Job overview
Please note: at this stage, the role is open only to colleagues currently employed within Kent and Medway NHS Trusts, the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Medway Community Healthcare. Nursing vacancies are also open to Student Nurses and Newly Qualified Nurses.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and adaptable Public Health Assistant to join our Health Visiting service to deliver support to families (adults) with children aged nought to five in Kent.
You will need to be a confident and flexible practitioner, passionate about improving the health and well-being of children through delivery of the healthy child programme.
You will work as part of a team to keep children safe and well by having a good understanding of child development and the importance of play in children's lives, learning and language development.
Main duties of the job
What will the role involve?
1. Working with clients in a variety of community settings, for example, home, clinic, children’s centre, educational establishment etc.
2. Completing health and wellbeing reviews, packages of care
3. Undertaking growth monitoring for children aged 0-5 years
4. The delivery of health promotion activities
5. Leading and assisting with the delivery of a variety of Health Visiting clinics and group work, for example, Parenting programmes, introducing solids and Breastfeeding groups.
6. Attending and contributing to team meetings
7. Building relationships with colleagues to enhance the team working environment
This role is a community- based role so the majority of your duties will be carried out between your base and community settings or client homes.
We also offer a generous NHS pension, annual leave entitlement and a competitive pay framework to progress through.
So, if your enthusiastic and enjoy working with families and up for a new challenge then we would love to hear from you.
Working for our organisation
Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’ve got a passion for delivering high standards of patient care and excellent services to improve the health of our communities. To do this we need outstanding people who share our values compassionate Aspirational Responsive Excellent
We know a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion leads to better patient care and a happier workforce. We pride ourselves in being diverse and welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences
We ask for information about your protected characteristics on our application forms. This isn’t visible to anyone involved with shortlisting or interviewing you, except when you choose to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme due to disability. Short listers will see two ticks alongside your application to ensure they apply the principles of the scheme to your submission
The data we collect helps us to ensure we are attracting diversity in our applicants, that all our colleagues have equitable access to career opportunities and supports us on our journey to being a Great Place to Work
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want you to be able to work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Talk to us about a flexible working arrangement that won’t involve sacrificing time for personal interests or family commitments. We’ll support you to work flexibly in a way that will suits us both
See where you can go with KCHFT
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
As a community Trust, many of our roles require individuals to be able to drive to perform their duties. Where driving is a requirement of the role, you will be asked to confirm that you hold a full UK driving licence or a full driving licence issued by an EU country (not exchanged from a non-EU country) to proceed with your application. We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities into employment. If you are unable to drive due to a disability, please contact the Recruitment Team via quoting the vacancy reference number, so we can support you further.
The job description and person specification gives you all the information you need about this role. Please look carefully at the criteria in the person specification and tell us what you have done that shows you meet this in your application. If you need an application form in an alternative format please let our recruitment team know. All information you supply on your application should, to the best of your knowledge, be true and accurate.
Still have questions? The recruiting manager would love to hear from you, their contact details can be found in the job advert.
We can get a lot of applications for some roles so to be in with the best chance of being shortlisted please make sure you apply as soon as possible. A vacancy may close early if there is a lot of interest in the job.
At KCHFT we strongly encourage colleagues in clinical and non-clinical roles who have direct or social contact with patients to be fully vaccinated. In this way we will be doing all we can to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues and the patients we serve.
Find out more about the community difference here.
Good luck! We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you to #teamKCHFT, #cometocommunity.
Person specification
Qualifications, training and experience
Essential criteria
8. A Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Level 3. This could be an NVQ Level 3 apprenticeship, BTEC or equivalent international qualification in healthcare or able to demonstrate the equivalent level of experience.
9. Recent experience of child development gained through education, work experience or previous employment.
10. Functional Skills at Level 2 (Literacy and numeracy/ GCSE grade A-C/ 4-9 or equivalent in English and Maths)
Desirable criteria
11. Care Certificate
Knowledge and skills
Essential criteria
12. Sound communication skills in order to understand and communicate both verbally and in writing whilst being mindful of potential language and cultural difficulties.
13. A customer focussed approach
14. Able to use IT systems and databases
15. Able to remain professional, work well under pressure and organise your own work in order to prioritise care delivery in line with trust policies and procedures
16. Knowledge of up to date clinical practice by using up- to- date skills and adhering to evidence based procedures and clinical effectiveness frameworks
17. Fully understand the role and remit of a public health assistant
Desirable criteria
18. An awareness of developments within the NHS
Working environment
Essential criteria
19. A full, valid UK driving licence or a full driving licence issued by an EU country (not exchanged from a non-EU country) and the ability to travel independently are essential for this role.
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