Job Description New job Significantly amended job Minor amendments from previous JD Job title Reports to Pay band Directorate Banding status (please tick one) HART Team Leader HART Manager 6 Delivery Indicative Hours per week 37.5 √ A4C confirmed X Job summary (overview of role/remit) Responsible for decision making and coordination of HART paramedics at any incident. The HART Incident Response Unit (IRU) works within hazardous areas, to deliver the highest standards of pre-hospital clinical care to all patients actually or potentially affected by any major civil emergency or a potentially hazardous situation. The role includes a requirement for operatives to utilise specialist personal protective equipment to facilitate a safe response to incidents involving the accidental or deliberate release of hazardous materials within the inner cordon or ‘Hot Zone’. HART staff will work closely with other emergency service teams at a range of operational incidents including: Major Incidents, incidents of a CBRN nature, USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) incidents, incidents involving hazardous materials, structural collapse, confined space rescue, major transportation incidents, incidents requiring working at height, trench collapse and rescue, incidents involving complex entrapment – as defined and in accordance with HART IRU and USAR Standard Operating Procedures, depending upon the qualification and training of the paramedics. The HART Team Leader will also be responsible for facilitating regular ongoing training and exercising within their assigned team. Training packages will be developed by the HART National Faculty and a dedicated local training function. The post-holder will ensure that the highest level of patient care is delivered in accordance with the procedures issued by the Trust in order to maintain personal Page 1 of 16 safety and that of colleagues and casualties. When not deployed to a HART activity as part of the Locality Management Team, Team Leaders will assist in the delivery of high quality patient care; to provide leadership and support, primarily to a team of operational A&E staff; to act as a role model for all staff, fostering a professional approach and encouraging best practice in all areas. HART paramedics will be tasked by the Ambulance Clinical Hubs (ACH) to attend cases of accident and sudden illness and to respond to emergency, urgent and planned patient transfer requests. Main duties and responsibilities (bullet points providing detail of responsibilities) Clinical Monitor the quality of patient care and provide advice, guidance and support as appropriate. Provide appropriate ongoing mentoring and support on clinical issues and training for all members of the team. Assist in auditing the effectiveness of formal training. Provide feedback to the HART Training Officer to enable modification of training as required. Monitor Patient Report Forms for quality of completion and adherence to protocol. Facilitate the production, monitoring and feedback of routine clinical outcome performance indicators. Discuss any areas of concern and provide feedback as required for the audit process. Facilitate the implementation of Clinical Governance projects (e.g., small snapshots, re-audits, audits triggered by priority areas for attention). Take the lead in managing an incident in the absence of a Duty Manager or other officers. Operational (HART paramedics only) To attend and respond to operational and potentially protracted incidents including: Major Incidents, incidents of a CBRN nature, structural collapse, confined space rescue, major transportation incidents, incidents requiring working at height, trench collapse and rescue, incidents involving complex entrapment. Present initial Health/Ambulance assessment to the Ambulance Incident Commander Officer and, where appropriate, the Silver (tactical) Commanders Page 2 of 16 of other responding agencies. Receive incident briefings from the Incident Commander on assigned roles and instructions for managing the incident, following the deployment plan where appropriate. Undertake initial scene management where this task has not been delegated to another appropriately qualified ambulance responder. Provide immediate health input to the initial assessment of the scene to meet the needs of Ambulance and other Emergency Services. To provide clinical support and knowledge within HAZMAT/CBRN and USAR situations. To be able to deploy to any operational incident and provide health input wearing appropriate PPE. Supervise, direct, coordinate and deliver life saving clinical care for patients within the inner cordon including triage (where appropriate, toxic triage), diagnosis, appropriate treatment, prior to and during decontamination (if contamination present) and in situations of difficult access in USAR incidents, at times being the only clinician in situ and deliver casualties into mainstream healthcare. Operate specialist equipment e.g mass oxygen delivery system, DIM equipment, Safe Working at Height equipment (USAR only) and make appropriate use, based on dynamic risk assessment, of levels of PPE provided. Collaborate with partners operating alongside HART and liaise with specialist agencies e.g. HPA, CHAPD, and Fire Service USAR to gather relevant information on scene. Estimate resources