Paediatric Diabetes Health Support Technician

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Health Care Support Technician (HCST) to join our Paediatric Diabetes Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) at Band 3. As a skilled and valued member of the team, the post holder will provide delegated clinical, technical and service support tasks to ensure the smooth and effective running of the Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nursing service. This role is central to delivering safe, effective and compassionate care for children and young people (up to 19 years) with diabetes across outpatient clinics and acute paediatric inpatient settings.

We are a progressive, passionate and forward‑thinking team, committed to continually developing our service in line with local and national best practice. We work collaboratively to deliver care that genuinely improves outcomes and transforms the lives of the young people and families we support. This post offers an excellent opportunity to grow within the role, contributing curiosity, compassion and commitment to a service that makes a meaningful difference every day.

You will be joining a friendly and dynamic team comprising a Lead Nurse and Diabetes Nurse Specialists, working closely with a wider MDT including dietitians, psychologists and diabetes specialist consultants. Under appropriate supervision both direct and indirect you will support the delivery of planned care activities, service support tasks and practical and digital support relating to a range of diabetes technologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day support to the Paediatric Diabetes Multidisciplinary Team, contributing to the delivery of a high‑quality, child‑centred service for children, young people and their families.
• Support children, young people and families in managing their condition effectively, delivering education and health‑promotion activities as appropriate.
• Assist in maintaining a robust, safe and effective care framework that meets the clinical, emotional and developmental needs of children and young people with diabetes.
• Assist patients and families with downloading and sharing diabetes technology data to relevant digital platforms, ensuring accurate and timely information is available to the MDT and promoting self‑management skills.
• Take responsibility for ordering, monitoring and managing stock items, including diabetes technology hardware and consumables, ensuring availability and efficient use of resources.
• Carry out a range of duties to support the smooth running of the service, including managing clinic preparation, maintaining accurate records and essential data collection for audit, supporting appointment coordination, and contributing to efficient day‑to‑day service operations.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, liaising and collaborating with colleagues across the MDT and wider services to support coordinated and holistic care.
• Contribute to creating a supportive, compassionate and child‑friendly environment, ensuring a positive experience for all children, young people, families and carers accessing the service.
• Utilise good IT skills to support accurate documentation, effective communication and the use of digital health platforms relevant to diabetes care.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to changing clinical environments, service priorities and patient needs.

This advert covers one full‑time (37.5 hours) and one part‑time (30 hours) position. The role requires the ability to travel independently across the Trust's main sites; therefore, access to a suitable vehicle is essential. We are also open to considering a job‑share arrangement between successful applicants, supporting flexible working across both our South sites (Darlington and Bishop Auckland) and North sites (Chester-le-Street and University Hospital of North Durham).

Qualifications

• Care Certificate or willingness to complete within the first 6 months of commencement in post.
• GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.
• Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.

Personal Attributes

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
• Understanding of the role of HCSW.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Good verbal and written command of the English language.
• Ability to act upon own initiative.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Ability to show leadership.
• Ability to plan own work.
• Willing to take and record patient observations.
• Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.

Special Requirements

• Self‑motivated and able to motivate others.
• Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.
• Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.

Experience

• Ability to learn new skills.
• Previous experience in caring for others.

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. Enhanced DBS check required.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under‑represented.