JOB DESCRIPTION 1. Post Title SENIOR CARE TEAM LEADER: FAMILY SUPPORT 2. Grade CHSW Salary Scale Points 32 to 36 inclusive 3. Location As detailed in Contract of Employment 4. Brief overall description of the post 5. To whom directly responsible 6. For whom directly accountable. To support the Head of Care in ensuring the reach of CHSW hospice services to families with a child with a life limiting condition is maximised and the uptake of hospice services for each family is optimised. To support the Head of Care in the management of the care services at the hospice. Working in conjunction with the Head of Family Support Services, to ensure the hospice service responds effectively and sensitively to the needs of family members. To lead staff in ensuring the lives of the children using the hospice and their families are enriched by the experience and that care offered is holistic in nature and pays close attention to psycho social needs as well as clinical need. To ensure that the core values and quality standards of Children s Hospice South West are adhered to and positively promoted To support the Head of Care in ensuring the hospice is fully compliant with safeguarding requirements. To take specific responsibility for the coordination of bereavement care and family support services within the hospice and for managing staff leading these areas. To liaise and network with relevant local services/practitioners, with a particular emphasis on social care and psychology services, and actively promote CHSW and the concept of partnership working. Head of Care. Sibling Team Bereavement Team Music Therapists Chaplain Catering and Housekeeping team Volunteers Children and families. Self. 1
7. Any specific training/experience 8. Details of any particular internal/external links necessary to achieve tasks. Relevant professional qualification in social work/psychology or related profession and current professional registration. Recent post registration experience working with children and families essential, preferably working with families with a child with life limiting/life threatening conditions or with chronic ill health/disability. Training in counselling and/or bereavement care essential, with practical experience working with children/families facing loss and bereavement in both an individual and group setting. Considerable hands on experience in safeguarding children and ability to provide leadership, training and expertise in this area. Proven managerial experience, or ability to demonstrate leadership and organisational skills, and evidence of strengths in supervision/line management Head of Care Head of Family Support and Psychology Services Director of Care and Deputy Director of Care Fellow Senior Care Team Leaders Practice Educators Care Team Leaders Members of the Care Team Sick children and their families. Senior Management Team Board of Trustees Medical staff Local Safeguarding Children Boards Bereavement Services Registration Authority, (Care Quality Commission) MAJOR TASKS 9. Care of children and families. At all times, to foster a warm, welcoming and caring community environment, informal in nature and minimising institutional practices, which offers expert care and support tailored to the individual needs of each sick child and all family members. To ensure parents are respected and treated as the experts in the care of their child, being kept informed and in control. To encourage and support the Care Team in offering care and support which is tailored to the individual needs of each child and members of their family. Participate in the Annual Child and Family Reviews, ensuring the needs of family members are taken into account and, where necessary, referrals are made to other services/agencies for support. To lead the review of bereaved families during the Annual Child and Family Reviews, ensuring the level of bereavement support required for each family is reviewed. Encourage a strong and visible family focus, actively capturing the views of all family members, including siblings, regarding their experience of using the service, and support the Care Management Team and staff in responding to this feedback and continually improving the quality of care for families. 2
To manage the sibling and bereavement services working closely with the Head of Family Support and Psychology Services. To support the team as required with debriefs, reflection and support during incidents or after challenging cases, supporting the provision and embedding of clinical supervision. 10. Duty Management To participate in a rota with fellow Care Management Team members to ensure that there is a Duty Manager on site 7 days a week and management on call out of hours, providing managerial support and advice to the Team Leaders. This may include some overnight on call and also working one weekend in 4 as Duty Manager. When Duty Manager, to act as a managerial resource for Team Leaders for more challenging situations, such as safeguarding, incident management, difficult ethical decisions. 