Specialist Team Maternity Support Worker

Job overview

The Specialist Midwifery Team Maternity Support Worker (MSW) is part of the multidisciplinary team delivering care to patients. Support and supervision is provided by a Registered Healthcare Professional (RHP).

Within this job description, women, birthing people and neonates are collectively referred to as patients.

The MSW works collaboratively within the Specialist Midwifery Team to ensure a high standard of care for service users which include:- survivors of abuse, homelessness, drug and alcohol users, patients experiencing poor mental health and migrant women and their families.

Main duties of the job

The post holder is expected to undertake a set of defined competencies. Support will be given to employees to further develop their skills and explore pathways for progression where appropriate. This job description is directly linked to The Maternity Support worker Competency, Education and career Development Framework set out by NHS England

NHS England » Maternity support worker competency, education and career development framework

This may be particularly relevant to employees who are looking to progress and prepare for entry into a programme of further study or development.

Please note, all posts at NUH are cross campus and it is expected that the post holder will work flexibly according to service needs.

To achieve the the MSW will:

• Competently performs all fundamentals of patient care.
• Ensure effective delivery of midwifery care is provided to patients and that an acceptable standard is maintained.
• Follow all NUH policies and provide a safe and person-centred environment for the treatment of patients.
• Participate in personal and practice development activities to maintain standards of care.
• Undertake clinical tasks and directly supervise patients.
• Liaise with the multi-disciplinary team to optimise care and outcomes, as well as with external agencies where appropriate.

Working for our organisation

With over 19,000 staff, we are one of the biggest employers in the city with a central role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We play a leading role in research, education and innovation.

Come and join our wonderful team at NUH. We are big believers in diversity and welcome new ideas to help develop our team in order to deliver world class healthcare to the vast patient populations we serve. With endless personal development opportunities available, at NUH we will endeavour to turn your job into a career!

We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we are striving to be better represented at NUH.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Demonstrates care and compassion to patients, carers and relatives to help ensure high quality person-centred patient care is delivered at all times.
• Provide support to the RHP and, where appropriate, other members of the Clinical Team as required.
• To co-operate with and maintain good relationships with team colleagues and staff in other disciplines that are attending and treating clients to maximise patient care.
• To support new starters within the clinical environment
• Maintain good relationships and an empathic approach to the patient’s’ family, relatives and carers and refer them to an RHP for any questions they may have on the patient’s condition, or for any suggestions or complaints that they wish to raise.
• Undertake care as delegated by the RHP and adhering to the Trust’s policies and procedures to promote the patient’s health, safety and wellbeing. Report changes or concerns to the patient’s condition to the RHP.
• Have knowledge and skills to support infant feeding, both breast feeding and formula feeding in line with BFI standards and Trust policy. Able to support infant feeding in the community setting and signpost to resources/other agencies when appropriate.
• To assist in the teaching and demonstrating of basic parenting skills on a one-to-one basis.
• To assist patients in the care of the newborn baby, including addressing the physical and nutritional needs.
• Actively contribute to supporting patients and their families in specialist issues such as crisis support and accessing help for the wider family.
• To act within NUH and Local Safeguarding Boards Child Protection procedures. To report child protection concerns immediately to the appropriate person/agency and support any child protection plans in collaboration with other health and social care professionals.
• Communicates/liaises with members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure high standards of patient care.
• Assist midwives in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care.
• To maintain patient confidentiality at all times and follow information governance policies and procedures.
• To participate in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records to ensure effective communication.
• To follow NUH policies and procedures to ensure maintenance of safe working practices for patients and colleagues.
• To follow work area procedures for the use of supplies and equipment in order to promote the effective and efficient use of resources, equipment and resources
• To report observed changes in the patients’ physical/psychological needs to the RHP.
• Performs a range of clinical duties and report results to RHP, e.g. urinalysis, blood pressure, blood sugar monitoring, pregnancy testing , patient observations, supervision of patients and similar activities.
• To perform venepuncture following successful completion of appropriate competency training
• Assist and perform neonatal blood sampling including tests such as newborn blood spot screening and serum bilirubin ratio (SBR) as directed by the RHP, following successful completion of the appropriate competency training
• To deal with questions and enquiries from patients, carers and relatives e.g. on the clients’ condition or for any suggestions or complaints that they wish to raise. Where appropriate, refer these to a RHP.
• Be aware of, and promote principals of health promotion relevant to maternity care undertaking screening tests as delegated by the RHP (for example CO monitoring or newborn screening) with appropriate documentation.
• To support patients with appropriate documentation required at appointments and by the overseas team.
• To support vulnerable patients and their families working in collaboration with other community services.

• To participate in personal career development plan.
• Undertake the Maternity Support Worker Framework competencies as outlined in the MSW skills passport relevant to area of work.
• Completed and signed off National Care Certificate and competency requirements.
• Maintain skills and develop personal growth through training and education at Level 3 or equivalent experience.
• To keep up to date with mandatory training and study days to maintain competence in role.

• To maintain patient confidentiality at all times and follow information governance policies and procedures.
• They will comply with all relevant legislation, Caldicott Guidelines and local policies regarding confidentiality and access to medical records.

• Support key aspects of housekeeping and stock control, contributing to the smooth running of the department.

Equipment, Systems and Machinery

The post holder is expected to demonstrate and act on the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and employees.

