Job overview
An opportunity has arisen to appoint a full time Cancer Support Worker at Dorset County Hospital, working with patients affected by cancer. This post offers a great opportunity for interested and suitably qualified people to experience working in the field of cancer care.
The support worker will work with the CNS's and other members of the MDT to support patients affected by cancer. The role will include direct communication with patients, their families and other healthcare professionals.
A fundamental part of the role will be to help deliver core elements of the personalised care agenda, including undertaking holistic needs assessments, care planning, collating treatment summaries and facilitating health and wellbeing events. The role will involve supporting patients on a remote monitoring pathway.
Recent clinical experience in a health or social care setting is necessary along with knowledge and experience of caring for adults with acute or chronic illness. Ideally the post holder will have experience working with cancer although this is not essential.
The post holder will be based at DCH but will be expected to work from home up to 2 days a week to fit with the needs of the service.
A part time role will also be considered.
Please be aware that this role is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants should be aware of the requirement to independently obtain ongoing right to work in the UK beyond the expiry of any temporary or time-limited permissions. Evidence of this will need to be shared with the HR Team to ensure our records remain up to date.
Main duties of the job
In collaboration with clinical nurse specialists, the support worker will help support and coordinate the needs of patients diagnosed with cancer, during and after completion of treatment.
Coordinate the necessary assessments, investigations and appointments required prior to patients starting treatment.
Co-ordinate the transfer of care between service teams, or facilitation of service provision across interfaces of care – for example primary and secondary care.
Refer and sign post to the clinical team as appropriate for higher level decisions.
Triage incoming calls from patients and relatives and initiate appropriate responses based on clear protocols and frameworks.
Monitor, audit and report response times to inbound telephone calls.
Contribute to the holistic needs assessment, care plan and review of patients in line with practitioner guidance, protocols and procedures.
Ensure all activities are documented appropriately to ensure good communication between the team.
Evaluate outcomes of care & support with a registered nurse.
Make pre planned outbound telephone calls to patients under the guidance of the registered healthcare professional.
Contribute to the clinical / quality management team reviews of any issues in relation to the patient pathway.
Support the clinical teams to produce timely treatment summaries for patients and GP’s.
Take a pivotal role in delivering health and wellbeing clinics and activities for people affected by cancer.
Administrative duties.
Working for our organisation
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
Please be aware that this role is not CURRENTLY eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants should be aware of the requirement to independently obtain ongoing right to work in the UK beyond the expiry of any temporary or time-limited permissions. Evidence of this will need to be shared with the HR Team to ensure our records remain up to date.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Person specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria
* Healthcare Assistant or Social Care worker
* GCSE level education
* NVQ level 3 or equivalent in health or social care subject
* Teaching qualification.
* Understanding the Cancer recovery package.
Desirable criteria
* NVQ level 4 or equivalent in health or social care related subject.
* Willingness to undertake training days and educational programmes.
* Evidence of study in the last 5 years in courses related to health or social care
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential criteria
* Experience of working with patients with cancer
* Awareness of DCH Trust values
* Experience of multi-professional working
* Experience of giving and receiving information to/from service users
* Experience in the use of IT data management systems
* Understanding of key referral pathways to Allied Health Professionals to support plans of care
Desirable criteria
* Relevant health or social care experience at AFC Band 3 or equivalent
* Minimum of 2 years recent working within a healthcare/ social care setting
* Understanding of personalised care in cancer
* Evidence of effective communications skills
* Previous participation in patient care planning
* Experience working within a cancer setting
* Knowledge of relevant cancer treatments and terminology
* Experience in coordinating a patient workload
* Teaching experience in a workplace setting
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential criteria
* Venepuncture and cannulation skills or willingness to learn
* Effective communication skills
* Ability to show empathy towards people with life limiting illness.
* Ability to demonstrate initiative and prioritise work efficiently within scope of practice.
* Attention to detail in documentation and data collection.
* Good understanding of own ceilings of knowledge and experience and when to seek help/escalate concerns.
* Ability to act as a role model and coach.
* Positive attitude to healthy living and how this has a direct impact on the health of people.
* Willingness to undertake additional IT training including data input and spreadsheets.
Desirable criteria
* Ability to plan and organise own work load.
* Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
* Ability to work in a demanding environment and adapt to change in working practices to meet the needs of the service.
* Willingness to attend courses or workshops relevant to post
* Demonstrates self-awareness and coping strategies.
Our Mission
Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.
Our Vision
Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
Our Values
Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.
The closing date/interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.
Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.
You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.