Ward Clerk

Job summary St Wilfrid's Hospice is delighted to offer the opportunity to join us as a Ward Clerk within the In Patient Unit Team.We're a friendly, inspiring and supportive team, committed to our vision to provide high quality end of life and palliative care.
Main duties of the job This role is ideal for a skilled Administrator or Receptionist who brings strong organisational abilities and a caring approach to their work.
In this position, youll support patients and their loved ones during emotional moments, handling sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and empathy.As a valued member of our team, youll benefit from a friendly, supportive, and people-focused working environment.
Your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically will help us continue to provide the highest standards of care.This position is for 13 hours per week, working over two consecutive days from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, including a 30-minute lunch break.
The specific days will vary on a rota basis.
The role also includes working one weekend in every three, scheduled on a rota basis.
There will be occasions when the frequency of weekend working increases to cover annual leave.Relevant experience of a health care setting is essential, and experience of working in a Hospice or palliative care is desirable but not essential.
About us We are an independent local charity based in Bosham, Chichester offering a wide range of services to support our patients, and their loved ones, who are living with a life limiting or terminal illness.
The work we do makes a real difference to the lives of local people and we support over 330 patients between our In Patient Unit and Community teams.All Hospice employees are offered:Annual Leave - Our generous holiday entitlement starts at 27 days per year plus bank holidays and increases with serviceHealthcare -Access to a contributory health plan for you and family members, covering a range of benefits including eyecare and physiotherapyEmployee Assistance Programme (EAP) - Access to free and confidential Virtual GP Advice, Counselling and Legal SupportContinuation of existing NHS Pension Scheme Membership- And recognition of reckonable service for certain benefitsGenerous Pension- With employer contribution for staff not in the NHS Pension SchemeLife Assurance Scheme - Should the worst happen while you're working with us, your loved ones will receive a lump sum payment equal to two times your salary (or the NHS Life Assurance Scheme if applicable)Free on site parking -At our beautiful, purpose built Hospice in BoshamSubsidised food - Our catering staff provide a range of high quality meals at low prices for all staff members when on site at the HospiceStaff discount - In all our community charity shops and eligibility for the Blue Light Card discount scheme Job description Job responsibilities JOB PURPOSEAdministrativeand clerical support to the ward Multi-disciplinary team on shift across the7-day weekClearand effective communication with multi-disciplinary team and volunteers on theshift (internal and external to the Hospice)Updatepatient data on computerProvide excellent customer care including meeting and greeting patients and their loved onesKEY ACCOUNTABILITIES &RESPONSIBILITIESOperationalToprovide a physical presence at the Inpatient Unit reception desk, meeting andgreeting patients and their loved ones, including assisting with any patientqueries and supporting any visitors or patients who may be distressed.To work within the hospice and service protocols and procedures to deliver a quality administration service for the Inpatient Unit.To take telephone calls from patients, their loved ones, health professionals and support services, sharing the relevant sensitive, confidential and complex information and accurately documenting necessary points.To maintain accurate information of the clinical database, particularly with admissions, discharges and deathsReceives admissions, assists with organisation of discharges/appointments communicating with other departments as required.Participates in the induction of staff.Uses the ward NHS email account for out of hour prescriptions, continuing health care information, liaison with outside agencies.Liaises with internal and external organisations, colleagues and professionals as requiredTakes the initiative when reporting adverse comments, complaints, untoward incidents and faulty equipment to Senior Ward Staff / Clinical Lead Inpatient Services.Participates in the collection of data for ward audits as requiredDemonstrates awareness of the need to implement cost effective measures when using resourcesCommunicationMaintain positive and effectivecommunication and relationships with patients, their loved ones and all otherprofessionals to enhance a dignified and high standard of care provisionUnderstanding of the need for effectivecommunication in discussing end of life care with individuals reaching the endof life and those close to themGive information in a sensitive and planned way toallow time and privacy.
Language should be clear and understand- able, avoidingjargon.
Written information may be given to family to take away.Communicate complex and sensitivepatient information to colleagues within the primary healthcare team and toother multi-disciplinary team members.At all times have an awareness ofpotential barriers in communication, understanding how to overcome thesebarriers, to maintain effective communication and equity of service provision.Educationand Training Support the induction of new staff.Support clinical teams in the use ofSystmOnePersonalDevelopmentTake responsibility for own learningand development and participate willingly in training and developmentactivities and proactively identify any training needs and discuss withmanager.KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPSThe main internal and external contacts the post holder will work withincludes:Patients andtheir loved ones To be able to communicate effectively andsensitively when imparting information that could be highly stressful andemotional.
Ensuring effectiveand honest communication considering the level of understanding, culture andbackgroundLine Manager and Colleagues - Communicates clearly andregularly discussing, reporting and sharing key information about patients andtheir loved ones.
Working collaboratively across the Hospice in the best interests of the patient.HospiceMultidisciplinary Team and Volunteers Work collaboratively across all disciplines and departments to providetimely information to patients and their loved ones ensuring care is effectiveand coordinated.Senior ManagementTeam and the Registered manager Work in collaboration to ensure patient quality and safety is a highpriority.Frequent contactwith external agencies such as Echo Hub, Sussex Community Foundation Trust and Primary Care,Southern Community Trust, Continuing Health Care, Sussex University Hospitals,University of Chichester, Funeral Directors, Nursing agencies and NursingHomes- Establish and maintain good working relationshipwith colleagues, so as to provide a comprehensive service to patients and lovedones to enable good liaison and share best practice.Students acrossall disciplines providing a learning environment by supporting and providing Systm 1 induction.Trustees anddonors ensuringa positive message is communicated about clinical services.
Person Specification Qualifications Essential Level 3 NQF or BTEC qualifications or able to demonstrate vocational training equivalent to level 3 and or equivalent practical experience.
Experience Essential Previous experience of working in a health care setting as part of a Multi-disciplinary team Desirable Experience of working with Electronic Patient records Skills and abilities Essential Confident in use of Microsoft Office Excellent communication skills, organisational and customer service skills Advanced verbal communication skills including where there may be barriers to communication patients who are hard of hearing, upset, angry or distressed Ability to work independently and as a supportive team member Ability to problem solve Personal resilience and an ability to cope with distressing situations on the ward, specifically in relation to palliative care patients and their loved ones Desirable An understanding of Palliative care and Hospice care