Healthcare Support Worker

The Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) is a key member of the general practice team, supporting the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centred care. Working under the supervision of a registered clinician, the HCSW assists with health promotion, prevention, and the management of long-term conditions. The role includes supporting vaccination and immunisation programmes, delivering lifestyle advice (such as smoking cessation and weight management), and providing basic clinical care to patients. The HCSW works collaboratively with GPs, nurses, and the wider team to improve patient outcomes, support continuity of care, and contribute to reducing health inequalities. The postholder will hold the Care Certificate (or equivalent) and demonstrate a commitment to high standards of care, teamwork, and ongoing development within a primary care setting.

Main duties of the job

• Support health promotion and prevention activities, including smoking cessation, weight management, and lifestyle advice
• Assist with vaccination and immunisation programmes
• Undertake venepuncture (taking blood samples) in line with training and competency
• Provide basic clinical care under the supervision of a registered clinician (e.g. observations, simple procedures)
• Support the monitoring and management of patients with long-term conditions
• Assist registered nurses and other clinicians with day-to-day clinical tasks
• Promote continuity of care and contribute to patient safety initiatives
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to meet patient needs and reduce health inequalities

About us

Acklam Medical Centre is a well-established, patient-focused general practice providing a wide range of primary care services to the local community. The practice is committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and accessible healthcare, with a strong emphasis on continuity of care and patient experience. The practice operates a multidisciplinary team model, bringing together GPs, nurses, healthcare professionals, and administrative staff to meet the diverse needs of its patient population. Services include routine and urgent care, chronic disease management, health promotion, and preventative care, alongside vaccination and screening programmes. Acklam Medical Centre has adopted a modern approach to access, utilising a total triage system to ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate clinician or service in a timely and efficient way. The practice continually reviews and develops its services to respond to changing patient demand and to support improved health outcomes across the population it serves. The team is committed to continuous improvement, staff development, and working collaboratively to provide compassionate, high-quality care to all patients.

Job responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Undertake venepuncture (taking blood samples) in line with training and competency
• Record basic clinical observations (e.g. blood pressure, pulse, weight, BMI)
• Support vaccination and immunisation programmes
• Assist clinicians with basic procedures and treatments
• Ensure accurate recording of clinical information in patient records

Patient Care & Support

• Support patients with long-term conditions, including monitoring and recall processes
• Provide lifestyle advice and support health promotion (e.g. smoking cessation, weight management)
• Assist patients to access appropriate services and navigate care pathways
• Promote patient safety and continuity of care

Team Working

• Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, and the wider practice team
• Support the smooth running of clinics and day-to-day clinical activity
• Contribute to a positive team environment and patient experience

Administrative & General Duties

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation
• Ensure clinical rooms are stocked, clean, and prepared for use
• Adhere to infection prevention and control procedures

Person Specification

• Experience in a healthcare or care setting
• Competent in basic clinical skills or willingness to be trained (e.g. observations, venepuncture)
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Professional, reliable, and compassionate approach
• Experience in NHS
• Experience supporting patients with long-term conditions
• Knowledge of health promotion and prevention strategies

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.