help inform practice.
- Ensure records of recreational and technological equipment maintenance are kept according to Trust requirements.
Physical skills
- Be responsible and proactive in maintaining personal physical safety and emotional wellbeing, utilising supervision and support systems on offer via the Hospital Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust and others.
Responsibility for patient/client care
- Establish effective relationships with teenagers and young adults, using age-appropriate approaches and communication skills to identify individuals interests, strengths, areas of concern/need and help them to participate in positive activity while in hospital.
- Maintain appropriate professional contact with patients, whether face-to-face or via online systems, telephone, or text.
- Ensure the responsibilities for patient confidentiality are maintained in all contacts with young people, families, friends and any other individuals or organisations.
- Develop a programme of 1:1 and small-group diversionary and supportive activities and enable young people to participate as appropriate to their physical health and personal preferences.
- Use motivational techniques to engage young people in their cancer treatment plan, follow up schedule and self-care. Assist colleagues in effective communication with individual young people to achieve this aim.
- Contribute to information-giving and preparation of young people undergoing medical procedures and accompany them to provide non-clinical support as required.
- Collaborate with colleagues to identify health and wellbeing issues for the patient group and for individuals, and to provide young people with access to age-appropriate awareness and health promotion materials.
- Assist in providing ward environments in which young people feel safe, welcomed, respected and encouraged, and that facilitate supportive social interaction between patients.
- Ensure recreational, craft and other non-medical equipment used by TYAs is maintained for safety and cleaned in line with relevant policies e.g. infection prevention, food hygiene.
- Co-ordinate agreed therapeutic hospital-based activities provided by internal or external agencies e.g. art therapy, music workshops, and liaise with the complementary therapy service.
- Supervise unqualified staff such as play specialist students and volunteers.
- Encourage teenagers and young adults in hospital to maintain their personal routines, independence, education/work and personal interests. Help them keep up their links with family, friends, school or work.
- Attend the relevant ward handover and multidisciplinary meetings to contribute to coordinated assessment and support, report on work being undertaken with patients, raise any concerns and seek advice.
- Contribute to transition programmes for teenagers in the childrens service, working under guidance of clinical staff to help young people develop their understanding of their illness, treatment and self-care needs and supporting successful transfer from child to adult services.
- On the request of clinical colleagues, contribute to the support available for young people attending follow up clinics to identify their concerns and signposting them to sources of appropriate information, advice and support.
Participatory Activities
- Provide opportunities for social interaction, creative expression and informal support with other teenagers and young people with cancer including Look Good, Feel Better, and accompanying young people as required e.g. Teenage Cancer Trust Find Your Sense of Tumour and Albert Hall events.
- Organise and lead a programme of social and support activities out of hospital for teenagers and young adults with cancer living in the Hospital Trusts catchment area. Provide supported opportunities for friends, partners and siblings in the TYA age group to participate as appropriate.
- Identify organise and promote opportunities for teenagers and young adults with cancer to engage in challenge activities that encourage positive contribution and personal development for example activity weekends and opportunities.
- Co-ordinate and contribute to the development of communications technology to facilitate the opportunity for therapeutic support encouraging social interaction and explore options for using internet for patient involvement and feedback.
- Act at all times in accordance with the National Youth Agency ethical and professional code. Adhere to TYA service guidelines concerning the maintenance of personal and professional boundaries.
- Undertake and record structured risk assessments for all organised activities in and out of the hospital liaising with the appropriate Ward/Lead Nurses and other colleagues as appropriate to manage risk
Responsibility for policy/service development
- To assist with the implementation of policies that are related to the Childrens and Young Peoples Improving Outcomes Guidance.
- To advise and be involved with the production of information that is related to the TYA service, this may be professional or for service users. They will also lead on ensuring that service users are involved at all stages of the production process.
- Contribute to Trust data returns for Teenage Cancer Trust and provide source data related to YSC activities as requested.
Responsibility for financial and physical resources
- Plan for and utilise Teenage Cancer Trust activity funds effectively to ensure maximum benefit from expenditure.
Responsibility for research and development
- To evaluate support services and activities in a timely and appropriate fashion.
- To support the development of a TYA focus group that will allow TYAs the ability to feedback about experiences and contribute towards future service developments.
- To contribute to any local and national research projects that are appropriate to the YSC role.
