PERSON SPECIFICATION

Care Team Member

ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
Qualifications: / Relevant professional qualification in children’s healthcare, social care or play/education. / Certificate, diploma or degree in: palliative care for children; counselling; or care of the dying.
Experience: / Post qualification practice and experience, preferably working with children and their families.
There are a few posts available on the Care Team for those without a relevant professional qualification, but with extensive work or life experience with children with learning disabilities or chronic health problems, and otherwise fulfilling the rest of the person specification. / Previous experience working with children with life limiting or life threatening conditions and their families.
Experience of working with children and families facing loss / bereavement.
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 and energetic.
Sense of humour.
Knowledge and understanding: / Knowledge and understanding of the needs of children with life limiting conditions and their families.
Understanding of the philosophy of children’s hospices. / Knowledge and understanding of palliative care for children.
Knowledge and understanding of loss and bereavement in childhood.
Skills: / Evidence of ability to work to a high standard within chosen professional field.
Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills.
Evidence of problem solving ability.
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.
Able to work unsociable hours, including night, weekend and bank holiday working.

Mandy Robbins

Director of Care

Updated October 2006

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