Overview
Were looking for motivated and passionate persons with previous experience working as a healthcare assistant to join our expanding Hospice at Home (H@H) Team. The ideal person would already have experience working in the community setting, with patients at the end of life. The successful applicant will be part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing palliative and end of life care to patients and families in the community; on occasions you may be required to work within the Hospice Inpatient Unit. The role involves working shifts, including both long days and night shifts (07:30-20:00 / 19:30-08:00) and regular weekends. A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle are essential, as you will be travelling across the community within the hospice catchment area. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children and young people is required, including DBS checks and satisfactory references before starting the role. Closing date - 28 September 2025.
Main duties
The role is based within the Hospice at Home team where the postholder supports the H@H Team to deliver 24/7 specialist palliative care to enable patients to be supported in the last 2 weeks of life, to stay at home where possible and desirable, and to provide support to their carer(s). The team facilitates discharge from hospital to home and works to reduce hospital admissions. The post holder carries out assigned tasks involving direct patient care in support of and supervised by a Registered Nurse (RN) and maintains a high standard of care within a patient\'s home. The H@H team consists of a multi-professional team delivering the 24/7 Hospice at Home service for St. Michaels Hospice.
Responsibilities
* To assist the RN with general and specific care of patients within the hospice and community, including practical nursing care and emotional support to patients and their carer(s).
* To efficiently undertake duties requested by the qualified nurses.
* To report any observed deterioration or change in patient symptoms to the RN.
* To continually assess/re-assess manual handling needs of patients to ensure patient and staff safety.
* To ensure that Infection Prevention and Control standards are maintained at all times.
* To contribute to care plans under the guidance of the RN.
* To accurately document care delivered, supporting RNs with nursing documentation as directed.
* To support the RN with CHC Fast Track documentation within the limitation of the SHCA role.
* Respond with sensitivity and empathy, providing basic emotional support.
* To provide care for the deceased patient\'s body after death, meeting any specific patient wishes and ensuring safe and timely removal of the body from the home within community procedures.
* To contribute to ordering and storage of clinical stores required for hospice at home.
* To ensure equipment is kept clean and in good working order, checked routinely, and any defect or malfunction reported.
* Work as directed by the Hospice at Home Lead.
Clinical Skills
Undertake clinical tasks under direction of registered nurses, within assessed competencies, which may include:
* Assist with personal care of the patient
* Assist with patient transfers and mobility
* Vital signs observations (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, pulse oximetry)
* Blood Glucose
* Urethral Catheter insertion and care
* Urinalysis
* Bowel care
* Simple wound dressings
* Venepuncture
* Care for the person\'s body after death
Communication and MDT working
Hold the hub phone and deal with all enquiries with courtesy. Work collaboratively with St. Michaels Hospice and other organisations caring for those at the end of life. Attend and participate in handovers, IPMs, caseload reviews and team meetings. Support patients and family members with foundation level 1 psychological support during the end of life (NICE four-tier model). Provide emotional support to patients and/or carers, especially during breaking of bad news and at time of death, and refer to the RN as appropriate. Report safeguarding concerns in line with SMH policy, and maintain confidentiality and GDPR compliance.
General
Respect the property of patients and their carers. Complete competency documents related to this role. Attend clinical supervision. This role requires shifts across long days including day and night shifts, flexible across Monday to Sunday with a 4-week roster. Driving license and vehicle are essential, with mileage reimbursement when using personal vehicle; a pool car is available in some cases. Adhere to lone working policy and continually risk assess the working environment.
Qualifications
Essential
* An RQF or NCFE Level 2 qualification in health and/or social care or at least 2 years experience working as an HCA in a healthcare environment.
Educated to GCSE Grade 4/C or equivalent in numeracy and literacy.
Experience
* Essential: Previous work as an HCA; demonstrated skill in providing personal care.
* Desirable: HCA experience within the community setting; experience of working within patients\' homes.
Attitude and other requirements
* Professional appearance; ability to communicate with all levels of staff; accurate information exchange.
* Ability to deal with sensitive situations; work well under pressure; patience and calm under stress.
* Kind, compassionate, positive and flexible; willingness to learn new skills.
* A full UK driving license with access to a vehicle; ability to work days, nights, weekends and public holidays; ability to work 12.5 hour shifts.
Disclosure and UK Registration
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require Disclosure to check for any previous criminal convictions. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer details
St Michael\'s Hospice (North Hampshire), Basil de Ferranti House, Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9NB. Website: stmichaelshospice.org.uk
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