Zest Care Assistant

Job summary

To provide holistic, person-centred care and support to young adults living with progressive illness and complex health care needs palliative care needs and their families accessing Zest care at St Elizabeth Hospice. To deliver individualised care, under the supervision of the Zest Lead Care Assistant and/or Registered Nurse on duty at the hospice. This may include supporting outings into the community. To support young adults using person-centred care to achieve their goals and plan activities. To be able to understand and recognise individual developmental needs, where appropriate encouraging and enabling independence and self-management skills.

Safeguarding responsibilities

To demonstrate a commitment to keeping adults and young people safe To report any disclosure made to you to the appropriate person To report any safeguarding concerns in the workplace to the appropriate person To maintain an awareness of the hospices policies in relation to safeguarding

Key responsibilities

Deliver person-centred planned care to designated young people using a range of delegated care tasks which could include medicines management in line with hospice policies and procedures, suctioning, gastrostomy care and the use of technology or specific techniques for example chest physiotherapy, in accordance with individual care plans. Observe changes in the young persons condition and promptly seek advice and report back to a registered nurse or appropriate professional To assist in physical care involving all hygiene, elimination, eating and drinking, mobilisation, rest, sleep and comfort needs. To assist in meeting the young adult and his/her familys spiritual and psychological needs, recognising and respecting religious and cultural beliefs. To enable access to inclusive activities and facilitate engagement, enabling choice. To confidently use the equipment or aids necessary for the care of the young adults, following assessment and training and to report any faults promptly to the appropriate person. To follow community emergency care plans in the event of a sudden change or deterioration. Ensure care plans are kept up to date, delivery of care is accurately recorded and records are maintained in accordance with Hospice policies and procedures Work effectively with other members of the multiprofessional team so that care is coordinated. To promote and role model person centred care, including ensuring all young adults have a one-page profile. To participate as a team member in other activities which complete the care cycle, i.e laundry, meals, collecting equipment, ad hoc light domestic duties and outings Ensure adherence with relevant Infection Prevention and Control Policies and procedures, raising any risks to the IPC group/service lead Report any incidents in accordance with the incident management policy Have an understanding of safeguarding principles and be able to apply these within everyday practice and intervention/within your role.

Responsibilities for all staff

Act as a positive ambassador for St Elizabeth Hospice Where the postholder is a member of a professional body, comply to the professional standards set by that body. Ensure registration is current and practice continuous professional development. Because of the special nature of the hospice and its work, the postholder may on occasion be asked to undertake other duties to help maintain our high standards of care and engagement.