Job summary
We are looking for a dedicated Senior Healthcare Assistant to join our Community team in delivering a high standard of holistic care to patients in their homes.

Please note: Unfortunately we are not able to consider applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK.

Main duties of the job
Working as part of a wider team, you will visit patients in their homes in and around North Hertfordshire to provide hands-on basic nursing and personal care. Our aim is to ensure patients with life limiting illnesses, and those who matter to them, are at the centre of the care we provide whilst enabling them to be comfortable and remain in their own homes.

Please note: A full UK driving licence and access to a car with insurance cover for business use is essential for this role.

About us
We are Garden House Hospice Care, the Hospice for North Hertfordshire. We are a multi award-winning hospice that puts the patient at the heart of everything we do. Patients on our inpatient unit are looked after by our specialist team 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We provide support and care to patients with a wide range of symptoms associated with a life-limiting illness, as well as their families.

We support our patients by providing symptom control, psychological support and end of life care. Our high nurse-to-patient ratio ensures that patients are able to get the dedicated support that they might need.

Job responsibilities

• Assist the patient in all aspects of personal care, following the individualised care plans prescribed, maintaining privacy and dignity
• Promote open and sensitive dialogue in order to support the patient and family
• Communicate and liaise with the GHHC community Registered Nursing Team and Key Worker, reporting any change in the patients condition or concerns
• Maintain accurate nursing records and data and ensure the continuity of care

Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Able to work flexibly to meet shift patterns
• Good verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills
• IT skills with the ability to use electronic patient record systems
• Registered car driver with a UK licence, access to a car and insurance coverage for business use.

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Caring, positive and sensitive approach
• Ability to work in a team

Qualifications
Essential

• Good standard of general education

Desirable

• Level 2 or 3 Qualification in Adult Health & Social Care including the Care Certificate or working towards this

Experience
Essential

• Previous experience of providing personal care, preferably in a health care setting
• Awareness of the physical and emotional needs of patients living with a life-limiting illness and those of relatives and carers

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.