Senior Clinical Support Worker

The jobholder will be actively involved in providing direct and indirect compassionate care for patients in support of the multidisciplinary team. The jobholder will undertake a range of delegated clinical patient care duties under the support and supervision of a registered practitioner. The jobholder will assist in the overall implementation and evaluation of care as part of the multi professional team. The jobholder is expected to plan, implement, deliver and maintain high standards of patient care.
The jobholder will be skilled in taking appropriate action(s) and acting on own initiative to achieve the planned outcome. The jobholder will contribute to the maintenance of an environment for effective care. The jobholder will be expected to lead a team of Clinical Support Workers and apprentice Clinical Support Workers. The jobholder will be expected to practice in accordance within Trust policies, guidelines, standards and statutory requirements and operate within defined competency boundaries.
The jobholder will work within a ward, clinical department or community setting as part of a multidisciplinary team. The jobholder must comply with the wearing of PPE as appropriate to the clinical situation - this may involve wearing face masks for a considerable length of time. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Communication and Working Relationship Establish and maintain effective communication with patients, families, carers and patient groups Develop and maintain appropriate relationships, communication and teamwork with members of the multi-disciplinary team within the ward/department Assist in the welcome and reception of patients into the clinical area Demonstrate a variety of communication skills with patients who may have communication needs and difficulties e.g. confusion, dementia or other linguistic issues Communicate effectively with all health, social care providers, voluntary sectors and emergency services Maintain clear, concise and legible documentation adhering to standards in accordance with Trust policies and guidance Ensure compliance with Trust policies and procedures regarding confidentiality of data and data security Communicate with colleagues and members of the multi-disciplinary team clearly and effectively in written, verbal and electronic format (this may include accessing and updating patient records on central databases or electronic systems).
Participate in and contribute to local audits (e.g. hand hygiene audit) Escalate concerns with regards to patients physical or psychological needs, or changes in their clinical condition to a registered practitioner within appropriate time frames Effective use of communication skills when responding to patients, relatives or carers concerns and complaints, contributing to the ward, unit or department team action plan to achieve local resolution. Ensures, in liaison with registered practitioners that interpreters are utilised as appropriate to support patients understanding and communication needs. Ability to answer phone, effectively managing the enquiry Clinical Responsibilities Provide and deliver a high standard of compassionate nursing care recognising and meeting the specific needs of the patients Following training and assessment, competently undertake clinical activities relevant to the post and clinical area as agreed Acknowledge any limitations of competence in accepting care activities outside agreed limitations and inform a registered practitioner Assist in planning, implementation and evaluation of individual programmes of care for patients Document interventions performed and care delivered, ensuring that record is countersigned by a registered practitioner where appropriate.
Assist in the recording of fluid balance, reporting discrepancies to a registered practitioner. Assist the patient with all aspects of their personal hygiene. Assist in the safe moving and handling of all patients utilising appropriate equipment. Assist the patient with their elimination needs; including bowel and urinary catheter care.
Provide care for patients with reduced mobility; to include skin integrity, pressure area care and measurement and application of anti-embolic stockings Assist in ensuring patients nutritional needs are met. Carry out clinical observations on patients, recognising, recording and reporting abnormalities and changes in patients condition to the registered practitioner Utilise early warning score indicators (e.g. NEWS) to recognise any patient deterioration/sudden change in condition, reporting immediately to the registered practitioner. Prepare and undertake interventions consistent with evidence based practice, through applying knowledge and skills to determine nature of the clinical care intervention required to meet patients requirements for care.
Assist in the provision of patient centred enhanced care, utilising a range of therapeutic interventions based on the enhanced care risk assessment. Reporting any deterioration, or changes in condition to the registered practitioner. Evaluate and review the effect of any interventions and the patients agreed plan of care and report outcomes of interventions to the registered practitioner. Collect equipment for clinical procedures as directed by the registered practitioner.
Safely dispose of equipment, post procedure, restocking where appropriate Assist in safe and appropriate use and maintenance of equipment Assist in the correct handling and dispatch of specimens Safe disposal of soiled linen and clinical waste from the ward or department Participate in the process of involving relatives and or carers in the provision of patient care Contribute to the psychological and or spiritual needs of patients using diversionary and comfort measures as appropriate Acts as a chaperone as per chaperone policy. Assist in the performing of last offices for deceased patients. Undertake the escort of patients to other departments and ward as instructed by a registered practitioner Organise and prioritise time effectively Undertake duties on different wards, departments or clinical areas as and when required by service demands or patient need. Act in such a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children & vulnerable adults at all times.
Is familiar with and adheres to, the LTHT safeguarding policies. Other Responsibilities Participate in the use of the Leeds Improvement Method to improve the quality and safety of the service. Contribute to the prevention and control of infection in line with Trust guidelines Assist in maintenance of accurate records and documentation, with regard to legal requirements, confidentiality and management of information. Ensure that essential information on the patients condition and progress is recorded in accordance with Trust guidelines Understand the need to maintain and respect patient confidentiality Promote and value the rights, responsibilities and diversity of people ensuring religious and cultural needs are addressed Education, Health, Safety and Security Ensure safe keeping and transportation of patient property and valuables in accordance with Trust policy.
Recognise the importance of health education and teaching of patients and their carers and inform senior staff where this might be required Ensure equipment and resources are used appropriately, efficiently and economically Maintain a safe working environment, reporting incidents, accidents, complaints according to Trust policy. Participate in in-service training Complete annual mandatory and priority training requirements within agreed timescales Participate in own and others annual performance appraisal Supervision and leadership Will be expected to lead a team of Clinical Support Workers on a shift by shift basis Will be expected to contribute to mentorship and appraisal of junior staff. Raise concerns with regards to risk, danger, malpractice or wrong doing by following the LTHT Whistleblowing policy and supporting processes. Please read Job Description document attached for more information.