WESTERN ISLES NHS BOARD
Directorate of Public Health
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job
Identification:
Smoking Cessation Adviser
Department:
Health Promotion
Job Holder Ref:
No of Job
Holders:
One
INTRODUCTION
Health Promotion is a specialist discipline drawing on knowledge of and approaches
implicit in a range of disciplines e.g. epidemiology, psychology, statistics, project
design and management, sociology and public health theory. It is from this theory that
evidence for effective programmes is devised and work procedures and practices are
developed – contributing to an increase in health status of the population and a
reduction in unhealthy behaviours e.g. smoking and a reduction in disease e.g. CHD.
JOB PURPOSE:
This post forms part of the Smoking Cessation Service for the Western Isles, funded
by the Scottish Government to provide support to smokers who wish to stop. The post
holder will provide intensive support and advice either on a group or one to one basis,
and support the delivery of other tobacco related work where appropriate. The post
holder will be expected to work from a base in Barra.
ORGANISATIONAL
CHART:
See attached
SCOPE AND RANGE:
MAIN DUTIES/
RESPONSIBILITIES
The post will involve contacts at national level, e.g. within the Scottish Government,
ASH Scotland, Information Services Division (ISD), NHS Health Scotland, and at local
level particularly with NHS smoking cessation services but also advising tobacco
cessation work in other statutory and voluntary sector services and workplaces.
Operational
To provide specialist smoking cessation advice and support via group or
one to one intervention within local community settings
To accept and respond to referrals in line with nationally agreed protocols
To utilise specialist skills to assess the clients motivation and readiness to quit,
recognising and supporting the client to work through all aspects of nicotine addiction.
To provide smoking cessation interventions in line with the evidence base and to
agreed National standards
To organise and deliver smoking cessation interventions on a one to one basis and
through group work as appropriate to meet the clients individual needs.
To develop individual action plans in partnership with the client, including advice
regarding the use of appropriate pharmacological support
To develop an ongoing programme of support in partnership with the client, evaluating
individual programmes and ensuring clients are followed up in line with the monitoring
and evaluation protocol.
To utilise specialist skills to be able to identify clients needs and make appropriate
referrals, liaising with GPs and other relevant agencies as required.
To act as an expert resource for other service providers in the delivery of smoking
cessation interventions, e.g. GPs, Practice Nurses, Family Health Nurses.
To provide brief advice to members of the public as situations permit, i.e. through
liaison with other community services attending community events e.g. the men’s
health service.
To maintain client confidentiality and ensure the security of client identifiable
information in line with Caldicott Principles.
To maintain accurate client notes in line with NHS WI Record Keeping Policy
Monitoring & Research
To contribute to the monitoring and development of personal and
professional practice within the frameworks for performance
management and support the monitoring and evaluation of the service
To develop and maintain a specialist knowledge base in smoking cessation including
an overview of of new developments and identify opportunities to integrate these into
own and others practice.
To participate in audits in professional practice and evaluation of the service.
To contribute to the process of quality assurance in service delivery.
To collect and record accurate data following a nationally agreed protocol, including
database input and analysis
To provide reports on service delivery for review purposes, including the evaluation of
new intervention programmes as new evidence becomes available
To participate in reflective practice as part of personal development
To participate in the KSF process including contributing to the development of a
personal development plan and appraisal
Communication & Relationships
To assist in the identification of opportunities for local service
development and to support the work of the Specialist Smoking
Coordinator to effectively raise awareness of the service
To utilise advanced communication skills to promote the smoking cessation service to
health care professionals, community groups and the general public
To utilise advanced communication skills to support the local delivery of community
and national campaigns e.g. No Smoking Day
Utilises advanced communication and counselling skills when delivering smoking
cessation interventions with individuals and groups
Communicates sensitively with clients and communicates effectively where there are
barriers such as language, ethnicity, mental health and learning difficulties.
Utilises developed motivational, negotiating skills facilitating co-operation between
clients accessed and professionals as required
Collaborates with other agencies to maximise all contributions to health care.
:
Communicates orally, in writing and electronically maintaining patient and staff
confidentiality in auspices of the data protection act.
Works with other Specialist Smoking Advisors to provide cross cover and support to
enable continuity of client contact.
Planning & Organisational
Demonstrates local leadership and support for staff working within smoking cessation
support
Collaborates with other agencies to maximise all contributions to smoking cessation
support
Autonomous practitioner, professionally and legally accountable and responsible for all
aspects of own work, including caseload management.
