JERSEY HOSPICE CARE JOB DESCRIPTION Job title: Reports to: Hours: Complementary and Diversional Therapist Sister of Day and Outpatient Services and Therapy Team Leader 37.5 hours / week Job Purpose To work within the Day Services and Therapy teams to develop, co-ordinate and directly deliver complementary and diversional therapies to people supported by Jersey Hospice Care, working closely with other hospice professionals and volunteers to plan and provide effective holistic care. Job Summary To work within the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) across all areas of Jersey Hospice Care, providing a wide range of complementary and diversional therapies to improve the wellbeing of patients with a palliative care diagnosis as well as carers and families members. The role will be responsible for undertaking a holistic assessment of all patients / carer s referred for complimentary therapy and for directly treating patients with complex needs. You will be responsible for developing, co- coordinating, delivering and supervising the Complimentary Therapy service including the volunteer complementary therapists. The role is to deliver a range of creative activities for patients and their families/ carers across Jersey Hospice Care where the focus is to improve the quality of life of palliative care patients in a supportive environment. You will be responsible for developing, co-ordinating and directly delivering a program of diversional therapy throughout Jersey Hospice Care including the supervision of associated volunteers. Role Context Jersey Hospice Care provides specialist palliative care to people with progressive and life limiting conditions, their families and carers. This care is holistic in nature, provided in a variety of settings spanning the inpatient, community and outpatient services. An integral component of this provision is complementary and diversional therapies. The complementary and diversional therapist will be appointed to work within the Day Hospice and Therapies teams to help organise, supervise and provide complementary and diversional therapies for hospice users. They will work as part of a growing team of complementary therapists, the majority serving as volunteers. The complementary and diversional therapist will work as part of the multidisciplinary hospice team and will help to identify people who could benefit from complementary and diversional therapies, help plan their care, treat as appropriate, evaluate input and make recommendations regarding any further care required. The complementary and diversional therapist will have a key role in co-ordinating and supporting complimentary therapy and associated volunteers (e.g. crafts) and in training other health professionals working in the hospice regarding complementary and diversional therapies and their appropriate utilisation. Where appropriate the complementary and diversional therapist may be asked to teach their colleagues some basic related skills. Complementary & Diversional Therapist April 2016 Page 1 of 5
Key Accountabilities Clinical To assess, plan, deliver and evaluate complementary and diversional therapy sessions that are appropriate for individuals and groups, taking into account the varying needs and capabilities of patients across Jersey Hospice Care. Contribute to holistic assessment of patient s needs, working closely with other members of the hospice multi professional team to identify opportunities for the provision of complementary and diversional therapies as part of their care plan. Be responsible for the organisation of a social activities calendar for the patients and their families/ carers. Activities will include workshops, coffee mornings, general entertainment and education opportunities. Provide the highest quality complementary and diversional therapy care to patients and family/carers supported by Jersey Hospice Care. This provision may be in the form of individual or group sessions and could take place across all areas of Jersey Hospice Care. Recognise the importance of liaising with other professionals, both within the hospice and with external colleagues. Evaluate individual programmes of care as a basis for planning further input as appropriate. Organise appointments for patients referred to the service, using an electronic booking system as appropriate, confirming the booking with the relevant parties as required Keep accurate records of all care provided to patients and their carers, contributing to individual patient notes and the electronic clinical database Ensure the physical environment/ambience of JHC is welcoming and engaging, providing a safe, relaxing space for service users. Be responsible for the safe use and storage of professional and arts equipment such as massage oils, acupuncture equipment, waxes, glues and sharps. Take a lead on the stock control and ordering of complimentary and diversional therapy equipment and consumables. Work in accordance with the National Guidelines for the use of Complementary therapies in Supportive and Palliative Care. Follow national best practice in Hospices for complimentary and diversional therapies. Work to promote enablement and rehabilitation of patients and contribute to improving their wellbeing to ensure they are able to live as full a lifestyle until their death. To work flexibly and prioritise the workload to meet the changing needs of the service and allow time for the necessary administration. Develop an effective working relationship within the MDT ensuring good communication is maintained at all times. Engage and encourage patients to choose, plan and complete personal goals and projects thereby promoting self-esteem. Attend relevant meeting as requested by the Day Services and Therapies Team Leaders. To work flexibly to cover HCA (or equivalent) team members to ensure safe staffing levels. Audit Ensure that all complementary and diversional therapy provision, including volunteer appointments and interventions are recorded and monitored To participate in the development of clinical standards and clinical audit In conjunction with the Team Leader, to plan and evaluate the complementary and diversional therapies service implementing changes as appropriate Undertake patient centred evaluations of the clinical encounters and record findings onto a data base for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Complementary & Diversional Therapist April 2016 Page 2 of 5