11. Line Management of named staff and staff support With the support of senior staff within the family support areas, foster a cohesive and supportive team of staff working within your family support services with a commitment to working together to benefit all of the families. To hold each member of the team in positive regard and to foster a culture of respect and consideration between all staff. To provide line management to the Senior Sibling Worker; Music Therapist; Chaplain; Senior Cook; Senior Housekeeper; and Bereavement Coordinators where employed. To ensure these staff are equipped for and supported in the duties expected of them and are positively motivated, adopting a positive and caring approach. In liaison with the Head of Care and HR Team, participate in the recruitment, selection and orientation of care staff for vacancies within your team, in accordance with Children s Hospice South West procedures. To welcome new members of the Care Team, particularly those for whom you are designated Line Manager, in a positive manner and assist them to integrate into the Care Team. To participate in the orientation programmes for new members of staff. For those staff for whom you are designated Line Manager, in line with the Care Team Induction Policy, provide support and regular meetings during the probation period. To provide the named staff you line manage with constructive feedback regarding their performance and to undertake their annual performance reviews. To liaise with the Head of Care, HR Department Practice Educators regarding the training and development needs of these staff. To meet on a 121 basis with the named staff you manage for supervision, giving advice and guidance regarding their role, the line management and/or supervision of staff in their team, and the activities for which they are responsible. To provide support and pastoral care to named staff. Recognising the emotional toll caused by working closely alongside seriously ill/dying children and grieving families, to be alert to signs of stress in the staff you supervise, particularly those working directly with family members. Assist the named staff you line manage in taking responsibility for their 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 3
12. Family Support Services To champion family support services within the hospice, working closely with the Head of Family Support, to ensure the needs of family members are actively taken into account and psycho social services developed to respond to these needs. To take the lead for the ongoing coordination and development of sibling and bereavement services/activities at the hospice. To support the Sibling Team in planning and delivering a variety of social and recreational opportunities for brothers and sisters. To support and enable the Sibling Team in promoting the emotional wellbeing of brothers and sisters using the widest range of resources and strategies possible. To work with the Practice Educators and bereavement staff where employed in the provision of training to all care staff regarding children and families in loss, bereavement care and listening skills and to provide orientation, guidance and training in bereavement care to new members of staff. To provide advice, guidance, support and supervision to members of the Care Team in the provision of bereavement care to their contact families. To take lead responsibility for the coordination and delivery of bereavement groups and events, such as remembering days and bereavement support groups. To support contacts in undertaking an annual review of bereaved families, supporting them in determining the level of bereavement support required for the following year and supporting the Care Management Team in tracking the amount and degree of bereavement support required to be provided by the Care Team as a whole. To take overall responsibility for the delivery of staff support within the hospice, working closely with the Psychologists employed on a sessional basis to regularly review the staff support mechanisms in place to ensure they are effective. To provide training, advice and guidance to all staff who provide supervision. To organise and, where appropriate, facilitate the de-briefs following the death of a child, ensuring staff involved have opportunity to participate, or chance for an individual 121. Ensure named group of staff are briefed about newly accepted children and families and ensure the Sibling Team are aware of brothers and sisters in the family, and any particular needs they may have. To act as the link with the hospice Chaplain, supporting them in developing spiritual support which responds to the diverse faith communities using the hospice and is an integral part of the holistic care provided at the hospice. To coordinate chaplaincy visits to the hospice and provide support and supervision the Chaplain. To work in partnership with the Chaplain in developing links with different faith leaders in the communities and in ensuring the hospice service is relevant to and accessible by people from all cultures and faiths. To ensure the Care Team fully accommodates diversity and responds to the individual cultural and spiritual needs of children and families from a multi faith and multi ethnic user group. Take responsibility for the small core of care volunteers working within the hospice, working with the HR department to coordinate the recruitment and retention of Volunteers and working with the Senior Sibling Worker, Senior Cook and Senior Housekeeper to coordinate the deployment and supervision of volunteers and ensuring volunteers feel valued and are thanked appropriately for their contribution. 4
13. Resource Management To be aware of the need to use the resources of Children s Hospice South West wisely and effectively to meet the needs of children and their families, but maintaining a cost conscious approach to avoid wasteful use of funds. To support the Head of Care in ensuring that spending lies within the agreed budget and to work with named staff to ensure that the they are aware of costs when planning activities or making procurement decisions in their role. 14. Safety and Quality Standards To be conversant with the regulations required of us by inspecting bodies and to be equipped to take accountability for inspection visits in the absence of a more senior member of the Care Team. To have a good working knowledge of the CHSW AINMS policy and reporting system and to support named staff in providing first line response to incidents and to managing low or no harm incidents that occur within their teams. As part of the care management team investigate incidents and support the learning process. To have a good working knowledge of the CHSW Complaints Policy and