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Healthcare Support Worker

  • Job
    Full-time
    Entry Level
  • Healthcare
  • Southampton

AI generated summary

  • You need a care certificate (or ability to complete in 6 months), NVQ level 3 potential, secondary education, patient handling skills, empathy, and relevant experience in healthcare settings.
  • You will assist patients with personal hygiene, meals, mobility, and comfort, while also handling cleaning, errands, and collecting pathological specimens as needed.

Requirements

  • Completed care certificate or ability to complete within 6 months of appointment
  • Capable of attaining NVQ level 3 in care with acute units corresponding to specialty or equivalent experience
  • Completed secondary education
  • Ability to move and handle patients and equipment
  • Evidence of empathy, patience and dependability
  • Ability to deal with a range of difficult situations
  • Be able to take instruction / directions and work within the confines of the role
  • Ability to cope with fluctuating demands and pressures of the role
  • Requirement to be aware of and adhere to the care certificate standards; https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/care-certificate
  • Capable of completing core HCSW competencies and additional specific competencies related to area of work within 12 months of appointment
  • Previous experience in an acute hospital setting
  • Previous experience in the volunteer sector
  • Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant
  • Previous experience as a Nursing Home Carer

Responsibilities

  • Washing and dressing patients and aiding in their personal hygiene
  • Assisting patients to access and use toilet facilities
  • Serving meals and helping to feed patients
  • Helping patients to safely move around
  • Assisting with bed making, cleaning tasks, errands, or general duties
  • Collecting pathological specimens e.g., Urine, faeces, sputum
  • Making patients and their families feel comfortable

FAQs

What is the role of a Healthcare Support Worker at UHS?

A Healthcare Support Worker at UHS assists Registered Nurses and healthcare professionals by providing personal care and support to patients in various wards or outpatient areas.

Is previous healthcare experience required to apply?

No, previous healthcare experience is desirable but not essential.

What kind of training does UHS provide for new Healthcare Support Workers?

UHS offers a one-week full-time induction followed by extended training that includes study days to develop additional skills necessary for the role.

What are the main duties of a Healthcare Support Worker?

Main duties include washing and dressing patients, assisting with personal hygiene, serving meals, helping patients move, and collecting specimens.

What kind of shifts will I be required to work?

You will need to work a variety of shifts including mornings, short and long days, evenings, and nights, covering all days of the week, including bank holidays.

Are there opportunities for career progression within UHS?

Yes, UHS provides a tailored career programme that includes support for nursing or higher healthcare apprenticeships and opportunities to progress to a Band 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker role.

What employee benefits does UHS offer?

UHS offers a minimum of 35 days paid holiday, guaranteed contracted hours, access to extra shifts, a generous pension scheme, professional development opportunities, and various discounts.

What qualifications are necessary to apply for this position?

Applicants must have completed secondary education and have the ability to complete the care certificate within six months of appointment.

How often do HCSW interviews occur?

HCSW interviews currently occur on Wednesdays via MS Teams.

What characteristics are essential for a successful Healthcare Support Worker?

Essential characteristics include excellent communication skills, empathy, patience, dependability, and the ability to handle fluctuating demands of the role.

🏥 #NHS careers @UHSFT 🌡 Putting patients first 🤝 Working together 🔬 Always improving #LeadingTheWay

Science & Healthcare
Industry
10,001+
Employees
2011
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) offers a broad range of healthcare services, including specialized and emergency care, to the community. Their ultimate mission is to provide exceptional patient care, support, and treatment through innovation and excellence. UHS aims to improve health outcomes and enhance the patient experience by fostering a dedicated, skilled workforce and implementing advanced medical practices.

Benefits

  • Staff Discounts

    Receive discounts for major retailers and experiences with the Blue Light card, plus other salary sacrifice schemes.

  • 24/7 Wellbeing Support

    You can access impartial, confidential advice from qualified counsellors for many different issues.

  • Cycle to work

    Keep active with tax-free bikes and save up to 30% on cycling gear.

  • Park & Ride

    The Adanac Health & Innovation Campus provides a park and ride service.

  • Training & development

    We support development from entry level apprenticeships through to post doctoral research.

  • On-site Facilities

    Access to free gym membership, numerous eateries and bespoke gardens at our Southampton General site

  • Childcare support

    Support and advice is available to all employees on any childcare related issue.

  • Savings on childcare

    Access to childcare vouchers and our fee direct scheme.