Healthcare Support Worker in Blandford Forum

Overview

Healthcare Support Worker position at Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust. Closing date: 23 July 2026.

Tarrant Ward, Blandford Community Hospital, is looking for either an experienced Health Care Assistant or someone new to care to join their team.

The Health Care Assistant will work alongside a multidisciplinary team in two palliative care suites, providing compassionate care to patients and their families in their last weeks or days of life. The unit has attained Gold Standard Framework accreditation for end-of-life care. The role includes a structured induction programme and opportunities to develop clinically and professionally, including Trainee Nursing Apprenticeship and Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship options.

This is a full-time post with flexible applications considered for a minimum of 24 hours per week. Applicants must be available to work day and night shifts and may have the following patterns:

• Early: 07:30 – 14:00
• Late: 14:00 – 20:30
• Long Day: 07:30 – 20:30
• Nights: 20:00 – 08:00
• Weekend and public holidays at enhanced pay

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

Main duties of the job

If you are new to care and have no healthcare experience, we offer a structured development plan to progress from a Band 2 to a Band 3 Health Care Assistant on successful completion.

• Assist registered nursing staff in providing high quality, individualized nursing care to a defined group of patients, relatives and carers.
• Assist the multidisciplinary team to help patients gain independence and mobility in preparation for safe discharge. Participate in providing a range of therapeutic activities for patients.
• Support a learning culture and invest in staff development to reach full potential.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we empower people to make the most of their lives through outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We run 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for almost 800,000 people. We are rated outstanding by CQC, and 95% of patients and 89% of staff report positive experiences and engagement.

We value diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive workplace where everyone is welcome and encouraged to be their best.

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities, please read the attached job description and person specification. When applying, ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria in these documents with examples of your experience and skills.

Note: We encourage ethical use of AI. If you use AI to assist with your application, ensure your supporting statement is your own words and accurately reflects your experience; misrepresentation may lead to withdrawal of the application.

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Training

• Able to use a computer to a basic standard for inputting information and accessing emails and the internet.
• Ability to develop relationships with patients and carers.
• NVQ level 2/3 in Health Care (or equivalent).

Personal Qualities/Attributes

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Willingness to engage in service development

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrable written and spoken English, adequate to carry out the role effectively

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the DBS.

Employer

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Blandford Community Hospital, Tarrant Ward

Salary

£25,272 to £27,476 per year, pro rata for part time

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

152-C115.26

Job locations

Blandford Community Hospital, Tarrant Ward