Post Title:Bank Sibling Worker

Job Description

Post title:Bank Sibling Worker

Responsible to:Senior Sibling Worker

Salary:CHSW Salary ScalePoint 12 - 18

Hours of Work:Adhoc Basis

Location:Little Harbour

Overall Purpose of the Role

1.1In conjunction with the Care Team, and in liaison with siblings and parents, work to meet the specific needs of the brothers and sisters of affected children using the hospice.

To assist in promoting the inclusion of siblings staying at the hospice and provide activities and opportunities for play to ensure their stay is a positive experience.

To provide a range of options which can bring siblings together and keep them in touch with the support offered by the hospice in between visits.

In conjunction with ‘contacts’ on the Care Team, to implement and review the emotional support offered to individual siblings both before and after bereavement.

To work flexibly in accordance with the needs of the service, working ‘on shift’ with sick children as and when the Head of Care/Team Leader requires.

Main Tasks

2.1To contribute positively to the creation and sustaining of a caring, friendly and welcoming community environment, informal in nature and minimising institutional practices.

2.2 To establish an individual relationship with each sibling, based on honesty, trust and confidentiality, acknowledging age, gender, culture and faith.

2.3 To liaise with parents to ensure that the services offered to brothers and sisters are in accordance with the families wishes and are tailored to the needs of the siblings.

2.4 To offer a variety of social and recreational opportunities for siblings, including:

• A wide variety of activities “in house”, endeavouring to provide activities that can be shared with sick children whenever possible.
• A range of trips and outings to local attractions for siblings staying at the hospice.
• Group activities for siblings staying at the hospice which foster friendships and a sense of community and belonging.
• A programme of ‘themed activity weeks’ during the school summer holidays.
• Various forms of communication for siblings to keep in contact with the hospice between visits.
• Access to offers of various activities and events made by external groups for the benefit of families, ensuring all families have equal chance to enjoy these opportunities.

2.5 To work in partnership with Contacts on the Care Team to keep in touch with individual siblings, (by phone, emails, visits, letters and cards) in between their visits to the hospice.

2.6 In consultation with members of the Care Team, to facilitate the sibling service in promoting the emotional well being of brothers and sisters using the widest range of resources and strategies possible, as outlined below:

• To contribute to the production of a newsletter for brothers and sisters which encourages their participation and ownership and fosters a sense of support between the sibling users of the hospice.
• To have knowledge of children’s reactions to bereavement and loss and to work with the Senior Sibling Worker and Care Management Team to develop a resource of information; relevant agencies; and strategies to use when supporting siblings in the pre-bereavement stage.
• To take shared responsibility with staff organising bereavement events, for planning activities and provision specifically for siblings, (including individual support and group work) which will enable them to adjust to new and changing situations.
• In conjunction with members of the Care Team, to provide telephone support to siblings looking for a listening ear.
• To work with the Senior Sibling Worker and Care Management Team to establish a resource directory of other agencies and services in the region providing support to siblings, for example, Carers group, Connexions, support services in schools and bereavement services for children.

2.7 To complete the relevant documentation to record sibling service activity. To participate in the audit and evaluation of the sibling service at Little Harbour.

2.8 To maintain accurate records of communication with individual siblings, always keeping the ‘Contact’ for the family informed of your involvement. To be conscientious and careful in the maintenance of records, written and computerised, and to ensure confidentiality is respected and protected at all times.

2.9 To work flexibly in accordance with the needs of the service and to work shifts alongside fellow members of the Care Team, according to the Care Team job description, at the bequest of the Head of Care or Team Leaders.

2.10 To contribute to the training for staff regarding the specific needs of siblings, strategies which may help to meet this need, and how to enhance the quality of care offered to siblings at the hospice. To work supportively alongside members of the Care Team when they work with siblings in support of the Sibling Team.

2.11 To contribute positively to the cohesiveness and well being of the Care Team at the hospice. To regularly attend Care Team Meetings and to participate in shared decision-making.

2.12 To recognise the emotional toll of working with children with life-limiting conditions and their families and to take steps to maintain a balance between work and home life and to participate in staff support strategies provided.

2.13 To be aware of your health and safety responsibilities, as an employee of Children’s Hospice South West, and adhere to these wherever you are working.

2.14 To regularly update and maintain your knowledge of safety rules; fire drills; internal security; and accident procedures and adhere to these at all times.

2.15 To be aware of the need to use the resources of Children’s Hospice South West wisely and effectively to meet the needs of the children and their families, but maintaining a cost conscious approach to avoid wasteful use of funds.

2.16 To be committed to the delivery of a quality service, keenly participating in any quality review measures in place at the hospice. To be responsive to feedback, actively seeking comments from families – especially from brothers and sisters, and show a positive and open-minded attitude to new initiatives.

2.17 To value the skills and qualities other Care Team Members bring to the hospice and to be prepared to work in a multi-skilling environment. To be open about your capabilities and limitations, sharing your particular expertise and learning new skills freely and willingly.

2.18 To welcome new members of the Care and/or Sibling Team in a positive manner and assist them to integrate into the Care Team. To participate in the orientation programmes for new members of staff.