Procedure, to support named staff in providing a first line response to complaints and also in promptly addressing low level concerns within their departments that could escalate if not dealt with. To support the Head of Care in the investigation of complaints as needed. To act as the named lead for Safeguarding within the hospice, working closely with the Head of Care. To undertake inter agency Safeguarding training at the agreed level and frequency for Senior Care Team Leaders within CHSW. To promote and train staff with regard to the CHSW Safeguarding Children & Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policies and ensure staff adhere to these at all times. To have an excellent working knowledge of CHSW Child & Vulnerable Adult Protection Procedures and, in conjunction with the Head of Care, take responsibility for leading the implementation of these procedures when needed, for advising and de briefing staff involved, and for following up with the relevant authorities. To take lead responsibility within the hospice for the completion and submission of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard applications, maintaining a record of applications made and the outcomes of these applications. To ensure all staff understand the requirements surrounding the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty. Regularly update and maintain your knowledge of fire procedures and fire safety and ensure fire safety precautions are followed by all care staff. To be conversant with your health and safety responsibilities and to be aware of the safety needs of children, siblings, parents and other staff on shift. Support staff in adopting a preventative safety approach at all times and ensure all staff report accidents and incidents to you accurately and promptly and follow these up accordingly. 5
15. Maintain and promote good communication Liaise closely with the Head of Care and fellow Care Management Team members, adopting a collaborative and supportive working relationship and seeking to establish a unified leadership focus for the Care Team. Organise regular team meetings for the Team Leaders you line manage and attend and contribute constructively to regular care management team meetings and Care Team meetings. Promote the agreed systems of communication and meetings, in particular ensuring that group of named Team Leaders are kept informed and have opportunities to voice their ideas and opinions. To maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the role, including information regarding children, families, other staff, and the business of Children s Hospice South West. To abide by the CHSW Confidentiality and Information Governance Policies and Procedures at all times. To ensure all staff are conscientious and careful in the maintenance of accurate records of all types, (written and computerised) and staff ensure confidentiality is respected and protected at all times. 16. Network and raise the profile of CHSW within designated geographical area. To support the sibling team in liaising with other relevant professionals, services and agencies and establishing resource directories of services for brothers and sisters available in the region. To organise meetings with partner organisations working in bereavement care and/or family support in order to improve shared care, promote collaborative working relationships and promote networks with other professionals, services and agencies. To organise seminars and open sessions regarding the contribution to whole family care, (including services to brothers and sisters and bereavement services) made by Children s Hospice South West. To undertake public speaking duties and to participate in training and other educational events provided by Children s Hospice South West. 17. To support CHSW fundraising staff within designated geographical area. To meet regularly with Fundraising staff from your designated areas in order to promote understanding between departments and continually build their insight and understanding of care issues. To inform fundraising colleagues specifically of news and developments within services for family members at the hospice and equip them with case studies and stories of daily life at Little Harbour which can bring the fundraising message to life. 18. Personal and professional development To take the lead specifically for developing and maintaining own knowledge and skills in psycho-social and bereavement care for children and families and for developing an understanding and support for this area of care within the Care Team. To take on specified areas of management responsibility or other specific projects, as agreed with the Head of Care. To provide regular reports to Head of Care regarding progress achieved in the delivery of family support activities within the hospice and any other agreed areas of responsibility. 6
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 knowledge and expertise but being prepared to learn new skills freely and willingly. To 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. To maintain own personal, professional expertise, comply with revalidation requirements and retain current registration with the NMC. To act at all times in line with the code of conduct for your professional body. To seek to further develop skills in management and leadership. 19. Working arrangements To work 40 hours a week, (32 hour contracts may be available) including some unsocial hours and on call. To participate in the Duty Manager rota as rostered by the Head of Care. To participate in an on call rota with the Head of Care and fellow members of the Care Management Team to ensure there is 24 hour management advice and support to the Care Team. To take meals with children and families during working hours. The 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. This job description will be reviewed annually, in line with the developing organisation and service specification, but any amendments made will follow consultation with the post holder. Originator s Reference: AR Amended: May 2018 7
