Senior Healthcare Support Worker

We are looking for 2 enthusiastic nurses with a strong work ethic and a clinical background in either colorectal surgical nursing, palliative or colorectal cancer care to join our well-established team of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists at Band 7 level. The Macmillan Metastatic Colorectal Cancer CNS team at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is a forward-thinking, patient-focused team providing a high standard of care for patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, embracing change to improve patient experience. The CNS Team are an integral part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) and work closely with medical / surgical colleagues, diagnostic services, inpatient and outpatient teams to provide a holistic and patient-centred service. The CNS team have strong links with Kent Oncology Centre to ensure a streamlined pathway of care for patients. The CNS Team also includes a Cancer Support Worker who provides a valuable contribution to the patient pathway. There are two roles available at Band 7 for 30 hours and 26 hours. Main duties of the job The role will include practicing at a senior nursing level to provide in-depth knowledge on the care pathway and complex needs of patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, contributing to the day-to-day running of the service. You will also work clinically with patients and carers from the time of referral to provide specialist nursing advice and practical and psychosocial support including Holistic Assessments and Personalised Care Plans. You will also provide ongoing support for junior members of the team including undertaking annual appraisals and performance reviews. You will actively engage with the weekly MDT acting as patient advocate and supporting decision-making. To work at Band 7 level you will need to have either completed a Cancer Care module at degree level or be able to evidence significant experience in this speciality. The post will involve cross-site working and a degree of flexibility to meet the needs of the service. We currently operate a Monday to Friday service and are happy to consider a flexible working pattern providing the needs of the service are met. Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.

• Registered Nurse
• Degree Qualification in Colorectal Cancer Related topic.
• Post registration qualification in colorectal, oncology or palliative care
• Advanced Communication Skills training, Working towards MSc
• Post registration qualification in SACT
• Counselling skills training
Experience Essential criteria
• Evidence of managing self and working unsupervised or with minimal supervision for at least three years.
• Worked specifically with breast patient groups for an appropriate time span
• Expert in nurse led practice
• Knowledge of Trust policies and procedures and ability to translate these into action
• Knowledge of current management of patients with breast cancer
• Knowledge of current clinical and nursing research related to breast cancers
Desirable criteria
• Understanding of clinical genetics in relation to Breast Cancers
• Knowledge of national guidance relating to breast cancer services, and the NHS Cancer Plan
Skills Essential criteria
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Excellent teaching and training skills
• Able to problem solve and initiate change
• Able to work across professional team and organisational boundaries
• Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a small team, as well as part of the wider multi-disciplinary team
Desirable criteria
• Ability to deliver informal and formal lectures at all levels
• Audit experience
• Experience in using spreadsheets and databases
• Experience of change management
  
  MTW is a large acute hospital trust in the south-east of England.
We provide a full range of general hospital services and some aspects of specialist and complex care to around 600,000 people living in west Kent and East Sussex. We have a team of over 8,000 full and part-time staff. We also provide specialist cancer services to around 2 million people across Kent and East Sussex via the Kent Oncology Centre. In the 2024 NHS staff survey, our employees ranked MTW among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and the second-best Trust to work for in the South East. Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you.

The programme is full-time (please email if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning. Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level . Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children) At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work. We support our staff with disabilities to ensure they have the adjustments they need to be the best they can be in the workplace. Collaborating with Access to Work means that our staff are assessed by experts in the workplace and we ensure that their recommendations are implemented as quickly as possible. You can find out more here : Access to Work : get support if you have a disability or health condition : What Access to Work is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Interview Date : To be confirmed. Person specification