Head of CareNHS

Job summary

Make a real difference to children and families

Alexander Devine Childrens Hospice Service provides specialist care and support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families. Our services extend across Berkshire and into surrounding counties.

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Care to join our Senior Clinical Team and provide strong operational and clinical leadership across our care services.

This is a key leadership role within the organisation, working closely with the Director of Care and Lead for Quality and Governance to ensure that children and families receive safe, effective and compassionate care.

Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire

Full-time (37.5 hours per week).

Part time working may be considered, not less than 4 days per week

For an informal discussion, please contact Tim Hebditch, Chief Operating Officer or Warren King, Director of HR on 01628 822777. For an application pack, please contact Fay Denwood at [email protected]

Main duties of the job

About the role

As Head of Care, you will have responsibility for the operational management, quality and delivery of our care provision, including community care, day care, inpatient care, education and after-death care.

You will provide visible and supportive leadership to the Care Team, ensuring appropriate staffing, skill mix, competence and professional development. You will also lead our Practice Education Team and help embed a positive, inclusive learning culture across the organisation.

Working as part of the Senior Clinical Team, you will contribute to clinical strategy, governance, risk management, audit, service development and CQC compliance. You will also act as a Joint Registered Manager and deputise for the Director of Care when required.

An important part of the role will be building effective relationships with external health and social care professionals and partner organisations, helping to develop an integrated palliative care model across Berkshire and surrounding areas.

Job description

Working as part of the Alexanders Care Team, the post holder will be responsible for the operational management of care services to children with a life threatening and life limiting condition [LT/LL] and their families across the geographical area supported by Alexander Devine Childrens Hospice Service.

The Head of Care will contribute to the strategic planning of the clinical service and will deputise for the Director of Care as required.

As a member of the Senior Clinical Team to set clinical direction, provide clinical expertise, support the practiceeducation work, role model behaviour and develop the Alexander Devine culture.

Working closely with The Lead for Quality and Governance, to participate in the development of clinical governance frameworks to ensure the safe and ongoing development of practice and service provision.

To translate the organisations vision and values into meaningful actions for the Care Team.

To work collaboratively with other teams to support the achievement of wider organisational aims and objectives.

About you

You will be a Registered Children's Nurse (RN Child) with significant clinical management experience and a strong understanding of caring for children and young people with complex health needs.

You will bring:

• Experience of clinical leadership and managing and motivating teams.
• Experience of delivering high-quality care to children and young people with complex needs.
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance, audit and evidence-based practice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage conflict effectively.
• Strong organisational, leadership and team-building skills.
• A relevant degree or equivalent and postgraduate study, ideally in palliative care, leadership or education.
• Experience of working in children's palliative care, with experience of end-of-life and post-death care desirable.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, dignity and family-centred care.

Most importantly, you will be enthusiastic, self-motivated and compassionate, with the ability to inspire others and translate our values into everyday practice.

Please refer to the attached job description for comprehensive information regarding the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations associated with the position.

Why join Alexander Devine?

This is an opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a growing children's hospice service where your experience, ideas and leadership will have a direct impact on children and families.

You will join a committed and supportive Senior Clinical Team and have the opportunity to shape the future development of our care services, while helping to develop the skills, confidence and wellbeing of the wider Care Team.

Our values determined, empowering, valuing others, integrity, nurture and empathy are at the heart of everything we do.

If you are an experienced children's nurse looking for a challenging and rewarding leadership role where you can make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, including appropriate barred lists, a current full driving licence and satisfactory Occupational Health clearance.

About us

Alexander Devine Childrens Hospice Service (Alexander Devine) is a local charity that provides specialist care and vital support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, across Berkshire and into surrounding counties.

We individualise our approach to meet the unique clinical, emotional and practical needs of each child and their family, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support. Our comprehensive range of care services include Respite care, Specialist play, Symptom management, Family support, End of life care and Bereavement support. We provide care from our childrens hospice in Maidenhead as well as in the family home and across the community, including hospitals and schools.

Our hospice facilities offer opportunities for children and their siblings to experience fun, joy and adventures, and help families make precious memories for as long as they have. These include a hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, music room, games room, outdoor playground and sensory garden, six childrens bedrooms and two self-contained family flats. We also have a dedicated bereavement suite with its own garden.