Carers Champion and activities link HCA

Job Purpose

• The Carers Champion and Activities Link Worker will play a key role in promoting carer involvement and delivering meaningful therapeutic activity within the ward environment.
• The post holder will act as a dedicated point of contact for carers and families, helping to ensure that carers are welcomed, informed, involved, and supported throughout a patient's admission in line with the Triangle of Care principles.
• The post holder will also support the planning and delivery of individual and group therapeutic activities that promote wellbeing, recovery, social inclusion, cognitive stimulation, and meaningful occupation for patients.
• Alongside these specialist responsibilities, the post holder will undertake the duties of a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant and will contribute to the overall safe and effective running of the ward.
• The post holder will work under the supervision of registered staff and as an active member of the multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities Carer Engagement and Support

• Act as the ward's designated Carers Champion.
• Promote the involvement of carers and families in care planning and decision-making where appropriate.
• Provide carers with information regarding ward processes, available support services, benefits, advocacy and community resources.
• Ensure the views and needs of carers are represented within care planning and review processes.
• Support implementation of the Triangle of Care standards.
• Establish positive working relationships with carers and family members whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
• Organise and facilitate regular carers' groups and feedback opportunities.
• Maintain links with local carers' organisations and support agencies.
• Ensure carers' information resources remain up to date and accessible.

Therapeutic Activities

• Support the planning, organisation and delivery of a varied programme of therapeutic and social activities.
• Work collaboratively with the Activities Coordinator, Occupational Therapy team and wider MDT.
• Facilitate individual and group-based activities appropriate to patients with dementia, cognitive impairment and mental health needs.
• Encourage participation and engagement in therapeutic activity.
• Adapt activities to meet the differing abilities and needs of patients.
• Promote recovery, independence, wellbeing and social inclusion through meaningful occupation.
• Assist with community-based activities and outings where appropriate.

Clinical and Patient Care Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, person-centred care under the supervision of registered practitioners.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living.
• Support patients with maintaining dignity, independence and wellbeing.
• Observe and report changes in physical or mental health presentation.
• Contribute to risk assessment and risk management processes.
• Participate in the delivery of therapeutic interventions.
• Assist with physical healthcare monitoring and interventions as delegated.
• Support nutritional monitoring and hydration needs.
• Participate in observation levels and engagement plans as directed.
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic patient records.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers and colleagues.
• Provide and receive routine information in a professional and compassionate manner.
• Attend MDT meetings, handovers and ward meetings.
• Maintain accurate written and electronic records.
• Escalate concerns appropriately to registered staff.

Professional Responsibilities

• Work within Trust policies, procedures and professional boundaries.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal and personal development reviews.
• Complete all mandatory and role-specific training.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Identify and report safeguarding concerns.
• Contribute to audits, quality improvement initiatives and service development projects.
• Support the promotion of a positive ward culture that values recovery, dignity and carer involvement.