Job Summary

The Senior Care Assistant supports the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate, person-centred specialist palliative care to patients within the In-Patient Unit (IPU). Working under the supervision of the IPU Charge Nurses and Staff Nurses, and in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, the post holder contributes to meeting patients’ physical, emotional and personal care needs and supporting their families throughout the patient journey.

The role also involves providing guidance and support to colleagues, students and volunteers, promoting good practice and contributing to a positive, inclusive and professional working environment in line with Ayrshire Hospice values and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Deliver safe, effective and compassionate person-centred care, maintaining patients’ dignity, privacy, comfort and respect for their individual needs, preferences and choices.

• Support patients throughout their journey within the IPU, including admission, ongoing care, discharge and care after death, in accordance with agreed care plans and under the direction of registered nursing staff.

• Recognise and promptly report changes in patients’ conditions, responding appropriately to urgent situations within the limits of the role and seeking assistance when required.

• Maintain accurate, timely and relevant patient records using electronic and paper-based documentation systems, ensuring records reflect individual care needs and the care provided.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with registered nursing staff and the wider multidisciplinary team to support coordinated care and effective communication.

• Provide appropriate guidance and support to new colleagues, students and volunteers, acting as a positive role model and promoting good practice and compassionate care.

• Build supportive relationships with patients, families and carers, providing empathy, reassurance and practical support, and referring clinical questions, concerns or complaints to the appropriate registered nursing staff.

• Contribute to a positive, respectful and inclusive workplace culture, helping maintain a welcoming and professional environment for patients, families and colleagues.

Governance and Continuous Improvement

• Work in accordance with Ayrshire Hospice policies, procedures and relevant regulatory requirements, contributing to the maintenance of standards set by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

• Promote patient safety by identifying and reporting incidents, risks and concerns through the appropriate reporting systems.

• Contribute to maintaining a safe clinical environment and ensuring equipment and resources are used appropriately.

• Maintain the knowledge, skills and competence required for the role and contribute to the ongoing improvement of care and service quality.

Role Scope and Autonomy

• The post holder works within the 12-bedded IPU, which provides specialist palliative care for patients requiring symptom management, multidisciplinary assessment, respite and end-of-life care.

• The role involves delivering delegated aspects of patient care under the supervision of IPU Charge Nurses and Staff Nurses. The post holder is expected to exercise initiative within established care plans, policies and procedures while recognising the boundaries of their role and seeking guidance when required.

• The post holder is accountable for their own practice and is expected to recognise when a situation requires assistance or the involvement of a registered practitioner. The role contributes to continuity of care, supports colleagues and helps maintain a safe, compassionate and effective service.

Planning and Organising

The post holder is expected to:

• Organise and prioritise delegated care activities in response to changing patient needs and the demands of the shift.

• Work closely with the allocated Staff Nurse and follow work priorities agreed by the Charge Nurse and registered nursing staff.

• Coordinate care activities with colleagues to support continuity of care and the effective use of available resources.

• Adapt to changing circumstances and communicate delays, concerns or changes in priorities promptly to the appropriate member of the nursing team.

Communication and Relationship Skills

The post holder is required to communicate effectively, compassionately and sensitively with patients, families, carers, colleagues and members of the multidisciplinary team.

This includes:

• Listening to patients and families, respecting their individual needs and preferences, and communicating in a manner that promotes dignity, trust and inclusion.

• Providing sensitive and appropriate information about care activities within the limits of the role, referring clinical questions and concerns to registered nursing staff.

• Communicating relevant patient information clearly and accurately to support safe handovers and continuity of care.

• Maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately in accordance with Hospice policies and information governance requirements.

• Responding professionally to challenging behaviour, distressed individuals, complex family dynamics and differing expectations.

• Establishing positive working relationships across the organisation and communicating respectfully with colleagues, students and volunteers.

Decision Making and Problem Solving

The post holder is expected to:

• Use initiative and judgement to prioritise delegated care activities in response to patients’ needs and changing circumstances.

