Healthcare Support Worker

Job overview

• To work effectively and without direct supervision alongside Registered Nurses, Practitioners and the full Multi Disciplinary Team within the ward as required on a daily basis.
• You will be supported with learning and encouraged to share knowledge with others.

Main duties of the job

• Working clinically to ensure the safety and quality of the care given to your designated patients, under the indirect supervision of a registered nurse/practitioner
• Undertaking the following, but not restricted to, clinical tasks competently and efficiently:
• Cannulation and Venepuncture
• Catheterisation – male and female
• Wound Care and basic wound closure
• Performing ECGs
• Competently taking and interpreting Vital signs on adults
• Able to make appropriate referrals to Adult and Child Safeguarding teams
• Supporting and working with colleagues during the shift
• Liaising with the wider MDT to maintain safety
• Helping to facilitate the development of the service as part of the wider team
• To participate in discussions and projects that will benefit the team, the patients and the ward as a whole
• Complete risk assessments and follow care plans, and ensure documentation is accurate and timely
• Following the Trust’s Policies and Protocols to ensure the safety of the department

Working for our organisation

Torbay Hospital is a busy general hospital providing acute care for the local community, Torbay itself benefits from the sea and moors providing ample outdoor activities for off duty days. Its proximity to Plymouth and Exeter also provide busy shopping centres and cultural activities.

You will be working in a friendly and supportive, multi-disciplinary team who are committed to providing high standards of compassionate, individualised care.

Unfortunately, this post is not eligible for sponsorship.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Detailed job description and responsibilities

• Developing and supporting yourself and others
• To ensure effective communication between staff members and develop a cohesive, supportive and effective team
• Work towards the agreed philosophy and objectives of the Ward
• Employ professional behaviour and communicate effectively and efficiently in a pressurised working environment

• At the direction of Registered/Senior Staff participate and deliver planned care managing your cohort of patients alongside colleagues
• Keep up to date with Organisational developments and be responsive to change
• Work within an environment which can have constant interruptions

• Adhere to all infection control guidance and policies
• Act with integrity and professionalism, ensuring that you are
• demonstrating responsible behaviours at all times, in accordance with
• our Trust values
• Be accountable for your actions and learn from mistakes. Be honest and share experiences, encouraging learning in others
• Support the wider team
• To ensure high standards of care in accordance with agreed policies and procedures
• To work with registered nurses and senior clinical staff to maintain a clean and safe environment for all.
• Provide information to enable the effectiveness of care delivered to be evaluated and accurate records maintained
• Record in the relevant documentation the care that has been delivered
• Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations
• Report any incidents, accidents or complaints to the person in charge of the ward in accordance with Trusts policies

• The post holder will work according to Trust standards, policies and procedures ensuring compliance with policy procedures and clinical guidelines and is accountable and responsible to the registered nursing team
• All staff have a responsibility to ensure that the needs of the service are met in a timely and efficient manner

• To undertake a responsible attitude towards economy and care of equipment and property, and be aware of conditions/hazards
• Have an awareness of utilising stock and resources effectively
• Competent use of equipment including training and supporting others in their use.

• Participating in developing a career plan
• Participate in reflection as part of imbedded practice
• Work alongside senior staff to help develop yourself
• Participate in staff meetings and think creatively and innovatively regarding the department
• Attend mandatory training ensuring this is kept up-to-date and develop and maintain own knowledge and skills

• Follow TSDHCFT Policies and use correct agreed documentations
• Stay up to date with the Trusts innovative IT systems
• Ensure mandatory training is up to date

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification/experience

• Care certificate
• English & Mathematics at GSCE grade A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills

Knowledge and Experience

• Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience
• Understands the need for strict confidentiality

• Working knowledge of complex care needs of some individuals/families including Safeguarding Children & Adults, Domestic Abuse and Mental Health

Specific Skills

• Basic computer/keyboard skills
• Fine motor skills – for venepuncture, phlebotomy and other clinical tasks
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to prioritise and organise work
• Able to work under instruction, under pressure and as part of a team
• Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records
• Able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and to adapt communication style to circumstances
• Able to manage stress in themselves and others
• Able to offer support at times of emotional distress
• Willingness to undertake new skills and training
• Able to work as a team member or independently
• Ability to adapt behaviour to changing and challenging situations
• To be flexible, adaptable, reliable and punctual
• The post holder must demonstrate a positive commitment to uphold diversity and equality policies approved by the Trust

• Healthcare competencies appropriate to area of work

You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.

If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.

• We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Please apply promptly
• Please read the job description and tailor your application to reflect the role
• Correspondence will be via Trac, text and email. Please check your email and Trac account regularly.
• Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band
• If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion
• It is your responsibility to assist us in the timely receipt of appropriate references

If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.