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Health Care Assistant – Spinal Injuries

  • Full Time
  • United Kingdom
  • Applications have closed

Southport And Ormskirk NHS Trust

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our friendly, caring team at the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport District General Hospital.

We are looking for a caring and committed individual who would like to expand their knowledge and skills within this challenging and rewarding environment. The ability to deal supportively with people of all ages and backgrounds, along with their families, in a period of unprecedented change is essential.

Communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-professional team are critical to the success of the role.

Previous experience of working within an acute hospital setting would be expected as this role involves expanded skills in caring for patients with spinal cord injury. You should have completed NVQ Level 3 in Healthcare / Care Certificate or equivalent or be undertaking the course with completion expected within 6 months of taking up post.

Main duties of the job

There is currently a 12hour rotational shift pattern with the opportunity for shorter shifts to ensure availability of staff throughout the 24hour period. Staff are expected to be flexible as internal rotation between day and night duty is in operation and weekend working is to be expected.

The Health Care Assistant role at the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre is a key part of the multi-professional team & vital in supporting the rehabilitation process for patients with spinal cord injury.

The role involves providing direct care on a daily basis to ensure patients are able to achieve their goals for personal hygiene, eating & drinking, skin care & mobilising in a wheelchair, with expanded skills undertaken by the Band 3 Health Care Assistant.

About us

The Centre comprises of 43 Inpatient beds, including up to 9 Acute & Respiratory Care beds. In addition we have developed an Outreach Service that currently offers 8 beds in a community setting.

We provide acute care and rehabilitation services for individuals who have experienced a spinal cord lesion due to trauma or other mechanism.

There is an extensive rehabilitation service provided by a comprehensive Multi-Professional team with dedicated rehabilitation & therapy facilities within the department, including a fully equipped Gym, Hydrotherapy pool, Gait Orthosis equipment and Occupational Therapy assessment / treatment area.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Bed bathing / showering patients.

Assisting with elimination needs including transfer to & from shower chairs.

Assisting patients to dress & undress.

Frequent manual handling procedures such as repositioning in bed, hoisting from bed to chair & back, use of slide boards to transfer from bed to chair & back.

Assisting with meal provision & nutritional / hydration needs.

Reporting any changes to the Registered Nurse & ensuring appropriate documentation is completed in a timely manner i.e. repositioning schedules, food charts, intentional rounding charts.

Advertising Date – 17th April 2023

Closing Date – 24th April 2023

Shortlisting Date – 25th April 2023

Proposed Interview Date – 2nd May 2023

Please note this vacancy may close early upon receipt of sufficient applications

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ level 3 Health & Social Care or equivalent
  • Care Certificate (equivalent to Level 1)
  • Literacy & numeracy functional skills level 2 or equivalent

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of personal care & related procedures
  • Demonstrable experience of working in a patient care / health related role
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation related to healthcare
  • Experience of working in a team

Skills & abilities

Essential

  • Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal & written formats
  • Experience of supporting junior staff & learners
  • Flexible in working hours
  • Ability to cope in stressful & challenging situations

Working Conditions

Essential

  • Able to carry out direct clinical care as required on ward or department
  • Potential blood or body fluid exposure

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Closing Date: 24 March 2023