Palliative Care Support Worker (Inpatient Unit)

Job summary We are looking to recruit 1 x 37.5 hours per week ,1 x 24 hours per week both are fixed term for 12 months role. You will be part of a large multidisciplinary team providing high quality, individualised, hands on palliative care to our patients in our IPU (Inpatient Unit) team. As a Palliative Care Support Worker, you will be able to provide the best possible care for our patients and you will provide support to our nursing team. The position will be located in our IPU team, which is open 7 days a week covering 24 hour care. Shifts will be rotational, to include days/nights/weekends/bank holidays. Main duties of the job The role of the Palliative Care Support Worker is to ensure that St Michael's is able to continue to deliver high quality palliative care and support to our patients and their families. This role requires effective communication, and the ability to establish supportive and working relationships with our patients and families as well as our Multidisciplinary team. Shift times are 0730-1530, 1200-2000, 0730-2000, 1600-2200, 1930-0800. This post is conditional to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check. About us St Michael's Hospice is nestled in the stunning Herefordshire countryside, in a state-of-the-art facility. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a transferrable NHS pension or you can enrol onto our own Hospice pension. We offer Life Assurance, a superb working environment and facility, generous study leave allowance, discounts with local suppliers, individualised training needs analysis, advanced communication skills training, employee counselling service, free tea & coffee, a friendly & welcoming work environment and 30 days annual leave (pro rata if applicable), plus bank holidays. We are one of the top 100 best not for profit organisations to work for and have been caring to make a difference, to patients living with a terminal illness and their families, across Herefordshire and beyond for over 40 years. Details Date posted 05 October 2026 Pay scheme Other Salary £13.68 to £14.01 an hour Plus, unsocial hours payments Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number B0210-26-0013 Job locations St Michael's Hospice Hereford HR1 4HA United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities Job Title: Palliative Care Support Worker Spinal Point Range: 5-6 (Plus, unsocial hours payments see below) Hours: 24-37.5 hours per week Contract Type: Both are Fixed Term (12 months) Department: Hospice Care Services Location: St Michaels Hospice, Bartestree Reports to: Hub Team Manager, Sister/Charge Nurse/ Senior Nurse (depending on setting) Job Purpose: In and across all areas of St Michaels provision of Care. To deliver individualised, holistic palliative nursing care to patients and their families in their own homes/inpatient care setting to enhance their quality of life. Care Provision Provide individualised care to the patient and family members under the delegated direction of registered nurses, following care plans and risk assessment. Following appropriate training to undertake a range of clinical care interventions e.g. stoma care. Develop and utilise skills in decision-making to enhance patient care, working in an autonomous environment, where appropriate Perform simple dressing changes following care plan Contribute to clinical and health and safety risk assessments. Using discretion and judgement in emergency situation. Escalate changes in condition of patients/relatives to the nurse on duty. Provide emotional/psychological support to the patient and their family, identifying referrals to the wider hospice services. Ensure patients privacy and dignity are maintained at all times. Maintain a safe environment for both patients and staff Provide final care for the deceased patient Understand the complications/harm e.g. falls, pressure sores etc. that can be caused by patient immobility and contribute to the prevention of such complications. Helping with food preparation, ensuring dietary needs are meet and helping to feed patients when indicated. Provide medication management up to and including tier 3, working within your own personal competency Be aware of the indications for use of syringe drivers Responsible for the timely disposal and documentation of clinical waste and laundry, appropriate to care setting Communication Create and promote a positive image for the organisation. Encourage patients/relatives/carers to express what is important to them to identify their needs, ensure that this information is recorded and informs the care plan. Communicate in a professional and effective manner, with an open and honest approach with internal and external health care professionals, patients, relatives and carers. Recognise own limitations when offering emotional support. Contribute to the bereavement care offered to families, reporting any vulnerabilities to the registered nurse. Maintain patient confidentiality at all t