The overriding role and responsibility of the Youth Support Worker (YSW) is to work as an effective member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). Focused on supporting those aged 11-16+ (wider children, young people, and parents when available) during their time in Haem/ONC through informal individual support, with planned group opportunities for young people to improve peer connection and reduce isolation.

·      Providing informal one to one and group activities in the hospital setting. (Primary focus young people with support wider when possible)

·      All direct support offered at each shift following check in and update with nursing manager.

·      Be an active member of relevant MDT's.

·   For families at clinical and target level where there is complex mental health and/or child protection concerns or complex neurodevelopmental needs, the YSW will need to link in with the psycho-oncology clinical lead or another member of the psycho-oncology MDT before providing support. Helping to ensure the appropriate level of support for our most vulnerable families.

·      Supporting young people, families and healthcare teams in the process of transition and within guidance as available nationally and locally.

·      Be available at least 2 evenings a week and a Saturday or Sunday every 2 weeks.

·     Contributing to the design and implementation of programmes to support transition, both in age/development and stages of the cancer pathway.

·      Developing age-appropriate methods for involving children, young people and parents in the development and evaluation of services

·      Offer cover and support to the existing Cancer Support Specialist across the Haem/ONC department. 

Induction

Recognising the unique nature of this role, our induction process will include the following:

a.    CFFC specific induction

b.    CHI specific induction (policies, training, familiarisation, etc)

c.    Internal and external supervision

d.    Introduction to all other relevant charities and the development of mechanisms to ensure strong communication and working relationships.

e.    Induction/ shadowing opportunity with counterpart in Northern Ireland

1.            Operational Accountabilities

1.1       Develop, agree, and implement, in conjunction with CFFC Director of Services and key CHI personnel a clear one-year operational plan.

1.2       Participate in the Psychosocial multi-disciplinary team meetings and ward rounds.

1.3       Promote the Ward based support across the Haem/Onc team, and directly to young people, and their families. With support extended to Day ward, Hoops if needed.

1.4       Deliver age appropriate and engaging informal individual support and planned informal group support across the Haem/Onc department.

1.5       Establish and maintain close working relationships with Multi-Disciplinary Teams and work in partnership with others to provide, timely and needs led support.

1.6       Ensure that any support offered to young people, is based on their needs and works within the agreed Cancer Fund for Children Approach Informal Therapeutic Support Model. Any support works to provide care in line with national guidance and contributes to KPI's and reports for services annually.

1.7       Ensure young people are made aware of all available support within the clinical setting, through the wide range of other charitable organisations and wider CFFC support outside the hospital setting, e.g. Daisy Lodge and additional support in the community.

1.8       The YSW with the consent of each individual family will use CFFC's current CRM system (CHAMP) to record families' details. (YSW will have their own laptop in line with their work and also an I-pad for general activity-based use with families)

1.9       Provide written reports to an agreed standard, reviewing all individual and group-work based on agreed measures and evidence impact/outcomes. To be submitted to CFFC Manager and CNM3 bi-monthly.

1.10    Work closely with CFFC Line Manager in the completion of all impact and evaluation requirements linked to the role.

1.11    Contribute to the development of new ideas and proposals for delivering services within realistic time frames and realistic budgets.

2.   General Accountabilities

2.1       Provide accurate data, as determined by the Director of Services and in agreement with CHI, bi-monthly.

2.2       Be cognisant and compliant with CFFC policies and procedures designed to meet service delivery requirements and that apply to the organisation as a whole.

2.2       Be cognisant and compliant with CHI policies and procedures designed to meet service delivery requirements specific to post-holder's remit.

2.3       Ensure designated uniform is always worn within the role and adhere to the 'bare below the elbow' policy and infection control policy.

3.           Financial Accountabilities

3.1       Work within agreed project expenditure, in line with budgets, up to a limit set by the CFFC Director of Services.

3.2       To submit all work-related expenses to CFFC Director of Services on a monthly basis. (Mileage & resources)

3.3       To ensure responsibility of all resources held within the post holders' remit, including equipment and facilities. (Agree space for this to be stored)

4.           General Duties:

4.1       To attend Psychosocial Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings, prepare material and fully contribute to casework discussions were appropriate. Attendance at AYA Cancer MDM may also be required.

4.2       To attend CFFC Services Team meetings (Virtually), prepare material and fully contribute to casework discussions. Attend in person quarterly.

4.3       To be available for planning, review, supervision, support, and appraisal meetings.

4.4       To be available for on-going professional development / training opportunities and to attend all mandatory training. (CFFC specific)

4.5       To promote the wider supports and services of CFFC and all other relevant charitable organisations to children, young people and their families.

4.6       To promote the work of CHI at Crumlin, including sharing research, patient focused education and events for families.

4.7       To represent CFFC as delegated by the Director of Services.

4.8       To perform any other reasonable duties and specific projects deemed to be within the post-holder's role, as assigned by management to contribute to the overall aims of the CFFC and CHI Crumlin.

4.9       To assist with planned activities and campaigns in conjunction with healthcare teams. For example, play week, AYA cancer awareness week.

4.10    Support the development of AYA support within Cancer Fund for Children by facilitating AYA informal therapeutic group residentials and working collaborate with Community services team in Ireland and YSW team across Cancer Fund for Children.

5.            Performance

5.1       A 6-month probation period will be applied to this role. This will be completed by CFFC with direct and ongoing feedback from CHI link. Ongoing review meeting's will be carried out by the Services Manager alongside the CNM3, seeking feedback from wider team. 

5.2       Ongoing performance will be monitored and supported through regular reporting and 4 weekly supervision.