Health Care Assistant (North Dorset)

Posting date:	27 June 2025
Salary:	£24,793.00 to £26,444.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£24793.00 - £26444.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	14 July 2025
Location:	Sturminster Newton, DT10 1FH
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	B0149-25-0007

Summary

Weldmar Hospicecare Job Description and Person Specification Job Title: Health Care Assistant Department: Weldmar Specialist Hospice at Home Location: Specialist Hospice at Home hubs North Dorset Hours of work: 37.5 (Part time hours considered) Grade: Clinical Salary Scale Band 3 Reports to: Weldmar Community Nurse Responsible for N/A Job Context Weldmar Hospicecare is an independent charity that provides specialist end of life care to patients and those that are important to them throughout Dorset. This care is given in the comfort of patients own homes by Weldmars Specialist Hospice at Home service, and via Wellbeing Services held across the county or as inpatients at our hospice in Dorchester. Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers ensure that we can continue to support patients through one of lifes most difficult journeys. We work closely with other health care providers including the NHS to ensure that our patients receive the highest possible care. We do receive some funding from the NHS but the majority of our income is generated by our fundraising and retail teams, which plays a vital part in securing income to fund our care, both now and in the future. Job Purpose The team of Health Care Assistants work from a number of locations across our catchment area within the specialist Hospice at Home hubs. The post holder will work collaboratively with clinical colleagues and external agencies to provide an agile and responsive service based on needs identified by the Specialist Hospice at Home team. Provide a reassurance to patients and/ or families, reducing the likelihood of hospital admission. Offering hands on care to patients at home Providing emotional support and advice Scope and Limits of Authority Working closely with other colleagues in the community you will be providing care, advice, support and informal teaching to patients and family members. Reporting to a Weldmar Community Nurse, the Health Care Assistant works under the direction of the WCN/WCNS team in the hub: Ensuring safe care is delivered to patients in their own home, as allocated. To establish and maintain effective positive communication with each member of the area hub team. Respecting the contribution each member brings, ensure the team works collaboratively and compassionately To work independently and with other members of the team, as well as external agencies when needed. To demonstrate respect, kindness and empathy at all times as a visitor in a patients own home. To recognise difficult or unexpected situations that required additional assistance and know who and when to contact. Through patient and family education to empower them to feel safe at home, if thats where they choose to be. To be agile and responsive to needs of patients The roles requires flexibility in accordance with service and patient need. Hours of working will be 9-5 to include weekends on a rota basis. There will be a requirement to attend the Specialist Hospice at Home hub in person and virtually. Mileage can be claimed from home as your base There may be a requirement to travel outside of local hub area on occasions. Job tasks To provide high standards of care to the patients and family, including hands on care and emotional support. To work with palliative patients in the last year of life. To apply knowledge and understanding of patients individual needs in a non-judgemental and caring manner. To provide opportunities to listen to patients and family members, enabling them to share what is important to them. To communicate sensitively in a way patient will understand. Clearly record all care required on electronic records. To have ability knowledge and skills required for the safe moving and handling of patients. To identify any element of risk and ensure that risk is managed appropriately under the direction of the Specialist Hospice at Home team/line manager. To work closely with all members of the Specialist Hospice at Home team, undertaking joint visits with other health care professionals as required. To provide care after death if required. To work with care agencies if required, offering informal teaching if needed. Maintain confidentially and dignity of patients at all times. To prompt patients with prescribed oral medications where patent is self-administrating medications. To reports any accidents or incidents that might occur to the patient, relative or member of staff, in accordance with Weldmar policy. To attend mandatory training provided by Weldmar. To attend line management meetings, supervision and team meetings as required. To offer gentle touch/ hand/ foot massage to patients after appropriate training