Southern Health and Social Care Trust
SHSCT_Dementia Companion Band 3
SHSCT_Dementia Companion Band 3
CraigavonOn-Site
PermanentFull-Time
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Description
Advertised role location: Craigavon Area Hosp-Main Building
Official document: Job Description / Personnel Specification (docx)
Dementia Companion
Band 3
Dementia Companion
Band 3
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
Dementia Companion
BAND
3
DIRECTORATE
Medicine & Unscheduled Care
LOCATION
2 South Medicine
REPORTS TO
Ward Sister
ACCOUNTABLE TO
HOS
FLEXIBLE WORKING PROVISIONS AVAILABLE
Full time
JOB SUMMARY
The Dementia Companion will be part of the caring team that will provide holistic person-centred care within the ward environment. They will assist patients as appropriate; encourage independence as appropriate, supporting patients with their rehabilitation programme, and respecting patient’s privacy and dignity.
The Dementia Companion will carry out their duties under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nursing Staff on the ward. During the induction period the post holder will be required to develop competence in the duties outlined below.
The Dementia Companion must ensure that all information regarding patients is kept in strict confidence.
KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
Work as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team, carrying out duties as agreed and delegated by the relevant professional using a patient centred approach to the delivery of Nursing care and rehabilitation programme.
Assist in maintaining a safe environment and maintain a high standard of cleanliness and tidiness of the ward / department in line with Trust Infection Control Policies and procedures.
Provide assistance as outlined in the patient’s Nursing and Rehabilitation care plan / programme and agreed with the relevant health care professional (nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and / or speech and language therapist).
Maintain the confidentiality of all information, regarding patients/service users at all times.
Treat all patients with appropriate respect and courtesy and in a manner that meets their needs, takes account of their choices and also protects them.
Obtain consent from patients/service users for all interventions.
Support and assist patients with activities of daily living as guided by the Nursing Staff following a professional assessment and appropriate risk assessment.
Assist with therapy support as outlined in patient’s care plan and agreed with the relevant health care professional using a patient centred approach
Spend time befriending and chatting with patients.
Support and assist patients and families with the use of distraction therapies and rummage boxes as guided by the Nursing Staff.
Support and assist patients and families with the use of memory folders and other activities as guided by the Nursing Staff.
Help patients to maintain a tidy, clutter free environment around the bedside.
Ensure patients have their call bell near at hand.
Ensure any personal items are close by the patient.
Encourage and assist patients to eat meals, e.g. by cutting up food and provision of condiments etc.
Assist patients to receive sufficient fluids, tea etc. as guided by the Nursing Staff.
Assist patients with additional snacks as guided by Nursing Staff.
If a patient is engaged in purposeful wandering then remain with the patient to ensure their safety.
Support and assist patients to remain safe within the ward environment.
Comply with Trust policies for the prevention and control of infection.
Communication
Communicate with patients using their preferred methods of communication and language.
Be aware of and respond appropriately to the needs of patients / relatives / carers who have communication difficulties.
Provide the necessary advice / instruction to family / carers.
Maintain effective communication with the patient and other staff through verbal and written feedback.
Report any changes in a patient’s condition, as well as all incidents / accidents to an appropriate senior member of staff in accordance with Trust procedures.
Ensure that all information/messages, issues and concerns are passed onto relevant registered nursing staff in an appropriate and timely manner.
Report accurately to the Nursing staff all food and fluid intake.
Treat patients with respect and courtesy and regard all matters relating to the patient and his / her circumstances as strictly confidential.
Maintain effective relationships with the patient and all appropriate members of staff involved in the patient’s care.
Ensure that all records are completed in an accurate and legible manner.
Education and Training
Participate in in-service training as required.
Complete mandatory training in keeping with the Trusts requirements
Complete training required for the post inclusive of on-line training were appropriate
Continue to develop knowledge and skills in keeping with clinical and personal need.
Participate in supervision and development reviews
Participate in audits as required
RAISING CONCERNS - RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency.
The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The post holder will be required to:
1. Assist the organisation in fulfilling its statutory duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to promote equality of opportunity and good relations and under the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Staff are also required to support the organisation in complying with its obligations under Human Rights Legislation.
2. Ensure the Organisation’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.
3. Co-operate fully with the implementation of The Organisation's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.
4. Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example:
Smoke Free policy
IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct
standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour
5. Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.
Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.
Take responsibility to minimise the Trust’s environmental impact wherever possible. This will include recycling, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use. Helping to reduce paper waste by minimising printing/copying and reducing water usage, reporting faults and heating/cooling concerns promptly and minimising travel.
All employees of the Organisation are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the [org name] including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the [org name] policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.
Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.
Represent The Organisation’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.
This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within The Organisation's area, as needs of the service demand.
PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE AND BAND
Dementia Companion Band 3
DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE
Medicine & Unscheduled Care
SALARY
HOURS
37.5 per week
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.
Factor
Essential Criteria
Number
Criteria
Method of Assessment
Qualifications/ Registration
E1
Have 2 years’ experience of delivering direct care in a care environment1
OR
Hold NVQ/VRQ/QCF/RQF Level 3 Certificate in Health/Health & Social Care (or relevant equivalent qualification) 2
OR
Hold NVQ/VRQ/QCF/RQF Level 2 Certificate in Health/Health & Social Care (or equivalent qualification)2 and have 1 years’ experience of delivering direct care in a care environment1
OR
Hold 4 GCSEs at grade A-C including English and Maths (or equivalent qualification) 2 and have 1 years’ experience of delivering direct care in a care environment1
Shortlisting by Application Form
SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:
Skills / Abilities
E3
E4
E5
E6
E7
E8
Effective communication skills to meet the needs of the post in full.
Ability to work as part of a Team.
Effective organisational skills.
An interest and commitment to making a difference to service users, highly committed to a patient centred approach and high quality of care.
Ability to work flexibly including evenings, nights, weekends, bank holidays and on call as required
Willing to undertake training necessary for the role.
Interview / Test
Knowledge
E9
E10
E11
Understanding of role.
Understanding of patient/service user experience needs in a caring environment.
Awareness of health & safety issues.
Interview / Test
Ref No:
NOTES FOR APPLICANTS
1 ‘Care environment’ is defined as: paid work within a hospital/residential/ nursing home or community setting. This must be evidenced on the application form
2 You must complete the RQF Level 3 Certificate (health specific) within a maximum of 18 months of taking up post. It may be the case in some exceptional circumstances that this requirement is not met. All such cases must be signed off by the professional head of service/ senior nurse for the division and reported and explained to the Trust Director of Nursing. For the majority of staff, it would be expected that this Certificate will be completed at the earliest opportunity, which will normally be within 6 months of appointment or as soon as possible thereafter.
3 This criterion is only applicable to some posts therefore it does not prevent an individual applying to this recruitment and selection process for posts that do not have this requirement. The criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.
Post holders will be required to undertake the regionally developed induction programme in the first two weeks following the allocated start date and complete within 6 months of taking up post. Post holders must also undertake relevant training to meet service needs.
As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for The Organisation to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.
THE ORGANISATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Successful applicants:
may be required to attend for a Health Assessment
Can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AFC Pay on Promotion will apply.
Are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.
All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times
All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times
Official document: Job Description / Personnel Specification (docx)
Dementia Companion
Band 3
Dementia Companion
Band 3
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
Dementia Companion
BAND
3
DIRECTORATE
Medicine & Unscheduled Care
LOCATION
2 South Medicine
REPORTS TO
Ward Sister
ACCOUNTABLE TO
HOS
FLEXIBLE WORKING PROVISIONS AVAILABLE
Full time
JOB SUMMARY
The Dementia Companion will be part of the caring team that will provide holistic person-centred care within the ward environment. They will assist patients as appropriate; encourage independence as appropriate, supporting patients with their rehabilitation programme, and respecting patient’s privacy and dignity.
The Dementia Companion will carry out their duties under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nursing Staff on the ward. During the induction period the post holder will be required to develop competence in the duties outlined below.
The Dementia Companion must ensure that all information regarding patients is kept in strict confidence.
KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
Work as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team, carrying out duties as agreed and delegated by the relevant professional using a patient centred approach to the delivery of Nursing care and rehabilitation programme.
Assist in maintaining a safe environment and maintain a high standard of cleanliness and tidiness of the ward / department in line with Trust Infection Control Policies and procedures.
Provide assistance as outlined in the patient’s Nursing and Rehabilitation care plan / programme and agreed with the relevant health care professional (nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and / or speech and language therapist).
Maintain the confidentiality of all information, regarding patients/service users at all times.
Treat all patients with appropriate respect and courtesy and in a manner that meets their needs, takes account of their choices and also protects them.
Obtain consent from patients/service users for all interventions.
Support and assist patients with activities of daily living as guided by the Nursing Staff following a professional assessment and appropriate risk assessment.
Assist with therapy support as outlined in patient’s care plan and agreed with the relevant health care professional using a patient centred approach
Spend time befriending and chatting with patients.
Support and assist patients and families with the use of distraction therapies and rummage boxes as guided by the Nursing Staff.
Support and assist patients and families with the use of memory folders and other activities as guided by the Nursing Staff.
Help patients to maintain a tidy, clutter free environment around the bedside.
Ensure patients have their call bell near at hand.
Ensure any personal items are close by the patient.
Encourage and assist patients to eat meals, e.g. by cutting up food and provision of condiments etc.