The post holder will undertake a limited range of delegated clinical care duties relevant to the services provided/work area; some of these are listed below (please note this list is not exhaustive):

• Under the supervision of a Registered Healthcare Professional contributes to updating patient records. For example, recording basic patient information such as height, weight and age, using the appropriate digital technology.
• PC/Printer, Phone
• The post holder is responsible for inputting information into patient written records where applicable, e.g., Complying with the Data Protection Act, CNORIS, Caldicott Guidelines and local policies regarding confidentiality and access to medical records under supervision of a Registered Healthcare Professional.
• The post holder will assist with maintaining accurate patient care documentation. A number of systems are regularly used.

• The post holder is responsible to the team lead or deputy team lead for clinical guidance and professional management, work review and formal appraisal of performance.
• The MSW is responsible and accountable for the planning and delivery of their workload/delegated tasks from the Registered Healthcare Professional.
• The MSW should work within their scope of practice and highlight any concerns should they arise.
• Demonstrates the ability to acknowledge changes in the patient’s physical/psychological needs and report them to the Registered Healthcare Professional in charge of the patient.
• Refer enquiries from the patient, carers and relatives to the Registered Healthcare Professional.
• Have the ability to work without direct supervision using own initiative within their scope of practice, the parameters set in polices and SOPs, with guidance from the Registered Healthcare Professional available at all times.

• The post holder will communicate on a regular basis with the patient, their relatives and the multidisciplinary team involved with the provision of care in a caring, compassionate and professional manner.
• There is a requirement to take account of communication barriers, for example, when English is not the person’s first language, people with hearing difficulties, learning disabilities etc. and communicate effectively to deliver person centred care at all times.
• To organise an interpreter for face-to-face appointments and to facilitate and take part in three-way interpreter telephone calls.
• To liaise with and maintain contact with other agencies ensuring patient location remains up to date.

The post holder will also be expected to:

• Promote and develop good relationships with patients, staff and visitors.
• Promote good relations between the department and other services.
• Respect confidential information obtained in the course of duty.
• To observe Trust policies and procedures regarding Information Governance and confidentiality.

Physical Skills & Demands

The post holder will be provided with training in the use of range of equipment and be able to demonstrate manual dexterity in the following areas:

• Keyboard skills, IT equipment, Mobile Devices (Eg Smart Phones, Tablets, Laptops)
• Preparation of and management of the healthcare environment & equipment used
• Observing patients for signs of agitation or distress
• Taking blood pressure, , venepuncture, cannulation and any other skills applicable to the clinical area

Mental Demands

The post holder will on an ongoing basis perform the following mental demands during each shift when prioritising patient care/workload in a busy environment:

• Concentration required when carrying out patient care tasks and clinical care procedures, observing and supervising patient behaviours.

Emotional Demands

The post holder will encounter a variety of emotional demanding tasks, such as:

• Distressing or emotional circumstances
• Care of patients with chronic illnesses, terminally ill, deaths and patients presenting with challenging behaviour
• Support for relatives and carers who may be distressed, anxious, or emotional

• Exposure to body fluids, e.g. urine samples or lochia
• Exposure to aggression e.g. verbal/physical

Challenges and Difficulties

Some of the challenges you may face whist completing your job role include:

• Managing competing demands on time.
• Ensuring patient safety at all times.
• Communicating with and supporting distressed/anxious/worried patients/relatives.
• Dealing with verbally abusive patients and members of the public.
• Providing enhanced supervision for patients who are confused, agitated and presenting challenging/aggressive behaviour.

Person specification

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s “We are here for you” behavioural standards

Training and Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English (Grades A-C or Levels 4-9) or Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent qualification/experience
• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience
• Computer literacy, confident with ICT
• Evidence of completion and assessment of Care Certificate
• Completed role required clinical skills training and competency requirements as required for clinical area e.g urinalysis, blood pressure, patient observations, supervision of patients and similar activities.

• Evidence of Professional Development

Knowledge and Experience

• Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation
• Short courses to undertake patient and clinical care duties
• Previous experience in a caring role within a health or social care setting
• Experience of working with women and families.
• Experience of working with women from different groups and diverse communities.
• Experience in working with Mothers and children on an individual and group basis.

• Experience in assessing healthcare staff undertaking NVQ Level 2
• Experience of working in Maternity Services
• Experience of multi-agency working.
• Knowledge of NHS and Trust wide strategies, policies and future trends

Communication and Relationship Skils

• Demonstrate clear and effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to pass on information accurately
• Demonstrate an approachable manner and good interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of issues relating to the needs of vulnerable families.
• Ability to work openly with parents and to be committed to community participation.

• Experience of dealing with various patient groups
• Demonstrate Computer literacy & use of IT skills – e.g. e-mail

Analytical Judgement Skills

• Understand the importance of instructions and written procedures
• Ability to recognise and report patient condition through observations and test results to a Registered Healthcare professional
• Understanding of the role and own professional boundaries
• Able to respond, prioritise and analyse problems/situations relating to the care of client groups with complex needs.

• Evidence of experience of dealing with highly emotive situations and crisis management.

Planning and organisation skills

• Demonstrate an ability to deliver care and prioritise work under the supervision of a Registered Healthcare professional

• Can facilitate working groups

Physical Skills

• Physically able to perform the full range of personal care and clinical nursing duties
• Ability to undertake manual handling duties within clinical and non-clinical settings.
• Capable of using equipment within a work environment under supervision
• The ability to perform limited range of delegated clinical care duties, relevant to the work area, for example: clinical observations, observing patients for signs of agitation or distress

• Evidence of moving and handling training

Other requirements specific to role

• Full driving licence
• Car driver with access to car for work
• Ability to work flexibly to cover the needs of the service to include weekend and bank holiday working
• Continued personal development