Healthcare Support Worker in Milton Keynes

About CNWL

CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) has almost 8,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London’s population, Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. We involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in how we are run. Our catchment area spans diverse communities with over 100 first languages spoken. We are committed to the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults and follow safe recruitment practices.

Position Information

• Main area: Mental Health Older Peoples Inpatient Service
• Grade: NHS AfC: Band 3
• Contract: Permanent, Full time—37.5 hours per week (24‑hour rotational shift system)
• Job ref: 333-D-MK-MH-1288
• Site: Topas Town, Milton Keynes
• Salary: £24,937 – £26,598 per annum (pro rata if part time)
• Closing date: 04 December 2025 08:00
• Interview date: 15 December 2025

Job overview

AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE TO WORK AND AN EXCEPTIONAL REWARD PACKAGE TO MATCH JOIN OUR DEDICATED TEAM AT TOPAS OUR OLDER PEOPLES ASSESSMENT SERVICE PERMANENT FULL‑TIME/PART‑TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE

We are recruiting a highly motivated Healthcare Support Worker to join our expanding multidisciplinary team following investment and recent promotions. The role supports people in Milton Keynes with acute mental health problems in practical, recovery‑focused support. Starting salary depends on previous relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Participate directly in the delivery of care to a group of patients as delegated by the nurse in charge.
• Assist patients with daily living skills, e.g. personal hygiene, dietary needs, fluid intake.
• Participate in the observation of patients as indicated in the observation and seclusion policy.
• Report verbally to the nurse in charge any changes of behaviour, mental state, physical state and general wellbeing of patients within the ward environment; use own initiative to provide a safe environment.
• Record electronically or in writing the progress and presentation of allocated patients during duty; ensure validation by a qualified nurse.
• Participate as required in group therapies or activities under the supervision of a qualified nurse or occupational therapist; organise low‑key activities to meet identified patient need.
• Carry out escort duties to other departments and areas as indicated by the nurse in charge; drive the unit vehicle where a licence is held.
• Carry out other appropriate duties within personal capabilities, e.g. recording temperature, pulse and respirations.
• Demonstrate the ability to organise and prioritise duties based on individual presentation.
• Have awareness of local Mental Health Service provisions.

Person specification

• Spoken and written English to an appropriate standard.
• Numeracy and literacy skills required to keep accurate records and administer medicines (if appropriate).
• Relevant Level 3 qualification – e.g. advanced apprenticeship, A‑levels, T‑levels, NVQ.
• Care Certificate – supported completion within 3 months if not achieved elsewhere.

• Previous experience working with a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience communicating with the general public and a range of different people.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience working within a customer‑focused environment.
• Health‑care/NHS or similar experience in community or hospital settings.
• Experience in a caring role.
• Experience in a mental health setting or working with adults with mental health problems.

• Good communication skills.
• Ability to provide accurate feedback.
• Ability to relate to individuals and groups.
• Good awareness of patient safety issues and risk reduction.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983.

• Understand the need for confidentiality.
• Understand the importance of and willingness to assist individuals with self‑care and care of the environment.
• Knowledge of mental health issues.

Additional Information

Due to high response levels we may expire vacancies before the advertised closing date; apply as soon as possible. Applications from job seekers requiring sponsorship will be considered alongside all others. Check eligibility under the UKVI points‑based system. Our Agenda for Change employment contracts are subject to a 13‑week probationary period. If offered a job, information will transfer into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Vaccination is strongly encouraged and supported, as it protects staff, patients and service users.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020; Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.