TB Inclusion Case Worker

Job overview

North Central London TB Network is a well-established service providing world class care to patients and their carers across the five north central London boroughs. We are a nationally recognised, innovative team of nurse specialists, outreach/social care staff and administrators who work closely with the respiratory and infectious diseases teams at the Whittington, North Middlesex, Royal Free and University College London, hospitals. We are based in the outpatient setting.

This post is an exciting opportunity to work as a Tuberculosis Inclusion Caseworker alongside the wider TB multi-disciplinary team. You will be employed by Whittington Health working predominantly in the community setting. You will be comfortable working across NCL hospital sites to meet service needs and as part of your training and development.

You will be a motivated, energetic individual who is efficient and flexible and enjoys working for a diverse patient group. TB is a disease of poverty and inequality, and you will be advocating for the homeless, drug and alcohol users, vulnerable migrants and people who have been in prison. The primary purpose of the role is to address the social care needs of patients with TB to ensure they can take a full course of treatment and get cured.

You will be well supported by the clinical team and the wider MDT. You will receive a comprehensive induction and your training and development needs will be discussed and supported where appropriate.

Main duties of the job

To work as part of the Tuberculosis Social Care Team and be responsible for TB social care and inclusion service provision to patients and their families/carers being treated for Tuberculosis (TB) or suspected TB across North Central London (NCL) in conjunction with the Social Care Lead.

Tuberculosis often affects vulnerable people with complex health and social care needs, such as homelessness, drug/alcohol dependence, mental ill-health or refugees or asylum seekers and may not have English as their first language. The TB Inclusion Case worker will work specifically with these patients with complex issues, working with the clinical team and agencies within the community, particularly Social Services, Housing department, benefit providers, Home Office, migrant helpline, voluntary/charity organisations and local multi-faith groups, improving the quality of care available to TB patients and tackling the social and environmental determinants of their disease.

The role will involve multi-disciplinary working, improving local procedures, developing joint protocols, working with other agencies and across organisational boundaries, placing an emphasis on community-based provision.

The main objective of the post holder is to assist the team with achieving the TB treatment completion rate target.

The role will require the post holder to often work alone in the community. They should be visible across the network and be flexible in their approach to their working day.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Be responsible for the management of social care provided to patients with complex needs through assessment and care planning and to facilitate inter agency referral.

Actively participate in clinics, providing support to patients referred by TB nurse specialists or on a drop in basis, facilitating regular clinical follow up and assisting in locating patients that are deemed to be lost to follow up.

Provide specialist support and practical assistance to homeless and other vulnerable patients with tuberculosis.

Receive direct referrals within the specialty and provide expert assessment of patient needs.

Develop links and formal referral methods with relevant services and establish and maintain collaborative care networks.

Manage a caseload of vulnerable patients with complex needs and actively participate in case review and MDT meetings.

Assist/coordinate discharge plans for patients with complex needs, including patients with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) in liaison with the TB nursing team, discharge coordinator, ICB's and other relevant parties.

Undertake community visits to patients at home, in hostels and a variety of temporary accommodation settings.

Recognise, investigate, and plan in consultation with the TB nurse case manager for the necessary action to resolve problems in relation to failing treatment.

Work with a complex patient group with multiple health and social care needs.

Promote people's equity, diversity and rights, through ensuring that their own and others' practice is in the best interests of patients.

Support patients in the delivery of care by providing expert advice and information, promoting their wishes and cultural beliefs and addressing their concerns.

Work with colleagues and partners to develop local policies and protocols to enhance the care of TB patients.

Broaden the options for patients receiving directly observed therapy utilising available sources within the community where possible.

Undertake any activity requested by the clinical team leader and deemed within the expectations of the role.

Person specification Education/Qualifications

• Educated to Diploma/degree level (or equivalent)
• Awareness of professional responsibilities
• Previous experience working with health inclusion groups.
• Two years of working with socially excluded individuals i.e.: homeless, drug/alcohol users, asylum seekers / refugees, individuals with mental health needs
• DipSW/CQSW (or equivalent)
• Evidence of further study in a relevant area (degree level or equivalent)

Skills & Abilities

• Recent experience working with LA housing teams
• Recent experience supporting individuals to claim UC / navigating the benefits system.
• Experience of community or outreach work with health inclusion groups
• Experience of one to one case work with health inclusion groups
• Teaching experience formal and informal
• Experience of working within the NHS structure or dealing with NHS professionals

Knowledge & Experience

• Good IT skills, able to use Word / Excel / Access / Power Point.
• Familiarity of NHS/structures and policies
• Understanding of TB and current TB strategies both locally and nationally
• Aware of health issues surrounding refugees, homeless and drug and alcohol users

Personal Qualities

• Good organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Able to work with key stakeholders and promote close working relationships
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills
• Good communication skills including written and verbal

Other

• Willing to work across hospital sites and use public transport

Safeguarding Children and Adults

To comply with the Trust's Safeguarding Children and Adults policies, procedures and protocols, all staff have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

• Ensure you are familiar with and comply with the London Child Protection Procedures and protocols for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.
• Ensure you are familiar and comply with the London Multi Agency Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Pan London Procedures.
• Ensure you are familiar and comply with local protocols and systems for information sharing.
• Know the appropriate contact numbers and required reporting lines.
• Participate in required training and supervision.
• Comply with required professional boundaries and codes of conduct.