- Participate in research by outside agencies regarding teenage cancer and adolescent issues.
- Maintain own learning through personal study/reading and attending agreed study days or conferences. Undertake mandatory and other specific training required to fulfil the role and responsibilities.
- Participate in the national Teenage Cancer Trust funded YSC group for mentorship and development.
Person Specification
1.Education and Training
Essential
- oA diploma or equivalent in relevant subject such as youth work, psychology or social sciences.
Desirable
- oA Degree or Post-graduate qualifications in Youth Work or similar
- oTraining relevant to area of work eg Counselling, Teaching, Play specialism, Duke of Edinburgh Award leader, communication technology, youth participation.
2.Experience of...
Essential
- oMinimum of 2 years' experience of working with young people within age range 13-25 years.
- oProven ability in project work involving youth participation/engagement.
- oExperience of organising and running a range of youth-focussed activities including residential and non-residential group and peer support activities.
- oExperience of undertaking risk assessments and addressing risk/safeguarding issues for 1:1 and group activities with young people.
Desirable
- oBudget management experience
- oExperience of work with young people with cancer or chronic health conditions.
- oExperience of working with vulnerable children or adults.
3.Knowledge of
Essential
- oPersonal/Professional accountability including during non-hospital based working.
- oSafeguarding children and or vulnerable adults and effective disclosure management
- oThe need to identify, implement and maintain clear personal and professional boundaries
Desirable
- oInformation governance/data protection requirements for patient/personal information.
- oAudit and research
4.Skills
Essential
- oExcellent communication skills.
- oEngagement and cooperation/motivational techniques with young people from a rage of ages and backgrounds.
- oConfident of own knowledge, aware of learning needs, seeks guidance as appropriate.
- oAble to organise own workload.
- oIT skills (Word processing, email and internet)
- oAble to develop, update and implement polices and procedures
- oAble to record and maintain written records
5.Personal Attributes
Essential
- oPositive and compassionate attitude, problem-solving approach.
- oSelf-motivated with enthusiasm for role and potential for contribution of youth work to patient care.
- oEmotionally resilient
- oTeam player with good working relationships
- oAppropriately assertive, able to listen to others views, supportive of others
- oFlexible, adaptable, uses initiative, and able to explain own decisions.
Desirable
- oCreative, imaginative, able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of role/activities and willing to adapt accordingly.
Person Specification
1.Education and Training
Essential
- oA diploma or equivalent in relevant subject such as youth work, psychology or social sciences.
Desirable
- oA Degree or Post-graduate qualifications in Youth Work or similar
- oTraining relevant to area of work eg Counselling, Teaching, Play specialism, Duke of Edinburgh Award leader, communication technology, youth participation.
2.Experience of...
Essential
- oMinimum of 2 years' experience of working with young people within age range 13-25 years.
- oProven ability in project work involving youth participation/engagement.
- oExperience of organising and running a range of youth-focussed activities including residential and non-residential group and peer support activities.
- oExperience of undertaking risk assessments and addressing risk/safeguarding issues for 1:1 and group activities with young people.
Desirable
- oBudget management experience
- oExperience of work with young people with cancer or chronic health conditions.
- oExperience of working with vulnerable children or adults.
3.Knowledge of
Essential
- oPersonal/Professional accountability including during non-hospital based working.
- oSafeguarding children and or vulnerable adults and effective disclosure management
- oThe need to identify, implement and maintain clear personal and professional boundaries
Desirable
- oInformation governance/data protection requirements for patient/personal information.
- oAudit and research
4.Skills
Essential
- oExcellent communication skills.
- oEngagement and cooperation/motivational techniques with young people from a rage of ages and backgrounds.
- oConfident of own knowledge, aware of learning needs, seeks guidance as appropriate.
- oAble to organise own workload.
- oIT skills (Word processing, email and internet)
- oAble to develop, update and implement polices and procedures
- oAble to record and maintain written records
5.Personal Attributes
Essential
- oPositive and compassionate attitude, problem-solving approach.
- oSelf-motivated with enthusiasm for role and potential for contribution of youth work to patient care.
- oEmotionally resilient
- oTeam player with good working relationships
- oAppropriately assertive, able to listen to others views, supportive of others
- oFlexible, adaptable, uses initiative, and able to explain own decisions.
Desirable
- oCreative, imaginative, able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of role/activities and willing to adapt accordingly.
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