• Recognise changes in patients’ conditions and identify concerns relating to their safety or wellbeing, escalating these promptly to registered nursing staff.

• Respond appropriately to urgent or emergency situations within the limits of their training and competence, seeking immediate assistance when required.

• Identify and report incidents, hazards and risks, taking appropriate action within the responsibilities of the role.

• Recognise when a situation falls outside their knowledge, skills or authority and seek appropriate advice or support.

Clinical assessments, treatment decisions and matters requiring registered professional judgement must be referred to the appropriate registered practitioner.

Physical, Mental, Emotional and Environmental Demands

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing and walking throughout the shift, with physical activity associated with supporting patients with personal care and daily living activities.

• Assisting patients with reduced mobility and using moving and handling equipment, including hoists, stand aids, bathing chairs and electric beds, in accordance with training and safe working procedures.

• Responding promptly to changing patient needs and emergency situations.

• Maintaining moving and handling competence through training and updates in accordance with Hospice requirements.

Mental Demands

• Maintaining concentration and attention to detail when delivering care, documenting information and following care plans and procedures.

• Managing an unpredictable workload in which priorities may change at short notice.

• Recognising changes in patients’ conditions and responding appropriately to risks and concerns.

• Maintaining accuracy and awareness when undertaking care activities in a busy clinical environment.

Emotional Demands

• Regularly supporting patients and families experiencing distress, anxiety, deterioration, bereavement and the challenges associated with life-limiting illness.

• Providing personal care and supporting patients during the last days of life, including carrying out care after death with dignity and respect.

• Managing emotionally challenging situations involving complex family dynamics, challenging behaviour and high expectations.

• Maintaining empathy, sensitivity and professional boundaries while delivering compassionate care.

Working Conditions

• Working within a clinical inpatient environment providing specialist palliative care.

• Working a range of shifts, including days and nights, in line with service requirements.

• Exposure to bodily fluids and other aspects of personal care associated with supporting patients with complex needs.

• Working in an environment where patient needs and service priorities can change unpredictably, requiring flexibility and consistent attention to safety and quality.

General Organisational Responsibilities

The post holder is expected to:

• Act in accordance with Ayrshire Hospice values and behaviours.

• Comply with organisational policies, procedures, relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with information governance and data protection requirements.

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, respecting the needs, beliefs, choices and preferences of others.

• Contribute to a culture of quality, safety, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Take responsibility for their own health, safety, learning and development, including completion of mandatory training.

• Undertake other duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the post.

Person Specification

Essential

• SVQ Level 2 in Health Care or equivalent.

• Recent experience working as a healthcare assistant within a clinical care environment.

• An interest in and commitment to the delivery of specialist palliative care.

• Understanding of person-centred care and the importance of maintaining dignity, privacy and respect.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including active listening.

• Effective time management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands.

• Ability to recognise changes in patients’ needs or conditions and escalate concerns appropriately.

• A positive, motivated and compassionate approach to patient care.

• Ability to undertake the main duties and responsibilities of the post safely and effectively.

Desirable

• SVQ Level 3 in Health Care or equivalent, or willingness to work towards this.

• Experience of providing care to patients in the last days of life.

• Experience of supporting patients and families affected by life-limiting illness and bereavement.

• Evidence of involvement in audit, quality improvement or developing an area of interest relevant to the role.

• Effective strategies for managing the emotional and practical demands of working in a clinical care environment.

Personal Attributes

The post holder will demonstrate:

• Compassion, empathy and respect for patients, families, carers and colleagues.

• Honesty, integrity and a commitment to treating others fairly.

• A collaborative and supportive approach to working with colleagues.

• Adaptability and resilience when responding to changing patient needs and service demands.

• A calm, sensitive and professional approach when dealing with emotionally challenging situations.

• Self-awareness and recognition of the limits of their knowledge, skills and competence.

• A willingness to learn, develop and contribute positively to the team.

Closing Date

Tuesday 24th November, 4pm