Job overview
The Metastatic Cancer Support Worker role is part of the breast cancer Multi-disciplinary Team and requires significant experience within breast cancer care. The role involves the development and provision of holistic needs assessments for patients with secondary breast cancer and the need to assist, support and co-ordinate the pathway for patients under the supervision of the Cancer CNS team.
You will also assist the Clinical Nurse Specialist in providing support with symptom management, completing Health Needs Assessments, signpost to supporting resources, be present during Oncology clinics and facilitate patients to live as well as possible and provide end of life support for people in the last months to years of life.
You will be responsible for providing administration and co-ordination support to patients and their families and monitoring their progress.
Working under the supervision of the Clinical Nurse Specialist, the support worker must ensure the efficient channelling and close co-ordination of the metastatic patient pathway, ensuring robust communication between consultants, cancer nurse specialists, GP's and other staff involved in their care. The Cancer Support Worker will be responsible for providing support to ensure the smooth co-ordination of pathways and effective communication within the wider MDT. You will be required to cross cover the existing Cancer Support Worker role within the primary cancer pathway during any absences.
Main duties of the job
In this role, the primary responsibility is to serve as the central point of contact for all non-routine inquiries, facilitating effective communication and information dissemination.
The position involves developing and delivering comprehensive health need assessments for patients with secondary breast cancer, co-ordinating access to educational resources to aid decision making and collaborating with Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS's) and other healthcare professionals as necessary. Duties include attending Oncology clinics to offer support to patients and their families, triaging incoming calls using a risk assessment framework, providing basic telephone advice, co-ordinating appointments for patients with abnormal results and responding promptly to emergencies by alerting the appropriate team members.
Prioritisation of workload, provision of clinical support within clinic settings, participation in cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, assistance in the peer review process and utilisation of NHS WelLPRES system to aid patient access to health records are also integral aspects of the role.
Working for our organisation
Central Lancashire Breast Unit is based in Chorley Hospital and part of the wider Women and Children's division. We are a busy team of Consultant Surgeons, Radiologists, Sonographers, Nurse Consultants, Clinical Nurse Specialists and dedicated clinic and administrative staff. We are a highly qualified and experienced team who specialise in the care and support of people with breast cancer and benign breast disease. The service provides a 'one-stop' approach where patients are offered a full diagnostic assessment during one appointment, with results available either the same day or later, if further investigations are required. We also provide care and support for patients who develop metastatic breast cancer and support patients undergoing treatments which aim to control the cancer, relieve symptoms, maintain health, well-being and a good quality of life for as long as possible.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Communication
1. Contribute to the assessment, implementation and evaluation of care to meet patients' needs in accordance with agreed local and national standards and evidence-based guidelines.
2. Understand that there will be frequent exposure to distressing/highly emotive situations and when to seek appropriate support/advice.
3. Support and provide patient education and health promotion.
4. Communicate all relevant information to the multidisciplinary team internally and with external organisations in a timely and professional manner, to ensure seamless care.
5. Alongside the CNS team, develop and maintain service information leaflets.
6. Support patients with cancer and their families/carers to access appropriate information and support by signposting to a range of clinical and support services.
Co-ordination of cancer services
Co-ordinate and track patient pathways for patients with cancer.
7. Liaise closely with the MDT Co-ordinator.
8. Under supervision of the CNS deliver patient-centred support and education as necessary to non-complex patients.
9. Under supervision of the CNS, assist cancer patients and their families to understand the signs, symptoms or situations to be aware of that would indicate concern or a deterioration in their condition.
10. Provide support with end of life care for those patients in the last months or years of life.
11. Information processing
12. Access and update patient records on Somerset cancer registry (SCR) to ensure all interested parties can be aware of current patient status and ongoing management.
13. Arrange and book appropriate outpatient appointments.
14. Document and monitor all aspects of care co-ordination and service delivery, supporting data collection for audit and outcome data.
15. Collation of papers for consultants in support of the preparation for meetings/presentation to include MDT.
Personal and People Development
16. Deliver patient centred, self management support and education as necessary to non-complex patients, including how to self assess.
17. Encourage and support active and healthy lifestyle choices to promote living well with metastatic disease.
18. Coach patients and carers to understand what signs, symptoms or situations to be aware of that would indicate concern or a deterioration in condition.
19. Coach patients and carers on how to make contact when they feel that their condition or needs have changed, including what to do out of hours.
Health, safety and security
20. Contribute to the management of risk and maintain patient safety, conforming to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines.
21. Identifying your own development needs and agreeing development plans for these with your supervisor.
22. Ensure that confidentiality of patient records is strictly maintained.
23. Participate in Trust and Directorate audits as required.
24. Comply with all health and safety requirements within the Trust.
Service Improvement
25. Proactively support and contribute to audit processes, governance, research, clinical research trials and service development.
26. Assist in setting, monitoring and maintaining standards of care to improve the patient experience and outcome of care.
27. Act as a role model, presenting a positive image of self, team and the organisation.
28. Demonstrate an awareness of the limits of own practice and knowledge and when to seek appropriate support/advice.
Person specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential criteria
29. Good General Education with GCSE English and Mathematics
30. ECDL or equivalent experience
31. NVQ level 3 or willing to work towards this qualification
Desirable criteria
32. Evidence of continued role development
33. Willing to undertake Macmillan learning and development courses
34. Communication skills qualification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
35. Relevant Health or Social Care experience
36. Two years minimum experience working with people diagnosed with breast cancer
37. Experience co-ordinating a patient workload
38. Knowledge of relevant cancer treatments, interventions and terminology
39. Efficient in the use of Microsoft Word for Windows, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and internet
40. Understanding of medical terminology
41. Understanding of person-centred care
42. Understanding of Macmillan Cancer Support and its role across the UK
Desirable criteria
43. Awareness of Improving Outcomes; A Strategy for Cancer and other national cancer policies
44. Previous experience working within a cancer setting
45. Experience of coaching/teaching patients and carers