Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Crisis Support for acute Paediatrics

Provide immediate emotional support to CYP and their families presenting in crisis.

Assist with de-escalation strategies for CYP experiencing high levels of distress or agitation. Support with verbal de-escalation strategies and be willing to undertake training in clinical holding and restricted intervention.

Conduct initial conversations where appropriate under supervision.

To promote communication with young people, encouraging them to express their wishes and concerns to the best of their ability.  Empowering them to make their own decisions.  Liaising with the family and members of the multi-professional and multi-agency teams to provide optimal support to young people under direction of the Children’s crisis lead nurse.

Support care planning and risk assessments in collaboration with Clinicians, RISE and the Paediatric crisis, Neurodiversity and LD lead nurse. 

To maintain a professional attitude at all times, developing the role of youth worker within the acute setting.

Direct Support to Young People and their families

Provide mental health and emotional support to children and young people admitted to the acute ward.

Sensitive, complex and distressing situations involving young people and their families are dealt with compassionately.

Work with patients experiencing a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders.

 Assist in delivering care plans for the CYP tailoring interventions to individual needs.

Build therapeutic relationships with CYP and their families.

Engage families and caregivers to ensure they are informed and supported in their role.

Facilitate positive transitions to community services post-discharge, ensuring continuity of care.

To recognise the boundaries required when working closely alongside a young person in hospital, respecting families’ wishes.

To offer advice and health promotion to young people and their families relating to social/health issues such as risk-taking behaviour, signposting as required.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

Work collaboratively with paediatric teams, RISE practitioners, social care, and external agencies to ensure a holistic approach to care.

Attend multidisciplinary meetings alongside the Paediatric crisis Lead nurse to contribute observations and insights that inform care decisions.

Safeguarding and Risk Management

Adhere to hospital and NHS policies to promote the safety and well-being of patients. 

To maintain accurate, contemporaneous records, utilising electronic and hand written systems. 

Work within safeguarding frameworks, escalating concerns appropriately to protect vulnerable young people.

Support in the completion of risk assessments, identifying immediate safety needs and longer-term risk factors.

Adhere to NHS and local policies on risk management, including suicide prevention and self-harm protocols.

To maintain confidentiality of all patient and staff information in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Education and Advocacy

Advocate for the needs of CYP within the ED and acute ward, promoting awareness among healthcare staff.

Offer information and guidance to families on accessing community and voluntary sector support post-discharge.

Provide details of relevant support services available, including local, national and charitable provision.

Ensure all clinical incidents are reported within a timely manner.

Undertake mandatory training as per Trust policy and specialist training programmes as identified by the Paediatric crisis Lead.

Access clinical supervision as per Trust Policy.

Frequent need for concentration, sometimes requiring prolonged concentration e.g. reports writing /assessments.

Ensure that the environment is conducive in meeting the needs of the young person and family including the safety, care and maintenance of equipment required.