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- Tasks: Join our team as a Healthcare Support Worker, assisting with patient care and monitoring vital signs.
- Company: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is a top-rated healthcare provider in the South East.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 27 days of annual leave, and membership in the NHS Pension Scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in patient care while gaining valuable experience for your healthcare career.
- Qualifications: Healthcare experience preferred; Care Certificate holders can join at Band 3.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided, including a two-week clinical induction programme.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is pleased to announce exciting opportunities for individuals to join our dedicated nursing teams as Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs).
Who We Are Looking For
- Are committed to delivering high-quality patient care
- Have some healthcare experience and wish to develop their career within the NHS
Care Certificate Requirement
Applicants who hold a Nationally Approved Care Certificate may join at Band 3. Those without a Care Certificate will initially join at Band 2 and will be required to complete the certificate within six months.
Please Note
We are not currently recruiting for Paediatric or Midwifery services. This is a face-to-face event. Walk-in applications will not be accepted on the day. We are unable to offer certificates of sponsorship for Band 2 Healthcare Assistant/Support Worker roles, as they do not meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria.
Main duties of the job
Healthcare Support Workers play a vital role in delivering frontline patient care. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting with essential patient care, ensuring comfort and dignity
- Monitoring and recording vital signs
- Providing urinary catheter care and specimen collection
- Supporting the wider clinical team in delivering high standards of care
This role provides an excellent foundation for those aspiring to progress into Registered Nursing, Nursing Associate, or Allied Health Professional roles within the NHS.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a supportive, inclusive, and diverse team that upholds the Trust's core PRIDE values.
- Benefit from professional development opportunities and career progression pathways.
- Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Application Guidance
To apply, please ensure your supporting statement includes:
- Your understanding of the importance of Healthcare Support Workers in delivering patient care
- The personal qualities and skills you bring to the role
- A full employment and education history
If you are committed to delivering high-quality care and are eager to build a career in healthcare, we encourage you to apply and become part of our dedicated team.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey. We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
- At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
- Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits.
- Blue Light card eligibility.
- And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date has been agreed. Following your corporate induction, you will attend the Trust's Clinical Induction Programme for Healthcare Support Workers, which starts on the first day of employment. The programme is full-time, lasts for two weeks, and involves travelling to both Trust sites. It includes two supernumerary shifts in the clinical area (an early and a late shift), with all other days being classroom-based from 9am to 5pm.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Nationally approved Care Certificate (completed in the healthcare setting)
- Hold an NVQ/Diploma level 3 in Healthcare or level 3 Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship or equivalent experience
- Functional skills in English and maths at level 2 or GCSE grades A*/9 – C/4
Experience
- Experience of dealing with the public
- Experience of working in a caring environment, either in health, social, or voluntary services
Skills
- Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients and colleagues, verbally and in writing
- Can understand and communicate factual information accurately
- Good interpersonal skills
- Basic ICT skills
- Able to deal with the public in person and on the telephone
- Able to support and reassure patients and their families/carers
- Able to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks
- Able to deliver patient care under the indirect supervision of the Registered Nurse
- Can demonstrate practical skills to others
Healthcare Support Worker - medical and surgical specialties employer: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Contact Detail:
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Support Worker - medical and surgical specialties
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust's core PRIDE values. During any interviews or discussions, referencing these values can show that you align with the organisation's culture and mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current Healthcare Support Workers or staff at the Trust through social media platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide you with insider knowledge about the role and the team dynamics, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment to high-quality patient care. Think of situations where you made a positive impact on someone's wellbeing, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Research common healthcare scenarios and challenges that Healthcare Support Workers face. Being knowledgeable about these topics can help you answer questions more effectively and show your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Support Worker - medical and surgical specialties
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Healthcare Support Worker. Highlight your commitment to delivering high-quality patient care in your application.
Craft Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should clearly outline your understanding of the importance of Healthcare Support Workers. Include specific examples of your personal qualities and skills that make you a suitable candidate for this role.
Detail Your Experience: Provide a comprehensive employment and education history. Be specific about any healthcare experience you have, as well as any relevant qualifications like the Care Certificate or NVQ/Diploma in Healthcare.
Review and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully review it for any errors or omissions. Ensure that all information is accurate and that your application reflects your best self.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Healthcare Support Worker does. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as assisting with patient care and monitoring vital signs. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant healthcare experience you have, even if it's from volunteering or other roles. Highlight specific examples where you've demonstrated skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork, as these are crucial in a healthcare setting.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Care
Be ready to articulate why delivering high-quality patient care is important to you. Share personal anecdotes that reflect your dedication to helping others, as this aligns with the Trust's core values and mission.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about training opportunities, team dynamics, or how the Trust supports career progression. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
