Independence Support Worker

ISWs encourage and facilitate patients to engage in activities such as: transfers, mobility, toileting, eating & drinking, washing & dressing, orientation & reminiscence, all with a therapeutic mind-set. An ISW will have their own case load and are able to select appropriate activities to do with each patient. Support from nursing and therapy staff are available for guidance as required., The Independence Support Worker (ISW) is a pivotal member of the multidisciplinary team, promoting a reablement and well-being ethos across all medical wards.
The successful appointees will need to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills and have the ability to adapt to the needs for a fast paced ward setting.
An ISW is expected to manage their own work load, as well as working collaboratively as a team member with the wider multi-disciplinary team when appropriate.
To undertake responsibility for establishing recent baseline function and social history of all patients admitted to the ward and documenting the information.
To ensure clarity of functional baseline is shared with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), in board rounds and in the medical notes.
To work closely with nursing and therapy staff and to relay all necessary information to allow timely interventions as required.
An ISW should understand and maintain confidentiality of patients at all times.
Please see job description and person specification provided. In your application, please include how your current skills and experience link to the Independence Support Worker role. If further information is required, please speak to our contact on advert., Clinical
A highly skilled support worker, assisting qualified therapists and nurses in the assessment, treatment, maintenance, and rehabilitation of patients admitted to the ward, in order to maximise their potential and reduce risk of deconditioning.
To carry out treatment programmes and more general facilitation of independence with personal ADL's on the ward in order to 'simulate' a typical functional day for the patient eg: washing & dressing/toileting/making bed etc).
To be able to identify and extract relevant information accurately from the patient's medical notes, admission paperwork, patient and carer information to ensure accuracy of recent functional status.
To inform, as able, patient and family understanding of the ISW role, gain valid informed consent and promote reablement and rehabilitation.
To demonstrate skills that reflect an ability to work within a legal framework, especially in relation to patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.
To monitor and analyse patient's progress and behaviours during and following sessions. This necessitates the ability to record, understand and interpret clinical observations.
Following discussion with a therapist make recommendations to ward staff about physical and functional ability of patients under the post holder's care.
Where required, to conduct formal and direct functional assessments with therapy assistants or students, analysing and reporting findings to the relevant therapist.
To maintain up to date, comprehensive and accurate patient treatment/care records.
To conduct clinical care and treatment with respect to individual patient's dignity, privacy and cultural needs at all times.
To respect the diversity, values, cultural and religious beliefs of patients/families and to contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to those needs.
To have a sound working knowledge of the MDT and the availability of follow-up services.
Where required, to conduct stair assessments with other therapy assistants or students, analysing and reporting findings to the therapist.
Communication
To use a wide range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients in order to carry out treatment programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or in communicating. For example, patients may be dysphasic, depressed, confused or do not have English as a first language.
Able to persuade, negotiate and motivate patients to co-operate with their exercise programmes. Use tact and reassurance when dealing with patients, relatives and carers.
To provide and receive complex and/or sensitive information including information regarding progression or limitation to function and/or mobility and changes in social function. To communicate this information in an appropriate and sensitive manner to other physiotherapy staff and MDT members.
To maintain up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate patient records of assessment and treatment interventions in accordance with trust guidelines.
Organisational and Managerial
To plan and prioritise own daily activities (clinical and administrative) in liaison with the therapy and nursing/medical staff. Respond appropriately to changing circumstances that impact on delegated caseload and report back any difficulties to the qualified staff in a timely basis.
To remain flexible and respond to changing situations and priorities within the area and department.
To delegate/discuss division of work/caseload on the ward appropriately to the therapy/nursing assistants and within the scope of competence and to inform the relevant OT/PT/nursing staff of any difficulties or issues.
To advise and demonstrate, specific workplace routines and processes to staff new to the area (in conjunction with senior therapy/nursing staff). For example, locum staff, new rotational staff and students.
To ensure that all patient records are filed accurately in the correct location & in a timely manner.
Record all statistics on a daily basis and collate all relevant worksheets on a weekly basis., Participate actively in the hospital induction programme and in the departmental local induction.
Be an active member of the in-service training programme by attending and participating in department in-service training sessions, tutorials, individual training sessions, external courses and peer review
Participate in the supervision and training of newly appointed TA/TI/HCA's eg teaching basic elements of patient care, ISW role, manual handling, health and safety policies, and inducting staff into the ward environment.
To attend all agreed trust mandatory training sessions and keep up-to date with e-learning in accordance with the trust's training and appraisal policies.
Quality and Effectiveness
To work within trust-wide clinical guidelines, policies and procedures and also those locally agreed within the ward & therapy department.
To undertake, as directed, the collection of data for use in service audit and research projects.
To assist, through discussions and comments, in the development of appropriate standards, protocols and operational policies.

This is a developmental role, the successful candidate would commence in a band 2 position, progressing to band 3 following successful completion of the following areas; the support worker induction, the Care Certificate, Band 3 ISW role specific competencies (within a 6-12 month time frame) and subject to the post holder demonstrating the ability to fulfil the role with minimal clinical supervision. Those with previous NHS experience will still need to complete role specific ISW competencies in order to progress.
For candidates that do not have GCSE (grade C/4 or more) or equivalent, if shortlisted for the role, will be asked to attend a functional skills assessment consisting of a Math and English exam that needs to be passed before you can progress to interview.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available., Please see job description and person specification provided. If further information is required, please speak to our contact on advert.
It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post.