required and deliver Situation Reports when required. Access relevant databases (e.g. TOXBASE, CHEMNET, CHAPD (HPA) etc.) to research and communicate to others regarding the symptoms, treatment, and decontamination procedures for an incident. Provide clinical support and backup to multi-agency service personnel working in the inner cordon. Comply with and contribute to Command & Control in the inner cordon / Hot/Warm Zones supervising the deployment of resources, casualty Page 3 of 16 management and evacuation. Undertake Hazard Identification monitor local environment safety e.g. weather & climate conditions, gas levels and wind direction, liaising with other available expertise to consolidate decision making. To highlight potential training needs to better develop the role in the future. In the event of providing mutual aid in responding to a National Incident, be away from home for unknown periods of time. Working within the Team, ensure the readiness of PPE, clinical and operational equipment and vehicles is maintained, and routine care and maintenance is carried out to ensure a high state of preparedness. Apply the principles and practice of Dynamic Operational Risk Assessment to ensure that plans and actions are regularly updated according to the needs of the current situation. To undertake any other duties associated with the role as directed by the HART Manager or Incident Commander. Governance and quality (HART paramedics only) Work within the policies and procedures of the Trust and HART Unit to ensure that: o patient confidentiality is maintained at all times. o that any confidential/classified information which comes in to your possession or knowledge is managed in such a manner as not to compromise an operation or the safety of staff involved in the delivery of any such operation. o be aware that the immediate working environment may be designated a ‘scene of crime’ and as far as possible endeavour to preserve and/or leave undisturbed any potential evidence, without compromising ability to perform the clinical role. Maintain required personal standards of service delivery and core HART skills and attend training events as required to deliver the expected level of service. Actively supervise, support and work with other members of the team undertaking tasks allocated by persons designated to manage the incident. Assist in the ongoing evaluation of HART capabilities and effectiveness Assist in the research and development of new equipment. Page 4 of 16 Analyse information from multiple sources to better understand the nature of an incident and plan scene management activities. Ensure the accurate recording of information, including patient records and decision logs, relating to HART operations, in accordance with established procedures and share with other Team Leaders and other staff as appropriate. Provide full audit trail to evidential standard for all incidents and events attended. Standards To treat everyone with whom you come into contact, with dignity and respect. Promote Equality & Diversity and a non-discriminatory culture. Identify and take action when other people’s behaviour undermines Equality and Diversity. Support the HART Manager in securing timely deployment and optimum operational performance. Reinforce the concept of high quality patient care, and how high standards of operational performance impact upon patient care. Manage the team rota ensuring unit hour production is maintained in accordance with agreed levels and central computerised records are updated accordingly. Help to ensure that all staff adheres to operational standards at all times. Ensure that required standards of training are achieved by each member of the team. Provide advice and guidance on a range of performance issues as required. Staff support Provide appropriate ongoing mentoring and support to help team members achieve the tasks and work effectively together. Monitor the quality of patient care and provide advice, guidance and support as appropriate. Act as the focal point, via the HART Manager, for briefing colleagues to help improve communication channels. Conduct briefings, tasking and de-briefing. Page 5 of 16 Act as the focal point, via the HART Manager/Clinical Effectiveness Manager, for emphasising the importance of the principles of clinical governance and communicating key messages. Act as the initial contact point for team members experiencing difficulties, personally or professionally and refer on to further professional support via the HART Manager, Human Resources Department and Occupational Health Department etc. HART team leaders will manage the welfare of individuals in the team at all times and particularly following traumatic or major incidents, but at all times being alert to signs and symptoms of stress. Carry out appraisals with team members, identifying strengths and areas requiring development. Ensuring that the team as a whole receives feedback about its effectiveness, performance and overall contribution to organisation’s objectives. Ensuring that the team members and others are aware of their role responsibilities and that they have clear goals that are meaningful and rewarding and are tied to team and organisational objectives. Ensuring that the team regularly and effectively reflects upon, and appropriately modifies, its