NHS Healthcare Support Worker Visa Sponsorship 2026 – Band 3 Healthcare Career Opportunity in Chester

NHS Healthcare Support Worker Visa Sponsorship 2026 – Band 3 Healthcare Career Opportunity

Healthcare Support Worker – NHS Visa Sponsorship

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking committed, hardworking and compassionate individuals to join its team as Healthcare Support Workers.

There are two routes into the Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker role, depending on your qualifications and experience:

• Experienced or Qualified Healthcare Support Worker: Paid at Agenda for Change Band 3.
• Trainee Healthcare Support Worker: Paid at the National Minimum Wage for up to six months.

Eligibility – Qualified or Experienced Route

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Qualification Route

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, awarded by a government-regulated organisation, or an equivalent qualification.

Experience Route

Applicants without an NVQ Level 3 may be considered if they have either:

• At least 2 years of substantive experience as a Healthcare Support Worker or Nursing Assistant in an acute NHS setting, excluding bank or agency work; or
• At least 3 years of substantive experience in a UK community care setting, such as nursing or residential homes, providing adult patient care and performing similar duties.

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for the qualified or experienced route should apply through the separate trainee vacancy, referenced as 210-2026-01-I.

Candidates must provide sufficient evidence of their qualifications, training and relevant experience to be considered for shortlisting.

Key Responsibilities

As a Healthcare Support Worker, you will:

• Provide safe, compassionate and effective care to patients.
• Support patients with their care needs and promote independence.
• Work alongside registered nurses and other healthcare professionals.
• Carry out clinical duties within your level of competence and training.
• Observe and report changes in patients’ conditions.
• Maintain professional standards and follow relevant healthcare procedures.
• Participate in training and development activities.
• Complete the required Care Certificate within the agreed timeframe where applicable.

Successful candidates will receive a 7-day Healthcare Assistant induction designed to introduce them to the Trust and support their transition into the role.

About the Trust

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides healthcare services across three sites:

• Countess of Chester Hospital – 473 general and acute beds.
• Ellesmere Port Hospital – 60 beds providing rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient services.
• Tarporley War Memorial Hospital – Community services for the surrounding rural population.

The Trust employs approximately 5,964 people and provides care to a population of more than 400,000 across Chester and West Cheshire. It also works closely with healthcare partners across Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, A-Levels, NVQ3 or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Understanding of the Healthcare Support Worker role.
• Commitment to completing the Care Certificate within the required timeframe.
• Understanding of the importance of promoting patient independence.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Experience working in a clinical environment.
• Demonstrable competence in relevant clinical skills.
• NHS experience is desirable.
• Understanding of the responsibilities of a Healthcare Support Worker.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Willingness to undertake additional clinical duties delegated by a registered nurse.

DBS Check

The role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with relevant UK legislation.

Applicants may be required to pay for the DBS check, with the cost deducted from salary during the first three months of employment, according to the vacancy information.

UK Visa Sponsorship

Applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcomed and will be considered alongside other applications.

However, sponsorship is not guaranteed. Applicants should check whether they meet the current UK immigration and sponsorship requirements for the role. The Trust will not provide sponsorship where the starting salary does not meet the applicable immigration requirements.

Applicants requiring sponsorship should independently verify their eligibility under the current UK immigration rules before applying.

Candidates applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa may also need to provide overseas criminal record certificates for countries where they have lived for the required period under UK immigration rules.

Important Application Information

• New NHS entrants will normally start at the minimum point of the applicable pay scale.
• Recruitment is based on the competencies and values outlined in the person specification.
• The vacancy may close early if a high number of applications are received, so early application is recommended.
• Applicants should carefully review the full job description and person specification before applying.

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