Northern Ireland Hospice Job Description Post:

Family Support Worker – Fixed Term until 31.3.16

Location:

Horizon House

Reports to:

Senior Social Work Practitioner

Responsible to:

Director of Children’s and Young Peoples Services

Minimum Qualifications: Level 2/3 cert/diploma in a relevant field ie Health and Social Care, Children and Young Peoples workforce etc. NB Applicants without the qualification may be considered if they hold significant relevant experience in a related field.

Role The post holder will contribute to the planning, organisation, delivery and review of the various family support programmes offered to the families of children who use Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice (NICH) services. S/he will work in collaboration with the Senior Social Work Practitioner, Care Team Manager and families to ensure that a range of appropriate support services are offered routinely through Horizon House. General Responsibilities  To contribute to the planning, organisation, delivery and review of the group programmes, projects and events provided for families (parents, grandparents, carers and siblings).  To contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the family support programme.  To work in a collaborative way with families to identify their needs and interests and then to plan and deliver a range of appropriate responses.  To work with colleagues to support increased engagement of families in the development of NICH services and in lobbying and influencing activities.  To promote family centred care and contribute to the provision of a welcoming, caring and safe environment for the children and their families.  To develop and maintain a working knowledge of both NICH and other organisation’s services in order to ensure families have the information they need to make informed choices and access appropriate services. HR/Job Descriptions/Family Support Work/Nov 14

 To adhere to and work towards the delivery of the outcomes of the service liaising closely with the Senior Social Work Practitioner, Care Team Manager and other colleagues. 

To maintain accurate records and assist in the production of reports as required.

 To communicate and disseminate information efficiently and effectively with all stakeholders.  To be aware of and support quality initiatives including audit, protocols and standards applicable to NICH and the family support service in particular.  To attend team meetings, supervision and other meetings as required.  To promote a supportive work place environment for colleagues.  To contribute to staff and volunteer induction and training as appropriate.

Education and Professional Development 

Participate in annual performance development review.

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Assist with the provision of training and learning opportunities for staff and volunteers internally and externally.

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To take personal responsibility to ensure his/her own practice is relevant and up to date.

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To act as a role model for staff and volunteers within the organisation.

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To attend and disseminate knowledge gained from courses, seminars and study days or work experience to colleagues across the multi-professional team.

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To share knowledge and expertise with other staff through formal and informal teaching by developing education in conjunction with team members.

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To contribute to a culture of reflective and evidence based practice within the service and to identify and encourage the use of research based palliative care practice.

Leadership and Management 

To meet with the Senior Social Work Practitioner for management meetings and supervision

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To ensure effective communication within and outside the team encouraging positive working relationships

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To protect and promote the confidentiality of children, young people and families using NICH services at all times

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To maintain effective local networks and partnerships in order to promote and enhance the work of NICH HR/Job Descriptions/Family Support Work/Nov 14

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To adhere to all NICH and NIH policies and procedures

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To be aware of and contribute to the Corporate Governance arrangements within NIH

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To promote health and safety in the workplace by ensuring a safe environment within the team office for all staff, volunteers and visitors, and in absence of same, communicate with the appropriate department

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To ensure s/he is aware of, and acts in accordance with, such regulations as laid down by statutory bodies that pertain to NI Hospice

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To maintain accurate statistical records and compile reports as necessary relating to their caseload and development of the service

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To act as an ambassador for Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and Northern Ireland Hospice, maximising opportunities to promote the service

This job description is an outline of the post as it is currently perceived by the Hospice and may be subject to review as a result of a changing and developing service.

HR/Job Descriptions/Family Support Work/Nov 14

NORTHERN IRELAND HOSPICE Employees of Northern Ireland Hospice are required to support its mission which is: “To provide a range of holistic in-patient and community specialist palliative and rehabilitative care services (for children, young people and adults) , in an environment of learning and research, enabling individuals with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses and their families to maximise the quality of their lives.” Northern Ireland Hospice is also committed to the following core values, which employees are expected to apply in all relevant aspects of their work: Personal Affording due and equitable attention to the individual and diverse needs of each of our patients, family members, carers, volunteers, staff, and supporters Passionate Affirming the individual and organisational commitment to the highest standards of care and excellence in all that we do Professional Applying appropriate skills and experience, in an ethical and/or responsible manner as each situation demands, to ensure the best possible outcomes for all concerned Pioneering Constantly striving for innovative and creative solutions to old and new challenges

General Responsibilities 

Members of staff are expected at all times to provide a caring service and to treat all those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

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Staff are expected to demonstrate their commitment to Northern Ireland Hospice by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.

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All staff must comply with Northern Ireland Hospice Smoking Policy.

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All duties must be carried out in compliance with Northern Ireland Hospice Health and Safety policy and statutory regulations.

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Northern Ireland Hospice is an Equal Opportunities Employer. You are required to adhere to Northern Ireland Hospice Equal Opportunities Policy throughout the course of your employment.

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All information relating to patients and staff must be held in the strictest confidence and must not be divulged to any unauthorised person at any time, unless to do so is in the best interest of the individual. A breach of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action being taken in accordance with the Northern Ireland Hospice Disciplinary Procedure.

HR/Job Descriptions/Family Support Work/Nov 14

Northern Ireland Hospice Job Specification

Post:

Family Support Worker – Fixed Term until 31.3.16

Department:

NICH Family Support Service, Horizon House

Band:

Based on band 4 (£18,048 - £21,706 p.a. pro rata)

Hours:

Full time but part time (30 hours) considered.

Essential Criteria  Level 2/3 cert/diploma in a relevant field ie Health and Social Care, Children and Young Peoples workforce etc. NB Applicants without the qualification may be considered if they hold significant relevant experience in a related field  Experience of facilitating a range of group work and other programmes 

Experience of working with children, young people and adults in any of the following environments: children's home; nurseries, family community centres, mental health services or youth projects. ( this list is not exhaustive, you may feel that your experience is relevant but you must demonstrate how)

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An ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with children and adults

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An ability to build good relationships with families

 Understanding, patience and good listening skills  Demonstrable commitment to promoting service user involvement and working in an inclusive environment 

The ability to stay calm under pressure

 Ability to work autonomously and prioritise own work.    

Good time management and organisational skills A flexible approach HR/Job Descriptions/Family Support Work/Nov 14

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Good team working skills

 Excellent written and oral communication skills.  Competence in using a range of IT packages  Access to transport to enable the requirements of the post to be fulfilled.  Capacity to work flexibly to meet the needs of children and families i.e. evenings and weekends and travel. Desirable Criteria  Knowledge of the principles of children’s palliative care  Knowledge of the challenges and needs of carers  A good understanding of child development and the needs of children  Experience of working with children, young people and/or adults with disabilities and/or complex physical healthcare needs  Experience of project monitoring and evaluation

HR/Job Descriptions/Family Support Work/Nov 14