Family Support Social Worker

Posting date:	06 June 2025
Salary:	£36,991.50 to £38,142.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£36991.50 - £38142.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	29 June 2025
Location:	Lancaster, LA2 6ST
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	B0502-FSSW-June2025

Summary

MAIN DUTIES Manage own complex caseload and work autonomously as a Social Work Practitioner as a member of the multi-disciplinary team in an effective way, using IT software and Systems appropriately. Manage and be accountable, with supervision and support, for own social work practice and maintain accurate and up to date records and files at all times. Work closely with colleagues in the multi-disciplinary team and provide consultative advice, education and support to members of the hospice MDT regarding the needs of people with advanced life limiting illness, their family/carers. Be aware of and work within the Policies/Procedures/Standards of St Johns Hospice, including those relating to Infection control, Health & Safety and Moving and Handling. Maintain service user confidentiality at all times. Adapt communication as required in order to provide information appropriately to all individuals. Exercise the professional duty of candour being open and honest with all patients about all aspects of care and treatment. Maintain awareness of patient diversity to meet individuals cultural needs. Contribute to the development of psychological support within St Johns Hospice. Support staff involved in MCA and DoLS assessments and applications. CLINICAL Help with conflict mediation between family members, where this is possible. Utilise talking therapies to support patients through their illness journey, supporting the family as well. Act as an advocate for the patient and their family when needed, referring to formal advocacy services when needed. Advice on financial matters, referring to external agencies for help as required. Assess challenges and risks for patients and families, such as potentially abusive or neglectful situations, emotional needs of the patient, and safety risks in their environment Obtain consent for assessments and interventions, working in the best interest of the patient when it is not possible to gain informed consent. Undertake holistic assessments to identity the problems and resources available to patients, families and carers resulting in effective plans to support patients, families and carers. Carry out psychological, emotional and social assessments of people and carers with consideration for diversity. Provide patients, families and carers with information with regards to employment, housing, benefits and legal issues, including financial support through grants making bodies. Make and sustain links with external agencies relevant to the provision of palliative care at St Johns Hospice. Contribute to continuing care funding applications where appropriate. Participate in the supervision and internal education process and comply with St Johns Hospice policies, procedures and guidelines. Assist and support the patients and families needs and respond appropriately in a person centred approach. EDUCATION Participate in relevant multi-professional teaching programmes internally and externally. Support/mentor relevant students undertaking practice development placements. Link with local authority teams to educate them on the role of palliative care and the Hospice. Co-facilitate level 2 safeguarding training for relevant staff within the Hospice, ensuring compliance is met both statutorily and competently. Lead a clinical supervision group internally, using reflection and challenge to support staff. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Work within recognised professional standards in compliance with professional registration. Be aware of an ensure implementation of National Standards Framework and Guidelines and best practice. Provide a statutory and therapeutic social work service using individual, group or family techniques. Network with other Hospice and Social Work teams locally and nationally keeping up to date in developments in palliative care and be an active member of the Association of Palliative Care Social Workers. Proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities that will enable enhanced contribution to meet the objectives of the hospice strategy. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Represent St Johns Hospice at internal and external meetings as required to maximise the profile of the hospice. Be aware of national, regional and local issues and plans relevant to palliative care services. Represent St Johns Hospice at functions and other events as necessary. PEOPLE AND DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT Support admin volunteer(s) within social work team. STANDARD/ENHANCED DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT Enhanced DBS disclosure + Barring Check required for this post. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO ST. JOHNS HOSPICE Please refer to the uploaded Job description for full details of the points below 1. Confidentiality 2. Health and Safety 3. External Interests 4. Statutory Training 5. Flexibility 6. Safeguarding 7. Disclosure and Barring 8. Equality and Inclusion 9. Volunteers