Healthcare Support Worker | Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust in Dartford

There is an exciting permanent opportunity for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Healthcare Support Worker to join our experienced multi-disciplinary team on Rosewood Mother & Baby Unit (MBU). The successful candidates will work within the MBU as a valued member of the multi-disciplinary team, providing and contributing to high-quality nursing care for mothers experiencing acute perinatal mental health issues and their babies.

The Healthcare Support Worker is a key member of the care team and will have continuing responsibility as follows:

• Under limited supervision from the MDT deliver an effective and competent level of care, which is determined by the mothers care plan.
• Supervise the care given by Healthcare Workers and Apprentice Healthcare Support Workers and provide guidance and training as appropriate.
• Act as role model to colleagues and mothers.
• Work a full range of shifts covering a 24 hour period, including night shifts. You may also be required, at times, to work at other Trust sites.
• Monitor, report and maintain a healthy, safe and secure workplace by knowing and taking account of: Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations (1985), Control of substance Hazardous to Health (1985), European H&S Regulations (1992)-Numbers 1-6, Food Act (1996), Adhere to Trust policies and local service protocols.
• Record accurately all care given as required onto the electronic patient record system and validating own entries.
• Enable mothers to maintain and improve their independence by promoting active involvement in the therapeutic activity programme.
• Note and report accurately any care given and/or information required by the nurse in charge.
• Give physical health care and physical health checks as required or instructed.
• Promote the mother's appearance and personal hygiene by offering support and advice in washing and ensuring that suitable toiletries are available.

We are Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway and are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our teams support children, young people and adults with a wide range of mental health needs. We also provide specialist services, including all-age eating disorder services and neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people, such as autism and ADHD.

Because we work across the whole county and across hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the people we serve. Our vision is simple: we are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It’s why we’re passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. Everything we do is guided by our values: caring, inclusive, curious and confident.

Join us if you share our passion for better mental health care and want to be part of a team that’s working well together.

Take a look at our Healthcare Assistant Video. Serve food and drink to mothers and their babies and to assist/encourage the mother to eat and/or drink when appropriate to do so. Undertake all relevant training as directed (including training linked to lead role) and participate in regular management/clinical supervision and appraisal.

Please refer to the attached job description for full details and main responsibilities of the role.

The High-Cost Area (HCA) allowance, also referred to as London Weighting, is a payment made to employees who work in London and the surrounding areas. As this post is based in Dartford, Gravesham or Swanley, the successful applicant will receive an additional payment each month. 5% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £1,303 per year and a maximum payment of £2,198 per year (the agreed annual amount will be divided into 12 equal amounts and paid monthly) (2025 figures).

This advert closes on Wednesday 12 Aug 2026.