Job title: Hospice at Home Health Care Assistant
Reports to: Hospice at Home RN
Hours: Part‑Time – multiple contracted hour options available
Salary: £13.16‑£13.80 per hour, depending on qualifications
Location: Newark & Sherwood
Main Duties
* Work under the direct supervision of the RN in line with the patient's care plan, providing fundamental health care needs including toileting, personal care and supporting patients to eat and drink independently while maintaining privacy and dignity.
* After induction and assessment as competent, undertake visits independently to provide delegated care in line with the written care plan, with clear escalation routes to the RN or Hospice at Home Lead.
* Support patients with medication after completing medicines support training and assessment, prompting, assisting, or administering prescribed medication under RN direction and within your level of competence.
* After completion of food hygiene and food safety training, prepare and serve simple meals, snacks and drinks for patients requiring this support, following hospice policies on food hygiene, storage, allergens and patient preferences.
* Provide continuing care for patients and families following death, assisting in care after death, respecting spiritual, cultural and religious needs.
* After training and a formal competency assessment, carry out verification of expected death in the community for patients known to the service, following the Beaumond House verification policy and local guidance; complete all required documentation and communicate promptly to the RN, GP, Integrated Hub and other relevant professionals.
* Support families with practical next steps as appropriate, including liaising with funeral directors in line with hospice guidance.
* Ensure safe custody of the patient's property and record and hand over valuables following hospice procedures.
* Take responsibility for patient safety and ensure all care follows training, RN verbal or written nursing care plans, and is appropriate for patients with reduced mental capacity, cognitive impairment or sensory deficit.
* Act in a non‑judgemental way, treating every patient as an individual and respecting their choices, wishes, customs, values and beliefs.
* Establish the preferred method of communication for the patient and their family, communicating effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds, including those with sensory loss, communication difficulties or challenging behaviour.
* Ensure queries raised by patients, families and visitors are responded to in a friendly and sensitive way, directing to the appropriate professional, and passing on concerns while maintaining confidentiality and privacy.
* Make accurate records at the point of care using hospice records and report relevant information directly to the RN and, as directed, to the Integrated Hub or Care Navigator so care plans and priorities stay up to date.
* Contribute to the continuous assessment of patients by reporting any deterioration, change in condition or concern to the RN and liaising with allied professionals where appropriate.
* Attend team meetings, one‑to‑ones and after‑death reviews; establish and maintain good working relationships with other staff members and volunteers, and communicate appropriately with all members of the multidisciplinary team.
* Assist in orienting and inducting new staff, students, bank and agency staff, including use of equipment and basic care skills.
* Attend relevant study days and courses, including mandatory training in medicines support, verification of expected death and food hygiene, to maintain the knowledge and competency framework.
* Take an active role in preventing cross‑infection, applying infection control principles in accordance with hospice policy.
* Carry out activities that ensure a safe environment for patients, their families and staff, including identifying and reporting faulty equipment, cleaning, and reporting spillages in line with hospice policy.
* Assist in monitoring, storing and disposing of equipment and hazardous materials following health and safety guidelines, including safe disposal of sharps and soiled linen.
General Duties
* Work collaboratively with Beaumond House colleagues and End of Life Care Together Alliance partners.
* Respect confidentiality in all areas of Beaumond House, abide by the Health and Safety at Work Act and all fire safety procedures, reporting any incident or near miss immediately to the RN.
* Work within Beaumond House policies and procedures, using equipment appropriately and in accordance with training given.
* Participate and contribute to team meetings; always behave professionally, reflecting and maintaining values.
* Work flexibly across the delivery area in North Nottinghamshire.
Skills, Experience and Attributes Required
Essential
* Ability to work as part of a team and respect all individuals.
* Flexibility, excellent listening skills and ability to build rapport with others, using a friendly and sensitive approach.
* Willingness to complete medicines support training and food hygiene training, working within clear competency frameworks.
* Effective communication in spoken and written English to support safe care, accurate record keeping and sensitive communication with patients and families.
* Driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle with business insurance.
Desirable
* At least two years working in a similar role.
* NVQ or equivalent, or a commitment to work toward a qualification in care or end‑of‑life care.
* Experience caring for palliative patients or relevant transferable experience.
What we ask of you
* Act in a manner consistently supporting the vision and values of Beaumond House.
* Maintain a positive and proactive approach.
* Be confident and trustworthy.
Benefits
* 30 days holiday (increasing with service up to 32 days) plus Bank Holidays and option to buy or sell annual leave.
* Company‑Nest pension.
* Blue Light Card discounts (with membership).
* Free DBS check and uniform.
* Occupational health services with pre‑employment screening and HepB vaccination.
* Access to Mental Health First Aiders and Freedom to Speak Up Champions.
* Ongoing training and mandatory updates during working hours.
* Clinical supervision and access to senior clinical support.
* Clear role boundaries and realistic caseloads.
* Mileage reimbursement for community work travel.
* Access to wellbeing support and counselling services.
* Supportive leadership with regular check‑ins.
* Personal development – paid induction and ongoing training opportunities.
* Opportunities to volunteer and engage with the wider hospice community.
* Supportive and inclusive working environment.
All roles are subject to receipt of satisfactory references and Disclosure & Barring Service checks, and the advert may be closed at any time.
This Job Description is intended as a guide only and is not an exhaustive list of duties; it is subject to periodic review with the post holder.
We are an equal opportunity employer: we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, including people with disabilities.
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