Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity for a transition to Fatherhood Support Worker to work in the Health in Pregnancy Service.



The post holder will offer a "lived experience" of the health and social support needs of Walsall fathers to be, their partners and families during pregnancy, following birth and up to six months after the baby is born. Key areas of practice will include:



Previous Applicants need not apply



PLEASE NOTE, WE MAY CLOSE THIS VACANCY EARLY IF WE RECEIVE HIGH NUMBERS OF APPLICATIONS.



The post holder will provide sensitive and infant-led support to men and their pregnant partners in within both hospital and community settings, and will work directly with individuals, families and groups to provide support for infant feeding, healthy pregnancy, mental health, health and social support. Support will be provided both face and face and over the telephone/virtual, where appropriate.



The Fatherhood Support Worker will implement programmes of care under the guidance and direction of Health in Pregnancy Nurses and the Health in Pregnancy Clinical Lead, working within prescribed best practice parameters and reporting back on progress. They will be required to act on their own initiative when delivering care in client's homes, but will have access to clinically led supervision



Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is an integrated Trust and the only provider of NHS acute care in Walsall, serving a population of 284,300. It provides inpatient and outpatient services at the Manor Hospital as well as a wide range of services in the community. Walsall Manor houses the full range of district general hospital services under one roof. The 170 million development was completed in 2010, and ongoing upgrades ensure the Trust now has state-of-the-art facilities, including a Critical Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, Obstetric Theatre, and Integrated Assessment Unit. A new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre, opened in March 2023, has significantly improved emergency care facilities and capacity, providing almost 5,000 square metres of additional clinical space.

Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Support:

To share with expectant fathers the importance of breastfeeding for their unborn and their role in supporting their partners.

Develop links with key health professionals, community workers and volunteers delivering support for men's health and infant feeding best practice.



Health Promotion



Promote and advise parents on safe sleeping and preparing for a safe environment in the home following the birth of the baby;

Signposting and providing information on health and wellbeing to men and their pregnant partners and families to optimise health outcomes for both parents / caregivers

Smoking cessation and smoke free homes,

Paternal mental health

Healthy lifestyles

Home Safety

To assist the Health in Pregnancy Service with any health promotion or health education activity within the hospital or community

Collate resources and set up rooms for clinics and activities and ensure there is a safe environment for parents to be to receive information.

Sensitively assist expectant fathers in accessing appropriate services and advocating for their health and wellbeing.



Professional



To act in a professional and sympathetic manner with men and their partners/families whilst maintaining the client's privacy, dignity and confidentiality according to Caldicott Principles and Trust Values.

Communicate effectively with men and their families, using evidence bases practice and social marketing, reassurance, tact and empathy and where there may be barriers to understanding.

To be able to respond to distressing, emotional circumstances in the course of carrying out their duties e.g. when working with all including disadvantaged families;

Maintain good working relationships with Maternity and other Services, and the wider 0-5 service, working flexibly and collaboratively with other departments, specialities and organisations.

Be accountable for own professional activities within the limitations of personal expertise, scope of practice and agreed knowledge and skills framework.

Make decisions on the complexity of the client's issues and when to refer on or work with the individual within their Scope of Practice.

To escalate areas of concern to Health in Pregnancy Nurse where it is indicated the expectant father, partner or the unborn is deem to be at risk.

Plan and prioritise their own workload, undertaking recording and administration of contacts on designated, approved electronic systems.

Work flexibly within a pressurised environment where workloads and client demands can be unpredictable and it is necessary to move between tasks.

Manage resources effectively & ensure safe use of equipment used by self or patients

Participate in appraisal and learning activities and development appropriate to the role

Participate in service evaluation and patient feedback consultation