Healthcare Assistant

An opportunity for Healthcare Assistants (PCA/AIN equivalent) to contribute meaningfully to the palliative care provided at Central Queensland's first hospice.

• Full-time, part-time, and casual positions available; flexible shifts across a 24/7 roster
• A dedicated, positive, and supportive small team
• Work in a new purpose-built and home-like community facility

About Us

Fitzroy Community Hospice (FCH) is a community-driven, not-for-profit charitable organisation established in direct response to the need for greater access to community-based palliative care in Central Queensland. Governed by a Board of Directors, FCH has grown in 3 years from an “idea” to a home-like 11-bed hospice facility; with a planned opening in early June 2024. As an alternative to hospital or home-based palliative care, FCH will provide the full spectrum of subacute palliative care, including short term symptom management, transitional care between hospital and home, and care in the last weeks and days of life. It is envisaged that an integrated model of care with Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service will improve patient and family experiences at the end of life.  

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the guidance and direction of the on duty Registered Nurse -

• Provides high quality personal care services to FCH patients;
• Undertakes specific tasks that contribute to the assessment and treatment of patients;
• Provides timely and accurate feedback to senior clinical staff regarding changing patient and carer needs;
• Supports the family members and loved ones of FCH patients, as appropriate;
• Assists with all aspects of patient handling;
• Monitors stock levels clinical and non-clinical consumables and replenishes as required;
• Works collaboratively with other staff and volunteers to flexibly meet the catering, housekeeping, and waste management needs of FCH patients and the hospice facility more broadly;
• Supports students undertaking placement at FCH.

Position Requirements:

Personal Competencies:

• Compassion: operates in an empathetic, non-judgemental, and fair manner respecting the diverse needs of the community;
• Integrity: demonstrates sound ethics and trustworthiness;
• Effective communication: possesses the ability to engage, develop relationships, and effectively communicate with patients, families & carers, other staff and volunteers;
• Discretion: handles sensitive and confidential information appropriately;
• Self–motivation: works independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team, demonstrating both the ability to take instruction and initiative when appropriate;
• Insight: sound judgement and discernment, working within ones scope of practice and escalating concerns and seeking assistance/support where required;
• Flexibility: a willingness and ability to respond to changing care/task requirements in a timely and collaborative way;
• Time-Management: ability to prioritise and manage competing tasks seeking assistance/support when necessary; 
• Self-care: strong understanding of and commitment to self-care strategies.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Minimum 12 months experience in healthcare;
• Knowledge and experience of approved food safety principles, hygiene and infection control practices and protocols, and manual handling techniques;
• Computer skills sufficient to effectively use an electronic patient medical record.

Qualifications:

• Certificate III in Aged Care or Individual Support (or equivalent), or current Diploma or Bachelor of Nursing Student enrolment.

Other Requirements (prior to employment):

• Satisfactory National Police Check;
• Evidence of immunity to Vaccine Preventable Diseases.

Pay and Conditions

Permanent full time, part time, and casual positions available

Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience 

Generous not-for-profit salary sacrificing entitlement

Commencement from 3rd June 2024

Application Process

Applications close 24th April 2024.

Apply Now as FCH reserves the right to offer shortlisted candidates an interview at any time and make offers of employment prior to the close date, if appropriate.

To apply for the position please click the apply now button and upload your 

• Resume 
• Covering Letter (maximum 1 page) addressing the Key Duties & Responsibilities and Position Requirements; and indicating a preference for a full time, part time, or casual position.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Beth Thomas on 0409228792 or email BethT@fitzroyhospice.org.au