Ensure any monies collected and raised are documented and safely deposited with the administration team to be banked within the relevant budget. Education Help promote understanding and awareness of complementary and diversional therapies throughout the hospice through awareness sessions, discussion with colleagues and provision of related information. Assist in the facilitation of workshops, talks, demonstrations and open days for colleagues, staff, patients and carers under the guidance of the Team Leader. Attend regular continuous professional development and mandatory training sessions. Attend appropriate training off island as required for their personal development within the role as identified at appraisal. Volunteer Co-Ordination To co-ordinate and support the volunteers associated with diversional therapies. To co-ordinate, supervise and support the clinical caseload of the Volunteer Complimentary therapists. To work closely with the day services and therapy team members to ensure that all administrative tasks pertaining to the volunteer s caseload are undertaken and that the therapy and arts room and equipment are prepared and ready for the volunteers sessions. Ensure that all volunteers on arrival for their shift are given an appropriate handover. Ensure that the complementary and diversional therapy volunteers feel supported in their role at the hospice and be the dedicated point of access for any information required. In the absence of the Team Leader to respond to any concerns or queries regarding complementary and diversional therapies. Ensure that volunteers provide a high quality and appropriate complementary therapy intervention, and advise the Therapy team Leader of concerns about treatment provided. Service Development Engage with patients and other service users to identify opportunities for service development in the future Engage with other hospice professionals including Team Leaders to identify opportunities for improving and developing complementary and diversional therapies provision across the hospice. Organise and contribute to regular Volunteer Complimentary therapy and craft volunteer meetings to share ideas for service development and promote a team approach to this provision. Actively contribute toward the development and implementation of the community engagement program. Personal Development Identify own learning and development needs in order to meet the key requirements of the post Take responsibility for linking own development needs with the Hospice appraisal and objective setting process Take responsibility for own continuing development by identifying and undertaking specific areas of work/projects to develop new skills Take responsibility for own professional development, including keeping up to date with relevant professional and other developments at local and national levels Complementary & Diversional Therapist April 2016 Page 3 of 5
Engage in clinical supervision to support personal and professional development Knowledge and experience The ideal candidate would be an experienced Complimentary therapist, who is familiar with treating people with palliative care needs and/or complex medical conditions Minimum of three years working as a complementary therapist, preferably with an understanding of treating palliative patients Must be fully insured and a member of a relevant professional association such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) Evidenced experience in craft and creative activities Demonstrates enthusiasm to evolve the complimentary and diversional therapy service. Must have experience / an interest in sourcing activities that will appeal to a wide range of people s interests and abilities. IT Literate Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Self-motivated with good organisational skills and the ability to work autonomously and be able to lead and motivate a team. Full driving license Diploma Level 3 or equivalent in Swedish Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Mindfulness, Qigong, Tai Chi or Reiki (it would be desirable that the post-holder has at least two of these skills and a willingness to study further) Jersey Hospice Care Background Specialist Palliative Care Team (SPCT) will liaise with and support generalist primary care teams across Jersey. The SPCT is made up of two parts, Clinical Nurse Specialists and the Hospice at Home service. The team will adopt a multidisciplinary approach to ensure that it provides complex symptom management and holistic care in order to provide patients with the optimum quality of life possible. Day Hospice - patients attending Day Hospice have their nursing / medical needs assessed by the multidisciplinary team of nurses, physios and complementary therapists. It also provides the opportunity for social interaction and a welcome respite for families. In-Patient Unit (IPU) - the IPU comprises twelve single en-suite bedrooms, nine of which are operational to meet current island needs. The IPU is staffed by qualified nurses and auxiliary nurses experienced in pain and symptom management and end of life care. Therapeutic Care - JHC offers a comprehensive range of therapies and complementary therapies provided by skilled practitioners, which are available in patients homes, the IPU and Day Hospice. Community Bereavement Service support is available to anyone in the community who has suffered a loss, regardless of the nature of the bereavement. This service aims to offer help and support to those who have lost a relative or friend, and are having difficulty coming to terms with the bereavement. The service is managed by staff with the help of trained volunteers. Retail - there are two JHC shops; a town shop in St Helier and a country shop in St Ouen, both operated by Jersey Hospice Care Retail Limited a wholly owned subsidiary trading company of JHC. The shops are important sources of income, as well as providing a vital contact with the Island community. Complementary & Diversional Therapist April 2016 Page 4 of 5
Fundraising - the fundraising team is responsible for the many and varied fundraising activities that are crucially important to the financial stability of the charity. This activity is operated by Jersey Hospice Care Fundraising Limited a wholly-owned trading subsidiary of JHC. Volunteers - JHC depends on the generous support of a large body of volunteers who assist in a wide range of roles across all areas of the charity. These include helping in the shops, Day Hospice, In- Patient Unit, Community Bereavement Service, fundraising, gardening, etc. Administration and Support Services - staff are responsible for the administration, accounts management, housekeeping and catering services that are vital to the smooth running of the charity. The administration team are the first point of call for those ringing or calling at JHC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Comply with and promote Jersey Hospice Care Equal Opportunity Policy and avoid any behaviour which discriminates against colleagues, potential employees, patients/clients or their families on the grounds of sex, marital status, race, age, belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion, disability, creed, class, gender or sexual orientation. HEALTH AND SAFETY Ensure a safe working environment and be aware of responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, taking appropriate action in the event of an accident to patients, staff, self or any other person in the work area. Jersey Hospice Care operates a no smoking policy. Review This job description was last reviewed in April 2016 THIS JOB DESCRIPTION WILL BE REVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES AND MAY INCLUDE OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, FOLLOWING DISCUSSION WITH THE JOB HOLDER AND THEIR TEAM LEADER Complementary & Diversional Therapist April 2016 Page 5 of 5