Job Summary
To deliver a high‑quality palliative care social work service within all areas of the hospice. To work within the family support team across psychosocial support, welfare rights, carer support, day hospice, inpatient hospice and bereavement services. Excellent communication skills and the ability to use own initiative whilst working as part of a multi‑professional team are essential.
Key Responsibilities
* To perform all functions of the post in compliance with St David's Hospice Care policies, aims and guidelines.
* To assess and respond to the needs and circumstances of patients, families and carers.
* To provide support to bereaved relatives.
* To work closely with nursing/medical colleagues to co‑ordinate discharge planning for patients from inpatient hospice.
* Advocate for and with patients, families, carers and support people to access services appropriate to their needs.
* To make and sustain links with external agencies relevant to the provision of palliative care at St David's Hospice Care.
* To manage an individual caseload and associated administrative tasks in an efficient and effective way, using IT systems and software as appropriate.
* To manage and be accountable, with supervision and support, for own social work practice and maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records and files at all times.
* To set appropriate boundaries and disengage from work with service users and others in a timely fashion.
* To be aware of and keep self updated on national, regional and local issues and plans relevant to palliative care and bereavement services.
* To promote and develop the role of the social worker within the organisation and beyond.
Additional Duties
* To participate in the educational programme of teaching to the multi‑professional teams and on external courses as needed.
* To mentor students.
Qualifications
* Qualification in social work (e.g. CQSW, DipSW, Degree).
* Masters in Social Work or equivalent.
* Registered with the Care Council for Wales.
* Post‑qualifying award in social work.
* Training in palliative care bereavement counselling.
* Willingness to develop necessary skills.
* Practice teaching and assessing experience, or willingness to train.
Knowledge & Experience
* Experience of working in a multi‑professional context.
* Good working knowledge of legislation and eligibility relevant to adult health and social care, safeguarding and capacity.
* Sound knowledge of social work models and the ability to apply theory and put research to practice.
* Understanding of the physical and emotional needs of users of palliative care services.
* Experience of working with adults with palliative illness.
* Experience of working with bereaved families.
* Experience of working with carers.
* Willingness to teach as part of the St David's education programme.
Skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Excellent assessment and risk management skills.
* Ability to identify and communicate complex social issues and liaise at all levels.
* Ability to self‑manage and work under own initiative.
* Ability to manage a busy workload across the community, day hospice and inpatient hospice.
* Ability to work proactively with individuals to promote their choices and wishes to achieve the best outcomes.
* Ability to understand and respect confidentiality.
* Ability to develop effective and constructive working relationships within the organisation and with other agencies.
* Ability to work in groups.
* Ability to use information technology.
* Understanding of welfare benefit entitlements.
* Understanding of the position of a voluntary hospice organisation.
Qualities & Attributes
* Ability to provide compassionate, person‑centred support.
* Commitment to continually develop and update professional knowledge and development, and utilise supervision effectively.
* Real enthusiasm and energy for the role, team and the objectives of St David's Hospice Care and contribute positively to the organisation at all times.
* High standards of personal hygiene and appearance.
* Ability to mentor and develop other members of the team (students, volunteers and unqualified staff).
* Willingness to contribute to the development of the service.
Other Requirements
* Disclosed and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
* UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information see NHS Careers website.
Job Details
* Salary: Depending on experience.
* Contract: Permanent.
* Working pattern: Full‑time.
* Location: Blackett Avenue, Newport, NP20 6NH, United Kingdom.
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