Assist patients to receive sufficient fluids, tea etc. as guided by the Nursing Staff.
Assist patients with additional snacks as guided by Nursing Staff.
If a patient is engaged in purposeful wandering then remain with the patient to ensure their safety.
Support and assist patients to remain safe within the ward environment.
Comply with Trust policies for the prevention and control of infection.
Communication
Communicate with patients using their preferred methods of communication and language.
Be aware of and respond appropriately to the needs of patients / relatives / carers who have communication difficulties.
Provide the necessary advice / instruction to family / carers.
Maintain effective communication with the patient and other staff through verbal and written feedback.
Report any changes in a patient’s condition, as well as all incidents / accidents to an appropriate senior member of staff in accordance with Trust procedures.
Ensure that all information/messages, issues and concerns are passed onto relevant registered nursing staff in an appropriate and timely manner.
Report accurately to the Nursing staff all food and fluid intake.
Treat patients with respect and courtesy and regard all matters relating to the patient and his / her circumstances as strictly confidential.
Maintain effective relationships with the patient and all appropriate members of staff involved in the patient’s care.
Ensure that all records are completed in an accurate and legible manner.
Education and Training
Participate in in-service training as required.
Complete mandatory training in keeping with the Trusts requirements
Complete training required for the post inclusive of on-line training were appropriate
Continue to develop knowledge and skills in keeping with clinical and personal need.
Participate in supervision and development reviews
Participate in audits as required
RAISING CONCERNS - RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency.
The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The post holder will be required to:
1. Assist the organisation in fulfilling its statutory duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to promote equality of opportunity and good relations and under the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Staff are also required to support the organisation in complying with its obligations under Human Rights Legislation.
2. Ensure the Organisation’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.
3. Co-operate fully with the implementation of The Organisation's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.
4. Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example:
Smoke Free policy
IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct
standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour
5. Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.
Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.
Take responsibility to minimise the Trust’s environmental impact wherever possible. This will include recycling, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use. Helping to reduce paper waste by minimising printing/copying and reducing water usage, reporting faults and heating/cooling concerns promptly and minimising travel.
All employees of the Organisation are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the [org name] including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the [org name] policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.
Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.
Represent The Organisation’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.
This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within The Organisation's area, as needs of the service demand.
PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE AND BAND
Dementia Companion Band 3
DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE
Medicine & Unscheduled Care
SALARY
HOURS
37.5 per week
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.
Factor
Essential Criteria
Number
Criteria
Method of Assessment
Qualifications/ Registration
E1
Have 2 years’ experience of delivering direct care in a care environment1
OR
Hold NVQ/VRQ/QCF/RQF Level 3 Certificate in Health/Health & Social Care (or relevant equivalent qualification) 2
OR
Hold NVQ/VRQ/QCF/RQF Level 2 Certificate in Health/Health & Social Care (or equivalent qualification)2 and have 1 years’ experience of delivering direct care in a care environment1
OR
Hold 4 GCSEs at grade A-C including English and Maths (or equivalent qualification) 2 and have 1 years’ experience of delivering direct care in a care environment1
Shortlisting by Application Form
SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:
Skills / Abilities
E3
E4
E5
E6
E7
E8
Effective communication skills to meet the needs of the post in full.
Ability to work as part of a Team.
Effective organisational skills.
An interest and commitment to making a difference to service users, highly committed to a patient centred approach and high quality of care.
Ability to work flexibly including evenings, nights, weekends, bank holidays and on call as required
Willing to undertake training necessary for the role.
Interview / Test
Knowledge
E9
E10
E11
Understanding of role.
Understanding of patient/service user experience needs in a caring environment.
Awareness of health & safety issues.
Interview / Test
Ref No:
NOTES FOR APPLICANTS
1 ‘Care environment’ is defined as: paid work within a hospital/residential/ nursing home or community setting. This must be evidenced on the application form
2 You must complete the RQF Level 3 Certificate (health specific) within a maximum of 18 months of taking up post. It may be the case in some exceptional circumstances that this requirement is not met. All such cases must be signed off by the professional head of service/ senior nurse for the division and reported and explained to the Trust Director of Nursing. For the majority of staff, it would be expected that this Certificate will be completed at the earliest opportunity, which will normally be within 6 months of appointment or as soon as possible thereafter.
3 This criterion is only applicable to some posts therefore it does not prevent an individual applying to this recruitment and selection process for posts that do not have this requirement. The criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.
Post holders will be required to undertake the regionally developed induction programme in the first two weeks following the allocated start date and complete within 6 months of taking up post. Post holders must also undertake relevant training to meet service needs.
As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for The Organisation to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.
THE ORGANISATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Successful applicants:
may be required to attend for a Health Assessment
Can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AFC Pay on Promotion will apply.
Are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.
All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times
All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times
