Healthcare Support Worker
Location: Skanda Vale Hospice, Saron, Llandysul, SA44 5DY.
Contract Salary: £12.50ph (day rate) / £15.63ph (night rate)
Bank Salary: £14.01ph (day rate) and £17.51ph (night rate) which includes 12.07% payment in lieu of holiday entitlement.
Overview
Hours: 2 – 4 shifts monthly during pre-booked Respite weeks.
Shift Pattern: 8am – 2pm / 2pm – 8pm. If there is a shortage of night carers, you may occasionally be asked to cover an overnight shift from 8pm to 8am.
Supported by: Health Care Support Worker Lead / Lead Nurse
As an HCSW at Skanda Vale Hospice, you’ll generally choose to work either days or nights during Respite sessions. We prefer to offer you contracted hours but Bank hours are available. You’ll be providing truly patient-centred care with dedication, kindness and empathy, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their loved ones.
Working under Registered Nurse supervision and within a team composed mainly of volunteers, you’ll need to embrace the Hospice’s ethos and care delivery model. As someone with warmth and sensitivity, you’ll work to understand each individual’s needs and contribute to care plans tailored to their unique circumstances. Night HCSWs will care for up to 6 patients in our in-care unit, alongside a Registered Nurse.
Our supportive environment fosters teamwork, continuous learning and a genuine commitment to excellence. We’ll provide you training and resources to help you thrive in this rewarding role so if you have a caring nature and a desire to help others, we invite you to apply to join our team.
Key responsibilities:
- Patient Care: Provide attentive and compassionate care to patients, supporting their comfort, dignity and well-being. Help with all aspects of personal care, eating, drinking, mobilising and repositioning, respecting their wishes and independence at all times.
- Emotional Support: Offer a warm and compassionate presence, a listening ear and understanding to patients and their families—helping them relax as much as possible so they feel nurtured, valued, respected and cared for. Watch for signs of discomfort or distress and report any concerns to the nursing team.
- Family Support: Offer support and guidance to family members and visitors, providing information and help as needed.
- Health & Safety: Follow infection control protocols, health and safety regulations and hospice policies to maintain a safe, comfortable and clean environment for all.
- Observation and Reporting: Keep a close eye on patients’ conditions. Communicate any changes, concerns or incidents (plus positive feedback) promptly to the nursing team; and support them in keeping accurate, up-to-date care documentation in line with our policies.
- Teamwork and Inclusivity: Work collaboratively with team members and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care for patients as well as a positive team spirit. Support patient care planning and decision-making. Promote and support an inclusive working culture that has respect for all at its heart.
- Professionalism and Self-Awareness: Uphold confidentiality and maintain a professional approach even in challenging situations. Seek support from senior colleagues as needed to manage your own emotional well-being and take part in reflection and other support opportunities.
- Training and Development: Participate in training and development activities offered by the hospice to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Qualifications, skills and qualities:
- Previous experience in a healthcare support role, preferably in a palliative care or hospice setting.
- NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
- Understanding of palliative care principles and practices.
- Basic understanding of healthcare practices, infection control procedures and health and safety regulations.
- Compassion, sensitivity and an empathetic approach to patient care – with a commitment to upholding the dignity, autonomy and cultural values of patients.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; with the ability to engage with patients, families, and colleagues in a respectful and professional manner.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Basic I.T. skills with a willingness to learn new systems if needed.
- Night HCSWs need the ability to work full waking night shifts. Day HCSWs need to be able to cover an occasional night if needed.
Training and support:
- Comprehensive induction and training on hospice policies, procedures and protocols are provided as part of 2.5 paid days of mandatory role-specific training.
- Ongoing support, supervision and professional development opportunities are also available to ensure that our Healthcare Support Workers stay confident and capable in their role.
TO APPLY
Please send a current CV and cover letter explaining your interest and suitability for this position to: jobs@skandavalehospice.org
You can also send a paper copy to:
People Team, Skanda Vale Hospice, Saron, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire SA44 5DY.
Related Opportunities
Registered Nurse
Your primary role will be to provide high-quality palliative care in true collaboration with our patients, their family members and those most important to them. This will include holistic assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of person-centred care plans.
You’ll serve as a role model for team members, providing supervision, motivation, support and encouragement. You’ll be working within a team composed largely of volunteers, some of whom have decades of experience.