Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW)

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within the REI Day of Surgery unit. This role is to support patients requiring day case surgery by admitting them for their procedures, discharging them home afterwards, pre‑op assessment and carrying out various investigations related to their surgery or as indicated by the clinicians.

We are also excited to welcome the ENT service to our Day Surgery Unit.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as \’Priority\’ and \’At Risk\’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main duties of the job

The REI Day of Surgery Unit is within a purpose‑built hospital off sight, bringing the ophthalmic service back together within the same unit. It is an exciting time for new recruits to become part of our productive and efficient team, where excellence in care for our patients is paramount.

REI has been dealing with all aspects of eye health through all ages of life. We have a very enthusiastic team who are welcoming and always eager to help. In‑house training is provided for the right candidates. Please feel free to pay us a visit and the staff will answer any questions you may have. The vacancy is full‑time which at the present means 5 shifts a week. Ophthalmic experience is not essential but some knowledge is desirable.

About Us

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC; PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process, please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work‑life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full‑time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details

• Date posted: 04 February 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 3
• Salary: £24 937 to £26 598 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time
• Reference number: 216‑LH‑DD7738589
• Job locations: REI Day Case Unit, Alpha Way, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Job responsibilities

• Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
• Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.
• Use your knowledge and experience to undertake non‑routine duties and demonstrate the ability to take decisions within your area of responsibility.
• Carry out a range of limited clinical duties with minimal or no supervision, including monitoring vital signs, glucose, and collecting and testing of urine, faecal, sputum and wound swabs, ensuring delivery of high‑quality patient care at all times. (This list is not exhaustive and may vary depending on area of work.)
• Participate in patient assessment, providing high quality holistic care and escalating concerns to other clinical staff.
• Practice safe standards of care for patients following Trust guidelines and policies, maintaining concentration for periods during the day with occasional interruptions.
• Provide clinical care in accordance with infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.
• Utilise skills to actively facilitate self‑care and independence for patients.
• Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.
• Maintain effective record‑keeping and communication with patients, relatives and members of the multidisciplinary team, demonstrating a range of appropriate communication skills, where there may be barriers to understanding.
• Ensure equipment and supplies are well maintained, taking appropriate action if the equipment is faulty; this may include ordering supplies.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Input information into the electronic patient record where applicable, and into patients written records, complying with all relevant legislation and local policies regarding confidentiality and access to medical records.

Person Specification

Essential – Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Demonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work.

Essential – Qualifications

• Accredited Level 3 (SCQF 6) such as City & Guilds 3, NVQ 3, Accredited BTEC National Diploma or equivalent experience.
• Level 2 functional skills in English and Maths, or equivalent.
• Completion of accredited Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker.
• Equivalent demonstrable experience.

Essential – Aptitude & Abilities

• Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to complete appropriate documentation accurately.
• Awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Additional information

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.

Employer Details

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

REI Day Case Unit, Alpha Way, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/