2.19 To promote the philosophy of care of Children’s Hospice South West beyond the establishment by, for example, acting as a resource for other professionals and participating in seminars and Open Days organised by Children’s Hospice South West.

Other Tasks

3.1To adopt a positive and reflective approach to personal and professional development, participating constructively in an annual performance review, and to seek and utilise learning opportunities of all types to enhance your performance.

3.2 To ensure your own practice is kept up-to-date and take steps to ensure your qualification remains credible.

4. General Responsibilities

4.1CHSW expects of its employees the highest standards of behaviour in carrying out their duties and responsibilities, which are in accordance with legislative requirements. CHSW employees are expected to act fairly and with consideration, treating others as we would wish to be treated ourselves and uphold CHSW’s values and behaviours at all times.

4.2To be responsible for ensuring compliance with CHSW policies, procedures and contractual requirements.

4.3To comply with CHSW’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Statement as set out in the CHSW Employee Handbook.

4.4To safeguard children and vulnerable adults. All staff must be familiar with, and adhere to, the CHSW children and vulnerable adults procedures and guidelines. To be familiar with your role and responsibility around safeguarding children and to ensure that you have completed training at a level commensurate with your role.

4.5To be aware of the responsibilities placed on you under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and any subsequent relevant legislation and follow these in full at all times ensuring that they act in line with all agreed procedures at all times in order to maintain a safe environment and identification of potential risks for all employees, children, families and visitors, taking action as and when required.

4.6To regularly update and maintain your knowledge of safety rules; fire drills; internal security; and accident procedures and adhere to these at all times. To be aware of the safety needs of children, siblings, parents and other staff and adopt a preventative safety approach at all times. Report all accidents and incidents accurately and promptly to the appropriate responsible person.

4.7To maintain confidentiality of information about clients, children, families, staff, and other CHSW business and at all times, meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act (1998), as well as comply with all CHSW Information Governance and Data Protection policies.

4.8Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in an annual appraisal and appropriate training activities, encourage and support staff development and training. To attend mandatory training.

4.9To ensure that statutory professional updating and revalidation requirements are maintained and proof of renewed registration when this is due.

4.10To work within infection control guidelines to ensure that work methods do not constitute a risk of infection to other work colleagues, children, families, or to any persons working/visiting in CHSW premises.

4.11Take responsibility for your own emotional well-being; taking steps to maintain a balance between work and home life; and to be aware of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.

4.12To be aware of the need to use the resources of CHSW wisely and effectively to meet the needs of children, their families and supporters, but maintaining a cost-conscious approach to avoid a wasteful use of funds.

5.Working Arrangements

Your adhoc shifts may include unsociable hours, and taking meals with the children and families during your working hours when working alongside a member of the Care Team caring for a child and family.

6.NOTE:

6.1The job description is subject to the Terms and Conditions of service of CHSW, and the post-holder will undertake any other duties which may be required from time to time.

6.2The above outlines the duties required for the time being to indicate the level of responsibility. It is not a comprehensive or exclusive list. Duties, which do not change the general character of the job or level of responsibility entailed, may be varied from time to time.

6.3This job description will be reviewed, in line with the developing organisation and service specification, but any amendments made will follow consultation with the post-holder.

7Job Description Agreement

7.1Job Holder’s Signature: Date:

7.2Line Manager’s Signature: Date:

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
Qualifications: / NNEB or relevant play or youth work qualification. / Further training/qualification in grief and loss in childhood
Experience: / Considerable relevant ‘hands on’ experience working with children, (both one to one and in groups) planning and providing play and recreational activities. / Experience in working alongside and supporting children and families facing loss
Previous experience working on a multi-disciplinary team.
Personal Qualities: / Caring, warm and friendly.
A personal commitment to and empathy for the philosophy of children’s hospice care.
A collaborative manner, which is caring, courteous, confident and non-confrontational with both children and families and fellow team members.
Resourceful, energetic and playful.
Sense of humour.
Knowledgeand understanding: / Knowledge and understanding of the role of play in helping children process difficult emotional issues.
Understanding of the philosophy of children’s hospices.
Knowledge and understanding of behavioural reactions in children. / Knowledge of grief reactions and understanding of loss and bereavement in childhood.
Skills: / Evidence of ability to successfully deliver play and recreational activities with children of all ages and abilities.
Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills, with a particular skill for relating to children.
Evidence of problem solving ability. / Good IT skills, with the ability to use information technology with children, (for example through digital photography, newsletter production, communication via MSN, and computer games) but also to record information on a database.
Attitude: / Flexible.
Motivated.
Creative, ‘can do’ approach.
Commitment to working in partnership with families and providing a ‘family led’ service.
Willing to share own knowledge, but also keen to learn from others.
Working with others: / Good team worker with co-operative and supportive approach to fellow team members.
Evidence of previous partnership working with children and families with a sensitive and non-judgmental approach.
Other requirements: / Full and current driving licence with ability to drive a minibus – or willingness to undertake training and assessment to fulfil this requirement
Able to work unsociable hours, including weekend and bank holiday working.