Assistant Teenage and Young Adults (TYA) Youth Worker

To ensure TYAs are aware of the financial support available to them when struggling with living costs Supporting youth worker to liaise with external agencies such as schools and employers to support TYA and family to manage day to day life during and post treatment and whiles living with cancer To ensure that appropriate activity and recreational equipment is safe and appropriate for each young adult patient. To source, advise and purchase recreational resources to meet the needs of the 16-30 years age group. To work across Teenage and Adult Cancer services taking referrals from the clinical staff within the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service. Working with external agencies to provide appropriate activities both within hospital and the community to meet the needs of this patient group during treatment and beyond. Signposting TYAs to more specialist support within the TYAC team. Example Counselling, coaching, holistic wellbeing support or psychosexual therapy. Working alongside the young people to establish their health needs. Using the results of patients health needs work closely with the rest of the team to provide solutions To support youth worker to provide appropriate recreational facilities and activities for the teenagers and young adults on the Teenage and Young Adult Unit and other ward areas. Provide support for educational decision making and liaise with schools, universities and other Higher Education Institutes where appropriate Support Youth worker to encourage and support the interaction of teenagers and young adults with activities, with particular emphasis on group work and using motivational approaches where appropriate. To devise and develop ways in which peer group support can be achieved. Prepare young people for invasive and non-invasive medical procedures, using distraction techniques and activity. Ensure the appropriateness of available resources to be updated as needed To coordinate and support peer network and therapeutic support groups used to encourage social interaction and offer support in order to aid adjustment to disease and hospitalisation. To participate in fundraising process including suggestions for fundraisers and sending thank you cards out to fundraisers Assist youth worker to research and get quotations for ordering supplies and equipment as appropriate To ensure recreational and craft equipment is continually maintained. To keep records of the numbers and types of patients receiving recreational services/input. To attend weekly TYA unit team meetings To provide an age-appropriate environment in which young people can remain stimulated. Link with the Youth Worker at the Principal Treatment Centres (PTC) (Royal Marsden, University College London Hospital) to ensure that activities are coordinated and collaborative. Assist youth worker to plan, co-ordinate, and monitor and evaluate work which broadens access to social activities for young people. To develop and maintain a close working relationship with people from the community as well as with those involved in other elements of the Unit's work. Ensure that patient privacy and confidentiality is maintained, and that dignity and freedom of choice is enhanced. Respect the individuality, values and cultural and religious diversity of patients and their families. Supervise volunteers. Ensure infection control measures are kept at all times Use any computer system purchased by the trust providing appropriate training has been given. Example Cerner. Comply with the data protection act 1984. Assisting clinical team in delivering safe and timely care to patients as appropriate Maintain own learning through reading and attending study days. Review and reflect upon own practice through the effective use of clinical supervision and appraisal. Attend in-service training and meetings as required. Organise and attend Trust statutory and mandatory trainings where applicable Participate in the orientation, training and supervision of students. Act as a role model and in a professional manner at all times creating a good working atmosphere. Work within current policies issued by the trust reporting any accident or sickness to the lead Nurse. Have knowledge of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and twitter to ensure that all unit sites are managed and updated regularly