SENIOR TEAM LEADER FAMILY SUPPORT: PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL Qualifications Relevant professional qualification in social work, clinical / health / nurse / counselling psychology (e.g. CAMHS worker, Health Visitor) and current professional registration. Education to degree level or equivalent. Current safeguarding training at relevant level. Experience Working with Children in a palliative care setting. Experience of working with children and families facing loss and bereavement. Experience of mentoring/supporting others to deliver bereavement support. Recent experience working with children and families, preferably working with families with a child with life limiting/life threatening conditions or with chronic ill health/disability hands on experience in safeguarding children and ability to provide leadership and expertise in this area. Experience of leading debriefs and delivering staff support. Good IT skills. Experience of engaging with children and families to get service feedback. DESIRABLE Trained to provide safeguarding supervision. Training in therapeutic interventions e.g. counselling and/or bereavement care. Practical experience leading or participating in a bereavement service working with children and families facing loss and bereavement in both individual and group settings. Experience of safeguarding supervision. Experience of delivering safeguarding training. Previous experience managing a multi-disciplinary team. Good leadership and organisational skills and experience in supervision/line management 8
Attitude Commitment to uphold and promote CHSW s values and behaviours. Flexible; motivated; creative, can do /solution focussed approach. Willing to share own knowledge, but also keen to learn from others. Commitment to a family led service with respect for parents as the experts in their child s care and a belief in partnership working. Uphold clinical standards and behaviours using positive challenge when required. Abilities Ability to prioritise a busy and complex workload and evidence of completing tasks in a timely manner. Ability to command the confidence and respect of children, families and staff whilst remaining approachable. Ability to present information in a wide variety of public and professional forums and act as an ambassador for children s hospice care and CHSW. Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with staff, children, young people, parents and visitors Ability to recognise stress in oneself and others and to manage it effectively Evidence of problem solving ability and clear decisionmaking processes. Expert communicator including managing difficult conversations. Ability to promote and safeguard the welfare of children. Demonstrable evidence of developing a service in an innovative and responsive manner. Ability to support and manage change in the workplace. 9
Skills Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal with complex situations including difficult conversations, with tact, persuasion and sensitivity. Ability to work directly with children and families. Management skills with experience of supervision, recruitment and performance review. Effective organisational, time management and administrative skills. Ability to recognise when to seek advice and escalate as appropriate To be an effective trainer. Proven leadership and influencing skills. Knowledge and Understanding Working with others Knowledge and understanding of the needs of children with life limited conditions and their families. Expert knowledge and understanding of the needs of the siblings of children with life limiting conditions. Knowledge and understanding of palliative care, loss and bereavement for children. Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation to include the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty and Safeguarding Children / Adult Standards. Able to work independently, but also good team worker with collaborative and supportive approach to fellow care managers. Evidence of partnership working with children and families with a sensitive and non-judgmental approach. Knowledge and understanding of the national provision and organisation of children s hospice services and a thorough understanding of the philosophy of children s hospice care. Knowledge and understanding of the regulatory process for children s hospices and the role of the Care Quality Commission. Awareness of support networks and benefits available to families with children who have a palliative care diagnosis. Well-developed networking skills with record of success in partnership working with other agencies and professionals 10
Able to provide support to staff and be approachable, promoting resilience skills and solution focused approach. To work directly with children and families. Being visible and accessible to the wider team Personal Qualities Other requirements Caring, friendly and approachable but with high expectations of work standards and performance in self and others Acts with integrity within an accountability framework A collaborative manner which is courteous, confident, consistent, approachable and non-confrontational. Resourceful, motivated and creative approach to work. Flexible and responsive when service demands. Full and current driving licence. To support Duty Manager roster within office working hours and during special events for example bereavement weekends. The usual working hours will be office hours Monday to Friday but with the requirement to work to work unsociable hours, on call, weekend and bank holiday working during specialist events and to support senior care team as required. Willingness to travel between CHSW sites. Originator: June 2018 AR 11