objectives, strategies and processes in order to maximise effectiveness. Complete administrative procedures to include recording and monitoring of all leave and other absence. Ensure own action’s support people’s equality, diversity and rights Maintains the confidentiality of information consistent with legislation and the Trust’s policies. Education & research Take responsibility for own Personal Development Review in accordance with the Trust’s arrangements and, in agreement with the line manager plan and engage in formal and informal learning events that underpin the demands of the role. Attend identified courses to maintain and increase personal knowledge base. This may include attending and completing nationally agreed training programmes when required. Maintain competencies through continuation training, both practical and Page 6 of 16 theoretical. Facilitate pre-developed training packages within their assigned team. Be responsible for personal contribution to the development of HART and where necessary, the testing and evaluation of new initiatives. Health & safety Has responsibility for assisting the HART Manager on the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety Policy, Government and NHS initiatives/targets within their area of control. Assist with the investigation and follow up of all reported untoward incidents relating to clinical issues. HART team leaders will conduct investigations into any accident or other incident relating to HART in accordance with local procedures under the direction of the HART Manager. Support staff following an industrial injury or physical/verbal incident. Remove immediately from service any identified defective medical or other safety equipment. Promote a positive culture of Health and Safety awareness amongst their team. Ensure that the safest working practices are followed at all times within your team and unit and act as a role model for your team and the unit as a whole in this respect. Ensure your own personal safety and that of your colleagues by complying with any instructions or procedures as laid down in the HART IRU/USAR Standard Operating Procedures and other related documentation. Take personal responsibility to remedy Health & Safety issues as quickly as possible where you are able and have the authority to do so, or refer to senior management and the Health & Safety team, or, if on scene, refer to the Incident Commander to ensure that any risk or compromise to staff safety is brought to their attention. Maintain personally issued PPE to required standards and ensure that each member of their assigned team also maintains equipment to the same standards. Ensure that personal and team fitness is maintained at the levels appropriate to the demands of the role and undergo and pass physical competence assessments when required. Page 7 of 16 Effort and environment Work in environments uncontrolled by the Trust when acting in a clinical capacity. Communications and key relationships Develop and maintain good working relationships with other emergency services, NHS Trusts and public sector agencies including the HART Team, HART Manager, Operational Trust staff, Air Ambulance Services, Fire and Rescue Service, Fire Service USAR teams, Police, British Transport Police, Local hospitals, Coastguard, Maritime Rescue Organisations and Mountain/Cave Rescue. Promote HART awareness to other Ambulance Staff within the Trust and among local Fire and Police Services and if required represent the Trust and emergency services in the public arena and promote its image as a professional and competent service. Also actively support and promote the aims and objectives of the Trust’s HART capability and be responsible for the personal contribution to the development of the HART team and where necessary, the testing of new initiatives. Key result areas and performance measures Successful completion of the HART IRU and USAR training programmes. Active contribution to leading, maintaining and training a high performing team. Delivery of immediate and high quality clinical care to patients in accordance with procedures. Compliance with the operating procedures and directions and instructions given by authorised team and scene managers. Successful completion of annual learning, training and re-licensing programmes and agreed Personal Development Plans. Contribution to initiatives and programmes to raise awareness of HART/CBRN/USAR issues. Compliance with Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation. Page 8 of 16 Standard Role Requirements Health and Safety To take reasonable care for own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by the postholder’s actions at work. No smoking policy The buildings, grounds and car parks owned or managed by the Trust are smoke-free zones and smoking is not permitted whilst on NHS/Trust premises; attending external meetings on behalf of the Trust; wearing NHS/Trust-identifiable clothing or other markings, or whilst in NHS/Trust vehicles. Risk To develop and implement robust systems for risk management across the areas of responsibility of the post. To be responsible and accountable for risk in these areas. To be personally responsible for not undertaking any task or action which would knowingly cause risk to self, others, or to the Trust. As far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent other people from undertaking tasks or actions which would knowingly cause risks to themselves, others, or to the Trust. To identify and report actual or potential hazards/risks in the work environment in accordance with Trust policies. To participate in briefing/training sessions and carry out any agreed control measures and duties as instructed. Take immediate action to minimise risks where it is reasonably practicable to do so. Records management, confidentiality and security of information To adhere to Trust policies and procedures as directed in training and guidelines and as advised by relevant colleagues (including designated Local Records Manager) in relation to creating records and handling information. Undertake action as required to implement and comply with these policies and procedures. To report any noncompliance. To maintain confidentiality in relation to personal data held for colleagues and patients, ensuring it is processed lawfully; for no purpose other than for which it was obtained; is relevant to that purpose; is retained for no longer than is necessary; is processed in accordance with the rights of the subject to access and accuracy; and is protected from accidental loss or damage in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998, and records management guidance. To maintain confidentiality of patient-identifiable personal data using a non-identifiable Page 9 of 16 alternative, where practicable, and limiting access on a strictly need to know basis in accordance with the responsibilities of the Trust’s Caldicott Guardian. Infection control Responsible for ensuring the effective implementation and monitoring of infection prevention and control in all areas within his/her area of responsibility to ensure continued compliance of the Trust with the Health Act 2006, Health and Social Care Act 2008 and any future Acts of Parliament regarding infection prevention and control. Adhere to the Infection Prevention and Control policy at all times, providing clear leadership and promotion of responsible attitudes towards infection prevention and control Responsible for infection prevention and control within his/her area of responsibility, ensuring the effective implementation and monitoring of infection prevention and control under his/her control. Ensure infection prevention and control audits are undertaken in their area of responsibility, as requested by the Director with responsibility for infection prevention and control. To ensure that relevant staff, contractors and other persons, whose normal duties are directly or indirectly concerned with patient care, receive suitable and sufficient training, information and supervision on the measures required to prevent and control risks of infection, so far as reasonably practicable. Alcohol handrub must be carried at all times whilst in uniform; good hand hygiene must be maintained. Responsible for including infection prevention and control within the managerial job descriptions and appraisals of all managers under his/her control. Patient and public involvement To be aware of responsibilities under sections 7 and 11 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001 to involve patients and the public in the ongoing planning, development and delivery of health services, and to involve patients in their own care, as far as is reasonably practicable. Page 10 of 16 Person Specification Essential Education and qualifications Registered Qualified Paramedic. Good level of general education/academic ability, demonstrated by high levels of literacy and numeracy. IHCD Emergency Driving Qualification. Valid UK Driving licence with including category C1 and no more than 3 penalty points. Evidence of continuing professional development. Previous experience (paid/ unpaid relevant to job) Demonstrated ability to motivate people, inspire confidence, gain credibility, and deal effectively with conflict. Demonstrated ability to analyse problems and provide effective solutions. Skills, knowledge, ability Understanding of and demonstrable commitment to equal opportunities as an employee and as a provider of service to the public. Awareness and understanding of the Trust’s purpose and values and of the key objectives set out in the Trust’s Plan. Understanding of the Clinical Governance/Risk Management process and its links to this post. Page 11 of 16 Desirable Recognised education qualifications - clinical or managerial (level 2 minimum). Experience of leading a team. Experience of managing people. Experience of coaching/mentoring people. Certificate in Coaching/Mentoring. Basic knowledge of HR procedures, particularly in the areas of health and safety, training and development for operational staff, flexible rostering, absence control, and counseling/occupational health services. Knowledge of operational policies and procedures. Understanding of the key result areas against which A&E performance is measured. Aptitude and personal characteristics Page 12 of 16 Ability to work effectively in a team. Ability to demonstrate excellent clinical skill and competence. Ability to help others learn and develop through both formal and informal training methods. