Healthcare 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.
Main duties of the job 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 competenceUndertake 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 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.Looking for flexible working?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 benefitsBlue Light card eligibilityAnd more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below Detailed job description and main responsibilities We've provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification.
Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements.
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.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust's Clinical Induction Programme for Healthcare Support Workers (which starts on the first day of employment).
The programme is full-time (please contact the CSW Induction Programme Lead if you have any issues: ), lasts for two weeks and will involve travelling to both Trust sites.
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 5pmPlease 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: Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria Good general education.Ability to read, write, perform simple calculations and communicate in EnglishHolds or commitment to complete the Care Certificate Programme within the first 6 months Desirable criteria English and Maths Level 1 or GCSE English and Maths grade D/3 or above.Hold or willing to work towards NVQ Level 2 / Health and Social Care Diploma Level 2 / Intermediate apprenticeship Level 2 Experience/Knowledge Essential criteria Interest in working in a care settingUnderstands importance of and provides good customer care.
Desirable criteria Experience within a care role/settingPrevious experience of team workPrevious experience of customer careWorking in a healthcare or related setting Skills Essential criteria Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients and colleagues, verbally and in writingGood interpersonal skills.Basic computer keyboard skills.Able to support and reassure patients/carersUnderstands importance of maintaining confidentiality Attributes/Qualities Essential criteria Has a caring, compassionate and professional natureDemonstrates self-motivationAdaptable and flexibleAble to work as part of a teamAwareness of own limitationsResponsible and reliable.Diplomatic and calmAble to cope with fast pace work.Willing to develop own knowledge and practiceAbility to work as a team and form professional relationships with colleagues