Dementia Navigator

Job overview

Powys Teaching Health Board have been awarded Welsh Government funding to support the delivery of the All-Wales Dementia Care Pathway of Standards, to meet Standard twelve which states:

“People living with dementia and their carers will have a named contact (navigator) to offer support, advice and signposting, throughout their journey from diagnosis to end of life.”

The dementia navigator role has been defined nationally and it is the intention that the roles’ function will help people living with dementia to coordinate their care.

If you are looking for an exciting new role to make a real difference, this is a fantastic opportunity for you. You must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, flexible in approach, and able to work autonomously as well as with statutory and non- statutory service providers and be responsive to clients' needs.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will carry a dedicated caseload and play a crucial role in supporting people to access the right care at the right time, following a diagnosis of dementia to make a positive difference to their dementia care.

Effective communication and engagement skills are fundamental to this role, as well as a current evidence-based knowledge and a commitment to working with individuals.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities are informed by what matters to people living with a dementia in the Powys region.

Link in with memory clinic to ensure people (including carers) have an initial connection made at the point of diagnosis.

Facilitate a ‘what matters to me’ conversation, listening, and considering the

person and their carer’s or family’s needs for ongoing support.

Within 12 weeks of diagnosis to connect with the person and their carer or family to facilitate a further ‘what matters to me’ conversation, highlighting the importance of physical health activities and health promotion.

Assist service users to gain access to community facilities and maintain independence focusing on strengths of service users.

Responsible for recording the ‘what matters to me’ conversation, including future care wishes, and the information and action plan agreed as a result.

Manage the caseload working with all clients accessing Memory Assessment

services being flexible, creative and responsive to people’s needs.

Communicate clearly, effectively and appropriately with the multidisciplinary team, patients and their family/visitors/carers.

Communicate with people in a form and manner that is consistent with their level of understanding and culture and recognise barriers to effective communication.

Develop communication skills to convey complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers and other staff, overcoming any barriers to understanding and providing support during distressing or emotional events.

Provide feedback on patient care and/or relevant patient communications to relevant healthcare professionals.

Provide clear and accurate records in line with PTHB clinical record keeping procedure.

Participate in discussions about patient care and clinical service development, including relevant team meetings.

Establish the Dementia Navigator role as a point of access for information and advice, in a social setting such as a dementia hub/café. This is for people living with a dementia, their families and carers, throughout their journey and confirm the frequency of check in conversations they require.

Maintain an effective understanding of the rights and entitlements of people living with a dementia to provide the right information, advice and assistance.

Maintain strong relationships with all appropriate local health and social care partners.

Have knowledge and understanding of dementia relevant training available for people living with a dementia, their families and carers.

An understanding of therapies available in the community and through primary care for people living with a dementia and facilitate referrals as appropriate. This includes supporting carers to access services within their own needs following a relatives dementia diagnosis to access services.

Facilitate a point of access for people living with dementia, their families and carers, at all stages of their dementia diagnosis.

Communicate effectively with the multi-disciplinary team and other departments to ensure that patient care is well planned and co-ordinated.

Undertake data capture and evaluation as required within the role and where appropriate audit information.

Maintain adequate records as required by existing procedures, entering appropriate details on service users’ case notes as necessary.

Participate in ongoing personal development planning with senior staff.

Participate in training courses related to the care of individuals with serious and enduring mental health problems.

Undertake supervision/appraisal and reference to HR policies.

Work within and adhere to the Policies, Procedures, Protocols and Guidelines set out by the Powys Teaching Health Board.

Undertake duties to support new employees during induction.