Health Care Support Worker

Job overview

The role exists to provide a multi-skilled worker who, under the supervision of a Practitioner, supports the Multidisciplinary Team with clinical and non-clinical practices in order to provide patient-centred care.

You will support practitioners and assist with patients attending the Emergency Department and Urgent Treatment Centre.

There are several training opportunities that will be available to you including venepuncture, wound care and plastering.

In the absence of the care certificate/NVQ in health and social care you will be required to complete a level 2 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship within the first 13 months of employment.

The role of the HCSW includes assisting with the initial assessment of patients presenting to Emergency Department who are streamed to be seen within the Urgent Treatment areas including GP in ED and Minor injuries.

The role includes undertaking observations, urinalysis, electrocardiograms (ECGs) and venepuncture. When working in minor injuries wound care, visual acuity testing and plastering are amongst the several duties that are undertaken.

• Prioritise workload after the Practitioner has instigated the care required by each patient.
• Receive, welcome and orientate patients and their relatives/friends to the clinical area.
• Carry out observations and recording of the following patients physiological measurements in recognition of own knowledge and competence
• Undertake minor clinical procedures, e.g. application of dressings, bandages, slings and wound closure (following appropriate training, supervision of practice and assessment of competence) as instructed by a Practitioner.
• Obtain specimens, e.g. midstream specimen of urine (MSU) and MRSA screening swabs, label specimen correctly and send to the laboratory. Perform urinalysis and record findings on appropriate documentation and report to the Practitioner.
• Prepare and support patients both physically and psychologically before, during and after treatments, procedures and investigations.
• Escort low/medium risk patients to and from other departments following assessment by a Practitioner.
• Store pharmacy/general supplies in the absence of the pharmacy technician/stores person.
• Demonstrate own duties to new/temporary staff.
• Support and participate in the training of Trainee Clinical Support Workers undertaking their Care Certificate.

Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.

Working for our organisation

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.

The programme includes two supernumerary shifts in the clinical area (an early and a late shift), all of the other days are classroom-based and run from 9am to 5pm.

Please note, we are currently unable to offer a certificate of sponsorship for Band 2 healthcare support worker roles as they do not meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria.

Please find below a link to the government website for eligibility criteria: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

Person specification

Qualifications

• Functional Skills level 1 in English and Math (or equivalent GCSE D/E/5 current) or above. Can be achieved as part of the apprenticeship by successful candidate.
• Willingness to commit to and complete Level 2 Clinical Support Worker apprenticeship within first 18 months of employment

• NVQ level 2 in “Direct Care” or “Health” or “Health and Social Care”. Internal applicants only: In the absence of the above qualifications, the job holder will be required to successfully complete a level 3 Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship within the first 18 months of employment. But must have their Level 2 NVQ in appropriate subject.
• Basic information and communications (ICT) skills
• Competent in venepuncture

Experience

• Working as a member of a team, either in the workplace, education or hobby/interest
• Previous significant experience as a Healthcare Support Worker/Trainee in a care setting

Skills

• Be able to speak to people and communicate clearly via face to face interactions, emails and phone calls
• Good interpersonal skills
• Be able to organise your workload and prioritise work according to service needs under supervision

Knowledge

• Insight into role and responsibilities of post
• Health & Safety legislation and procedures.

In the event that we receive a high volume of applications, we may need to close the application process earlier than planned. To avoid missing out, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Please contact the Recruiting Manager for an informal discussion should you have any queries relating to the role for which you are applying.

We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints, and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work.

You can find out more here: Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Good luck! We look forward to welcoming you to our exceptional team!