Palliative Care Social Worker

Overall Purpose of the Role To act as an expert social work resource for palliative care, providing support and advice to all referred patients, family members and or carers. The service offered by the department aims to contribute to the multi-disciplinary approach that is concerned with the physical, psychological, spiritual, emotional and social wellbeing of the patient and their family/and or carers. Issues of living with life limiting diseases, impending death, loss and grief are a feature of this work. This post will cover in patients, community and day service provision.

To perform their duties according to the philosophy of St Lukes, acting at all times to safeguard the individual interests of service users. To be accountable for their professional practice according to the Health and Care Professions Council Codes of Practice. Please note as with all roles, it is likely that there will be a need to amend and adapt the purpose, responsibilities and reporting associated with this role as the organisation changes in the future. The job description is therefore a living document and will be reviewed from time-to-time, in discussion with the post-holder.

Key Responsibilities Communication and Relationships To work as part of a multidisciplinary team including participation in multidisciplinary meetings and handovers, highlighting individuals who are vulnerable due to their dependency; refer on those patients as appropriate and keeping effective channels of communication open. To be responsible for managing an unpredictable and complex caseload. To be able to work autonomously in prioritising the most appropriate specialist care required. To assess individual and family strengths, resources and proven coping skills exploring interventions that enable the family as a unit to overcome communication difficulties.

To assess social, emotional, psychological, spiritual, financial and practical needs. To undertake direct supportive work with patients, families and caregivers, using individual, group or family techniques. This may involve other members of the multidisciplinary team and should involve external agencies whenever this is appropriate (e.g. statutory mental health, GP or local counselling services) To demonstrate advanced communication skills in order that complex and emotionally sensitive situations are managed in the most appropriate way.

To maintain an awareness of changes in legislation, theories, policies and practices in order to disseminate knowledge throughout the team and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service. To participate in clinical supervision and individual appraisal programmes as directed by the service. To contribute to the development of new initiatives through membership of working groups, multi-agency forums, attending training courses to develop current and new ways of working that meet service requirements. To develop the role of specialist palliative care social worker establishing and maintaining clear boundaries and professional identity.

To maintain and develop good communication links between hospital, hospice, community, social services and the voluntary sector. To assess the needs of patients and their carers and in complex cases to assist with discharge planning. To provide information and advocacy regarding state and local authority benefits, housing, and charitable assistance. To promote the development of effective links with local community agencies and represent the team at relevant external policy forums.

To offer consultation and support on complex issues related to the psycho-social needs of patients, families and carers to other members of the multi-professional team. Knowledge, Training and Experience To research and maintain a knowledge base of what resources are available at a local and national level in order to inform decision-making processes. To develop a knowledge of sources of practical or psychological assistance and support for patients and their families within the statutory and voluntary sectors and refer to them appropriately. To actively participate in palliative care educational programmes, developing new learning opportunities from a social care perspective.

To use specialist knowledge and advanced assessment skills to forward plan appropriate interventions. To respond quickly and sensitively to patient need in often rapidly changing situations. Planning and Organisation Actively participate in the continuing development of St Lukes Services and promote social work in future strategic plans. Analytical and Judgemental Skills To manage and prioritise workload within organisational policies, carrying out all duties using accountable professional judgement and knowledge based social work practices.

Assess and manage risk knowing how to intervene proportionately to ensure people are protected from harm and feel safe, while protecting their human rights. Information Resources To maintain clear and concise and accurate multidisciplinary written and computerised records which facilitate effective communication within St Lukes and with other agencies. To be aware of the confidential nature of the work undertaken and of the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018. To follow local codes of practice to ensure appropriate action to safeguard confidential information.

Policy and Service Development To ensure that clinical practice reflects national and local standards, protocols and procedures that could impact on other service areas. To lead on and participate in service improvement projects utilising recognised service improvement tools (e.g. productive ward series). To engage in practice-based audit, evaluation and research as required.

To have a knowledge and understanding of NICE guidance and other relevant palliative care literature. To ensure services are responsive to individual need and informed choice. Human Resources To participate in the delivery of the St Lukes learning and development programme, both internal and external. A willingness to be involved in the selection process for new staff and volunteers and to support the team in the management and supervision of volunteers.

To assume active responsibility for own professional and personal development. To monitor own performance against agreed objectives through the process of Performance Development Review and social work registration. Maintain up-to-date adherence to statutory and mandatory training.