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of occupational and cultural backgrounds. Excellent clinical skills. Strong written communication skills including the ability to write clear and concise reports on relevant subjects. Page 13 of 16 Positive attitude towards learning and development, demonstrated by a record of continuing professional development, eg NHS Individual Learning Accounts. Ability to interact with people from a diverse cultural and social background. Ability to develop effective working relationships with colleagues and the public. Able to promote equality and value diversity. Reliable and good attitude to attendance and punctuality. Demonstrate a commitment and recognition to the core values and beliefs of an employee of the NHS. Able to deliver on the NHS constitutional patient pledges and rights. Committed to high quality patient care and patient experience. Respectful to and able to promote equality in opportunity, employment and service delivery. Committed to continuous professional development and personal growth. Page 14 of 16 Able to ensure care of own health and wellbeing to promote improvements to physical and emotional wellbeing. Able to work within the Trust’s attendance targets. Ability to perform the requirements of the post to an acceptable standard. Demonstrates a positive and flexible approach in line with the changing nature of the Trust service delivery model. Committed to the values based principles of high quality patient care to include; compassion; care; competence; communication; courage and commitment in all aspects of service delivery. HART Team Leaders In addition, below are the key requirements HART Team Leaders will be required to demonstrate to perform this role. Candidates will be assessed against these criteria. A = Application form, I = Interview, OHD = Occupational Health Department, P = Psychological Assessment*, PCA = Physical Competence Assessment, T = Induction Training EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Essential State Registered Paramedic 3 Years operational ambulance experience Qualified as CBRN Bronze Commander Experience of working in a multi-agency environment Desirable Experience of Incident Management Experience of leading a team Experience of training Experience in using self-contained breathing apparatus or other respiratory protection Successful completion of HAZMAT or military NBC course A A A A/I A/I A A/I A/I A/I KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Essential – Clinical and Operational Proven clinical assessment skills and a commitment to delivering high A/I/T standards of patient care A/I/T Ability to make sound clinical decisions often at short notice Ability to maintain high standards of clinical care and health and safety, A/I/T even in stressful and challenging situations Understanding of the Trust’s risk management system and ability to A/I/T undertake formal and Dynamic Operational Risk Assessments and manage risk in accordance with these procedures Understanding of and demonstrable commitment to Equal Opportunities and Diversity, both as a colleague and as a provider of a A/I service to the public A/I/PCA Ability to work effectively in enclosed, confined spaces A/I/PCA Ability to work effectively at height and other areas of difficult access Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with people at all I/P/T levels Page 15 of 16 Ability to provide structured briefings during an incident and postincident debrief for your team Ability to actively contribute to multi-agency post-incident structured de-briefs and recommend changes for improvement where required Ability to conduct investigations into any accident or other untoward incident relating to HART in accordance with local procedures, and completing the relevant paperwork in the appropriate manner Knowledge of Trust procedures regarding Appraisals and Personal Development Plans and the ability to carry out timely appraisals Essential – Core Behavioural Competencies Ability to manage sensitive, stressful and traumatic incidents effectively, knowing when to use tact, diplomacy and assertiveness and ensuring others do so Ability to remain calm and resilient under pressure and support others in this respect Ability to work as part of a team and be supportive of others Being self-confident and have the ability to develop self, motivate others and instil a sense of capability in others Open to change, flexible and adaptable Ability to establish efficiently an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal Ability to make effective judgements and decisions often at short notice and under pressure Maintain a professional image at all times OTHER ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS Low level of absence due to sickness in the last two years No outstanding disciplinary sanctions Capable of swimming 100 metres Have a satisfactory CRB enhanced disclosure check Occupational Health clearance Attend and pass pre-employment fitness test and maintain a specific level of fitness – including being able to work at heights and in confined spaces Attend and pass induction training on the required dates and achieve the standards required for the role Flexibility required surrounding shifts and time away from home, including the requirement to attend residential training courses to achieve required standards Page 16 of 16 A/I/T A/I/T A/I A A/I/T A/I/T I/P/T I/P/T I/P/T I/P/T I/P/T I/T A A A A OHD PCA T I