Specialist Community Palliative Care Social Worker

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Responsibilities

1. Be professionally and legally accountable for all work, adhering to the standards and guidelines of the palliative care service, the Trusts, and Social Work England regulations always.

2.  To work autonomously as a specialist social worker, as well as a full member of the multidisciplinary team, providing a social work service to patients and their families within a community) setting. Within the team, to contribute an understanding and specialist assessment of the psychological, emotional, social and practical problems of individuals and families facing terminal illness and bereavement. To develop appropriate plans of care, intervention or treatment linked with identified needs and to share these with the MDT.

3. To share with the team an understanding of cultural/ religious/ spiritual influences on patients and families, and how these affects, or are affected by terminal illness or bereavement

4.  to manage referrals from colleagues within the team within an agreed time frame as per      operational Policy and within the remit of professional autonomy and to participate in MDT discussions regarding client work.

5. To identify and assess possible risks to vulnerable patients and families and to work with other agencies and professionals to manage this risk as appropriate

6. Identify and act promptly on safeguarding concerns involving vulnerable adults, children, or carers, following relevant policies.

6.  To advise and assist patients and families an accessing appropriate community care services in conjunction with statutory and voluntary organisations

7.  To provide information and advocacy about benefits and financial assistance, referring on for specialist advice as necessary.

8. To develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients, carers and families, assessing individual and family strengths and coping skills, to allow, carers and others involved to adjust to their changing situation. To support patients and carers to formulate plans for end-of-life care including participation in advance decisions and statements.

9. To use available information technology systems to prepare written reports, maintain case records, and keep statistics, in accordance with trust policy and professional standards. The Post Holder will also be required to maintain appropriate contemporaneous patient records.

10. To assess the bereavement needs of family and others close to the patient, and to offer support as appropriate   and/ or refer to a bereavement service as appropriate.

11. To always work within the framework of health and safety and equal opportunities policies, which includes those policies designed to protect vulnerable adults and children.

12. Work autonomously in diverse community settings, considering local socio-economic and cultural factors.

13. Contribute to the development and implementation of clinical policies, guidelines, and care pathways.

14. Uphold patient and family dignity at all times.

15. Lead responses in crisis situations, including family conflict, emergencies, and professional distress.

16. Participate in multidisciplinary and cross-agency assessments as required.

17. Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records in the team database.

18. Provide specialist input into local health promotion and education initiatives.

19. Support the development of palliative care skills among local professionals.

20. Undertake relevant courses to expand scope of practice.

21. Maintain a portfolio of continuing professional development (CPD).

22. Ensure accurate data entry and contribute to service data collection.

23. Deliver safe, high-quality clinical care with a commitment to continuous improvement.

24. Act as a mentor to junior colleagues.

25. Such other duties and/ or non-recurring duties, appropriate to the post as they may be directed.

Management Responsibilities

1.      Use advanced time management skills to respond to the needs of patients, carers, staff, and external agencies.

2.      Support the CPD of team members, students, and visitors through supervision, teaching, and training.

3.      Attend and actively participate in departmental, Trust, and palliative care meetings.

4.      Maintain effective communication within the team and with external services.

5.      Assist in coordinating learner placements within the team.

6.      Lead and participate in multidisciplinary meetings and case reviews.

7.      Engage in personal supervision, both internally and externally.

8.      Comply with all Health and Safety at Work Act policies.

9.      Report equipment defects, accidents, and complaints promptly, ensuring appropriate action is taken.

10.  Lead a project within an area of practice to improve clinical outcomes, with appropriate support.

11.  Stay informed about the strategic goals of the palliative care service.

Education Responsibilities

1.      Lead and participate in internal and external educational programmes to enhance palliative care skills.

2.      Act as a mentor for students undertaking CPD courses.

3.      Serve as an educational resource for staff managing patients and families with palliative needs.

4.      Evaluate training initiatives and support the administration in maintaining performance statistics.

5.      Pursue opportunities for skill and knowledge development through accredited courses.

6.      Share specialist knowledge gained through M-level or equivalent study.

7.      Complete all mandatory training requirements.

Research Responsibilities

1.      Contribute to the research activities and strategy of the palliative care team.

2.      Support ongoing research studies, including participant recruitment.

3.      Stay current with clinical developments and research in palliative care.

4.      Ensure clinical practice aligns with national and local guidelines and demonstrates effectiveness.

5.      Support the clinical governance strategy of the service and Trusts.

6.      Synthesize data and evidence from published research.

7.      Conduct literature reviews using IT resources and apply findings to clinical practice.

8.      Critically appraise research and present findings to professional groups.

Communication Responsibilities

1.      Establish and maintain effective communication channels within the team, with service users, and across relevant health and social care agencies.

2.      Communicate sensitive and complex information in a clear, compassionate, and understandable manner to patients and their informal carers, fostering a collaborative approach to care.

3.      Ensure all communication of sensitive information aligns with national and local guidelines and best practices.

4.      Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques and tools to support patients and carers in understanding therapeutic education and clinical advice.

5.      Provide patients with copies of all relevant correspondence in accordance with Trust policies.

6.      Advise on and negotiate complex exchanges of information involving patients, carers, staff, and external agencies. Promptly inform the Team Leader of any complaints or concerns raised about the service.

7.      Deliver effective presentations to internal and external audiences using a variety of multimedia tools, supporting public engagement, education, and professional development

Rider Clause

This is an outline of the postholder’s duties and responsibilities. It is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time in order to meet the changing needs of the Trust and Department.