Job Description

An opportunity has arisen within the Older Adult Wards at Oldham for a Carers support Worker. Cedars is a 10 bedded Male dementia ward and Rowan is a 12 bedded male functional mental health ward.



A carer is "a person who provides unpaid, practical or emotional support to someone with a disability, addiction or illness. The person may be a relative, partner, friend or neighbour. A carer may be of any age and may be a young person providing assistance to a parent or another person. A carer may live with the person they care for or provide support from a distance."



This role will involve supporting the carers whilst the person they care for is an in hospital. This may involve telephone, email, and face-to-face contact with carers offering them support and helping them to look at co-operative ways of working, with a range of health and social care professionals.



The post-holder will promote carers rights and services to both carers and health and social care professionals raising awareness of issues affecting carers and their families and support available. Identifying opportunities to engage 'hidden' carers (those carers who do not see themselves in a caring role and not accessing available support or services) you will develop carer support groups, particularly for those who struggle to navigate care and support systems or are socially isolated.

Key Responsibilities of the Post:

The role is to support carers both practically and emotionally, ensure that they are well informed and supported with their individual health and well-being needs .



Work closely with clinical teams, offering support to carers in their own right



To support carers attending reviews and ward round



Advocate for carers



The post holder will work in partnership with Local Authority, the voluntary and community sector and other NHS agencies to increase the number of carers identified and improve recognition.



To ensure that the role of unpaid carers is recognised, supported and valued. To promote the Triangle of Care (TOC) standards and principles, and other carer specific initiatives to services and carers.



To provide carers with information and advice about services both within and external to the organisation, that contributes to their caring role and increases their knowledge regarding care and treatment processes.



To work collaboratively with carers and clinical teams to ensure that carers feel involved and supported in the care and treatment of their loved one in accordance with Service User's consent, Trust Strategic Priorities and Carers Engagement Procedures.



To have knowledge in the identification and support required for young carers.



To facilitate the delivery of carer support in a group setting where required



We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments to regulated and controlled activities will require an enhanced DBS disclosure.



To ensure that the role of unpaid carers are recognised, supported and valued.



To promote the Triangle of Care (TOC) standards and principles, and other carer specific initiatives to services and carers.



To ensure that carers are well informed, supported with their individual health and well-being needs in relation to their caring role and involved in decision making about the care of their loved one.



To provide carers with information and advice about services both within and external to the organisation, that contributes to their caring role and increases their knowledge regarding care and treatment processes.



To work collaboratively with carers and clinical teams to ensure that carers feel involved and supported in the care and treatment of their loved one in accordance with Service User's consent, Trust Strategic Priorities and Carers Engagement Procedures.



To have knowledge in the identification and support required for young carers.



To signpost and facilitate carers access to a range of support services.



Provide 1:1 support to carers and access to information, advice and activities that help maintain and improve carer health and wellbeing, tailored to meet their individual needs.



To facilitate the delivery of carer support in a group setting where required.



To support carers attending clinical team reviews, ward rounds and CPA meetings.



To support clinical teams working with families, friends and parents.



The post holder will be able to respond flexibly to the needs of carers.



The post holder will take an active role in the development of the service approach to supporting carer involvement and engagement and promote carers needs both internally and externally.



The post holder will work in partnership with Local Authority, the voluntary and community sector and other NHS agencies to increase the number of carers identified and improve recognition of their role.