To provide reports on service delivery for review purposes, including the evaluation of
new interventions and programmes as new evidence becomes available
To undertake any other duties required in line with service developments
To meet the annual objectives agreed with the Health Promotion Manager as well as
providing monthly written reports.
SUPPORTING
EVIDENCE:
Physical demands of the job
It is essential to work on one’s own initiative and to self manage own work.
Keyboard skills, speed and accuracy are required as much written material is self
generated and circulated by e mail.
Good facilitating skills (listening and observational) are essential as the post holder is a
key player in facilitating communication and agreement concerning clients.
Driving skills are required as the post can involve travel from base.
A full driving licence is therefore also essential.
This post may involve travel, overnight stays; evening and weekend work.
Mental Effort
Need to respond to unpredictable demands and deadlines from various agencies.
Emotional Effort
Awareness of sensitive issues when communicating with parents, young people and
the general public in a highly emotive; controversial and high profile health and social
topic area.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
This involves taking the necessary precautions when transmitting information only
disclosing it to those who have the right and the need to know it.
All personal health information is held under strict legal and ethical obligations of
confidentiality. NHS Staff must follow guidance (NHS Code of Practice on Protecting
Patient Confidentiality) before disclosing any patient information. All staff must
respect confidentiality of all matters that they may learn relating to their employment,
other members of staff, patients and their families.
HEALTH & SAFETY:
Assist in maintaining own and others' health, safety and security
This involves:
A)
Complying with Board health and safety policies, procedures and participating
in mandatory training.
B)
Maintaining a safe working environment and reporting any issues of concern
as appropriate.
NHS Western Isles attaches the greatest importance to the health and safety of its
employees. It is the Board policy to do all that is reasonable to prevent personal
injury and hazard to health by protecting staff and others including the public from
foreseeable hazards compatible with the provision of proper services to patients.
The Board expects its entire staff to take reasonable care of their own health and
safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
More detailed information is given in departmental safety policies where appropriate.
Ensure own actions support equality, diversity and rights.
This involves:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Acting in ways consistent with the Board's policies and procedures
Treating those you come into contact with equitably and with respect.
Recognising the need for aids or adaptations.
JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
I, ……………………………………………………………. confirm that the job description/person
specification attached have been discussed with me and are an accurate and up-to-date account of
the duties and responsibilities and skills/qualifications required to undertake the post.
…………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………
Job Holder's Signature:
Date:
…………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
Health Promotion Manager
ADP
HIV, Sexual Health
[Ty a docume
Co-ordinator
and Young People
Substance Misuse
Development Officer
Senior Health
Promotion
Officer Uists
Smoking
Cessation
Coordinator
Fas Fallain
Manager
Smoking Cessation
Advisers ((x4)
2x Stornoway
1x Uist & Benbecula
1x Barra
ADP
Administrator
Senior Health
Promotion Officer
Health Information
and Resources
Officer
Senior
Administrator
Administrator
Uists and Barra
Admin Assistant
Resources
Assistant
Senior Health
Promotion Officer
(Physical Activity,
Education)
Paths For Health
Coordinator
Healthy
Working Lives
Advisor
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title:
Smoking Cessation Adviser
Department:
Health Promotion
Location:
Barra
FACTOR
EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
Experience of providing
client/patient centred services in
a health or social care setting
Experience of health
education/one to one counselling
on health issues
DESIRABLE
Experience of motivating people
Relevant experience in smoking or
other addictive behaviours
Experience of dealing with the media
in an effective and constructive
manner
QUALIFICATIONS
Relevant graduate qualification in
Health/Social Welfare
Relevant qualification in smoking
cessation/counselling
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Knowledge of data collection and
monitoring systems.
Knowledge of current health policy
documents.
Good interpersonal,
organisational and negotiating
skills
Knowledge of research and needs
assessment
Report writing, presentation and
advanced computer skills
(essential VDU user)
Highly developed demonstrable
knowledge of current issues in
smoking
Extensive knowledge of health
related behaviour change
strategies. e.g .through
knowledge of Smoking Cessation
Guidelines (2004 Update)
DISPOSITION
Knowledge of treatment and
rehabilitation protocols and
procedures
Knowledge of local authority and
Health Service systems
Written work in a relevant topic area
Knowledge and appreciation of
island culture
Enthusiastic and motivated
Ability to work under pressure
Diplomatic
OTHER
Able to work flexible hours as
necessary
Full current driving licence
Access to private transport