Home from Hospital Discharge Support and Admission Prevention Worker

Job responsibilities

Bank work - Shifts will be released on a 4-week basis. More shifts may be released during this period if necessary to the needs of the charity.

Salary - SCCCC Grade 2 to 3 ( £21884.50 to £22975.01 )

If there are no available shifts in a month a retention fee of £63.73 will be paid for that period.

Retention payments will be rescinded if 3 shifts are declined consecutively.

People who may benefit from this service are

Older and vulnerable people who may be frail, socially isolated, have no relatives, living alone or with older carers and other vulnerable adults

Older and vulnerable people who may be at risk of re-admission

Individuals or health/social care professionals who have concerns about home situations and their ability to live independently.

How the Service Works

Professionals from teams in health/social care or the patient themselves contact the office to arrange assistance and practical support for people/themselves leaving hospital. The service runs 7 days a week including bank holidays. Tasks will include

PRE DISCHARGE PLANNING AND SUPPORT

Make contact with Individuals / carer to talk through the Pre discharge process and what it will entail based on the needs of the Individuals.

Establish with permission of the Individual the links with family, friends, neighbours who may be able to support the Individuals following discharge from hospital

Ensure that any medication prescribed is with the Individual in readiness for their discharge.

Check that utilities and main services are switched on and working (e.g. power, water, phone, etc.) to ensure hot water and sufficient basic level of warmth in the home

Check state of food stocks, particularly stored in fridge and freezer, disposing of all out-of-date or suspect items

Bed made up with clean bedding

Facilitate the installation of any Telecare and other equipment prior to discharge (support the installation of response mechanism) If, Telecare (key safe, pendant alarm etc.) is required link with the Service Provider to support this to be in place at earliest pre/ post discharge from hospital

Provision of basic foodstuffs and household essentials as required for initial 48 hours

Main rooms aired and cleaned, sink cleared of dishes

Clothes washing

Arrange for timely retrieval/return of pets where appropriate

Prepare list of tasks completed, suggested further action, special instructions.

POST DISCHARGE SUPPORT

Welcome the Individual home

Provide re-assurance that they will receive support at home based on need

Support the Individual to follow-up any problems associated with the discharge from hospital process. For example: Contact as required District nurses, doctors etc.

Support Individuals to change anti embolic stockings

Signpost to appropriate community activities and services

Signpost to relevant agencies and Service Providers where appropriate e.g. Well Being Service, Volunteer Befriending Scheme

Low level support in essential areas such as food preparation, shopping, prescription and pension collection, light household cleaning, washing etc.

Undertake level 1 falls assessment

Advice and guidance on healthy lifestyle, safety around the home etc.

Signpost to appropriate benefit advice service if required

Assist with ensuring Individuals are familiar with the medication they have been provided with on discharge and by providing prompts if required

Provide a list of Emergency Numbers

Establish repeat prescription delivery service

Complete a check list to ensure all identified needs have been actioned.

Duties and Responsibilities (dependent on the scheme):

Work closely with other team members to take referrals from a range of referrers, including health and social care staff, friends and family members and the individual themselves, and carry out those referrals or allocate volunteers where appropriate.

Work proactively to plan discharges from hospital in a safe and supported way

Prevent the deterioration in the health condition and aid the reduction of inappropriate readmission/ avoidance to hospital through the provision of low-level practical interventions

Aid the reduction of premature admission to residential care

Provide support to those discharged from hospital or those likely to be admitted, to regain their confidence to be able to continue to live independently

Ensure Individuals reintegrate back into their community and feel supported both emotionally and socially through social interaction

Deliver a flexible Individual-centred service

Provide support to informal carers

Be available for enquiries from service users and their families and respond to any requests for information in a timely and professional manner.

Follow up, check, and review all referrals with volunteers, service users and service providers in a systematic way.

As appropriate, provide telephone support to service users.

As directed provide ongoing support and supervision to volunteers within SCCCC and ensure that the service is responsive to the needs of its volunteers.

Ensure that all duties and functions are carried out in accordance with SCCCCs regulations, policies, and procedures.

Maintain appropriate records of work undertaken and produce written reports as required.

Attend the meetings of the organisation and any other meetings as required.

Attend appropriate training courses to enhance and develop her/his own skills.

Liaise with the fundraiser in order to maximise donations to the organisation.

Publicise the scheme through all appropriate channels.

Carry out other duties and relevant tasks consistent with the responsibilities of the post, which from time to time may be required as agreed between the post holder and the Senior Manager.

This is not a complete description of duties and may be amended in light of changing needs of the organisation after consultation with the post holder

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• 5 good GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths

Experience

Essential

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a relevant post or organisation
• Experience of contributing to a team environment
• Evidence of recent relevant continuing professional development
• Understanding of the needs and challenges that face older people and their families
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals and organisations
• Ability to communicate effectively both internally and externally to a wide variety of audiences
• Good telephone manner and the ability to deal sensitively with service users, family members and carers
• Ability to relate well to volunteers
• Proven organisational skills and administrative ability, capable of meeting deadlines
• Methodical and accurate record keeping
• Computer literacy in dealing with standard MS office packages
• Committed and highly self-motivated
• The ability to work in a self-directed manner, and as part of a team, with a commitment to mutual support
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to problem solve competently
• Ability to adhere to an organisations policies, procedures, and instructions
• Able to act with integrity and take action if SCCCC ethics, values, or standards are compromised
• Car driver/owner with daily access to a vehicle
• Willing to work outside office hours (both evenings and weekends) when necessary
• Able to evidence outstanding timekeeping and attendance
• Able to display a flexible and adaptable approach to the range of duties required ...