Senior Health Care Assistant
Company: Mary Ann Evans Hospice
Job ID: B0017-26-14-10

Job summary
Make a difference every day. Join our team and provide exceptional care where it matters most.

For over 30 years, Mary Ann Evans Hospice has delivered compassionate, high quality end of life care to individuals and their families across Warwickshire North.

As we continue to expand our services to meet increasing demand, we are looking for a compassionate and experienced Senior Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our Overnight Nursing Service on a 12 month fixed term contract.

This role will provide overnight respite and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families, enabling patients to remain in their preferred place of care. Working as part of our Overnight Nursing Service, you will deliver compassionate, person-centred care that promotes comfort, dignity, independence and quality of life, while also providing valuable reassurance and support to relatives and carers.

This is a waking night role, with shifts worked between 9.30pm and 7.30am, Tuesday to Thursday nights per week, however this is negotiable to other days within the week. We are happy to consider job share applications for the right candidates.

While the main focus of this post is within the Overnight Nursing Service, there may be occasional requirements to work flexibly across other hospice services, particularly our Rapid Response Service, to help meet patient needs and maintain high-quality care provision.

Main duties of the job
About You
We are looking for individuals who are:

• Passionate about delivering person-centred care at the end of life.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Empathetic, compassionate, and respectful of each individuals journey.
• Experienced in a care setting (community or hospice experience desirable but not essential).
• Flexible, reliable, and able to work independently in a community setting.
• Hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
• Confidence and competence in IT, including the use of electronic patient records systems such as EMIS (training will be provided).

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a real impact in peoples lives.
• A supportive, experienced team that values kindness and collaboration.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Mileage reimbursement and access to employee wellbeing initiatives.
• The chance to be part of a charity with deep roots and a strong reputation in the local community.
• Unfortunately, we do not hold a sponsorship licence and are therefore unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Qualifications and Experience:

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification is required.
• Experience in palliative and end of life care is preferred but not essential. Most importantly, candidates must be passionate about delivering and improving high-quality palliative and end of life care within the community.

About us
Employment Benefits and Terms
As an NHS Partner, Mary Ann Evans Hospice will continue to make contributions to your Pension Scheme, subject to qualifying conditions. For further advice, please contact our Payroll Officer within the Business Support Team.

We offer the following benefits to support our employees:

• Agenda for Change pay scale.
• Sickness pay in accordance with Mary Ann Evans Hospice policy.
• Excellent training and professional development opportunities.
• Enhanced DBS clearance provided by Mary Ann Evans Hospital.
• Access to electric pool cars for work-related travel.
• FREE parking facilities when based at the Hospice located on the George Eliot site.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential support

We are committed to supporting our staff with competitive benefits and a positive working environment to help you thrive in your role.

Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £27,476 a year Pro-rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: B0017-26-14-10

Job responsibilities
The Bank Senior HCA plays a key role in our Community Services team. This service includes the Hospice at Home team, Overnight Nursing service, the Wellbeing Programme, and the Rapid Response service, which is delivered in partnership with South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust.

When working within the Hospice at Home team, the Senior HCA will provide high-quality palliative and end-of-life care to patients and their families in their own homes. This care involves supporting patients with personal care, emotional wellbeing, and practical needs. The role will also include delivering periods of respite care, offering essential support and rest to family members and carers during what is often an emotionally challenging time.

A key part of the role involves close collaboration with colleagues from the NHS, social services, local care homes, and voluntary sector organisations to ensure that each patient's preferences, particularly the wish to remain and die at home are fully supported and respected.

Within the Wellbeing Programme, the Senior Health Care Assistant will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to enhance the quality of life for patients and those close to them within the hospice setting. This will involve promoting a reablement approach and contributing to wellbeing-focused models of care that support patients to maintain their independence, dignity, and comfort.

There may be occasions when the Senior Health Care Assistant is required to support the Rapid Response team. In this capacity, they will work alongside an experienced, qualified palliative care nurse to deliver urgent care to patients experiencing distressing or uncontrolled symptoms that require immediate intervention. This is an essential part of our round-the-clock care provision, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate support during crisis situations.

The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in delivering palliative, end-of-life, or community-based care. They will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to offer emotional support to patients and families in often sensitive and difficult circumstances. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is essential.

A recognised HCA qualification (or equivalent experience) is required, along with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care, confidentiality, and professionalism. Due to the nature of the role, applicants should be resilient, empathetic, and possess strong time management skills.

This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients and families facing some of lives most difficult moments. If you are passionate about delivering compassionate, person-centred care within a supportive community setting, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact the hospice if you would like more information or the opportunity of an informal visit.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Level 3 Diploma/NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care for adults or equivalent

Desirable

• Level 3 Diploma or equivalent certificate in palliative/end of life care
• Level 2 or 3 Diploma/NVQ Level 2 or 3 in awareness of dementia

Experience
Essential

• A minimum of 1 years care experience with palliative/end of life patients (any setting)
• Able to work autonomously and as part of team
• Evidence of excellent communication skills
• Experience of supervising/supporting team members

Desirable

• Experience of CQC compliance and evidencing regulations in practice

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.

Employer details
Employer name: Mary Ann Evans Hospice
Address: Mary Ann Evans Hospice, Eliot Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 7QL, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.maryannevans.org.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Head of Clinical Operations, Lisa Perrins, Lisa.Perrins@geh.nhs.uk, 02476865440

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