Nursing Assistant

NHS Scotland; Carstairs; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High Secure Environmental Allowance

High Secure Clinical Responsibility -

Job summary

NHS Scotland at the State Hospital is looking for a Band 3 (pro rata) Nursing Support Worker to join our nursing team in a forensic environment.

The role includes a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,818.72 and a High Secure Clinical Responsibility Allowance of £4,365.11 per annum (pro rata), and supports high quality, person-centred care for patients with mental health illness and learning disability.

Qualifications

• SVQ Level 2 health and social care or equivalent experience.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work in a forensic mental health environment.

Responsibilities

• Support registered nursing staff to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
• Demonstrate ability to work with people as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Carrying out assigned patient care tasks and maintaining IT awareness.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

IT literacy

Education

SVQ Level 2 Health & Social Care

Job description

AfC Band 3 (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,818.72 per annum (pro rata) and a High Secure Clinical Responsibility Allowance of £4,365.11 per annum (pro rata)

Hours Various Contract Duration Permanent

Post Details

We are excited to announce a great opportunity to join our nursing team.

You will support registered nursing staff to deliver high quality, person centered care for patients with mental health illness and learning disability in a forensic environment.

It is advantageous for candidates to possess a SVQ level 2 in healthcare, or working towards, or equivalent experience working within a caring or mental health or learning disability environment.

You will be able to demonstrate an ability to work with people and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Effective written and verbal communication skills are an essential part of this role as is the ability to carry out assigned patient care tasks effectively within a busy environment.

You will have a working knowledge of basic information technology.

Successful applicants will commit to completing the following within the first two years of employment:

• Healthcare Support Worker Mandatory Induction
• SVQ Level 2 health and social care
• New to Forensic Course

Successful candidates will work a 4 days on and 2 days off shift pattern, with shifts being generated up to 12 weeks in advance. Applicants will also be rostered to work Night Duty, three 12 hour shifts, to equate to 36 hour working week.

We uphold the core values shared by all NHS Scotland health boards: care and compassion, dignity and respect, openness, honesty and responsibility, quality and teamwork. These values are fundamental to the way we deliver our services and shape every aspect of our work.

Experience

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate commitment, enthusiasm, and reflective practice, and who thrive in collaborative environments. If you embody these qualities and are passionate about contributing to high-quality, person-centred care, this is an excellent opportunity to join our team.

At the State Hospital, we know diversity enhances our work and workplace culture. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in our nursing workforce. These include candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender identities and men.

Please note that this vacancy is for all ward locations within the State Hospital including our newly opened women's service.

For an informal discussion please contact Senior Charge Nurse, Kim McLelland on 01555 842174 or Senior Charge Nurse, Paul McKeever on 01555 842179

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.

NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. It should be noted that the State Hospital is a high secure hospital and the current organisational position based on a risk assessment is that we welcome applications from people 16-18 for non clinical roles however to be eligible for a clinical role applicants should be 18 years and older. Should you have any questions in relation to this please contact

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 11.59pm Monday 28 September.

Interview Date

Please note interviews will be in person at the State Hospital and take place week commencing 5 October 2026.

Right to Work

To work in the UK, you must have valid permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration. NHS Scotland Boards check this as part of pre-employment checks, which can be evidenced through visas or settled/pre-settled status. For details, visit the GOV.UK website.

Some posts may allow sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health & Care Worker visa, but only if the employer is a licensed sponsor and the role meets salary thresholds.

Please note: The State Hospital is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.

It is essential that you confirm your right to work before applying.

Artificial Intelligence

Candidates should provide responses that are accurate, authentic, and reflective of their own knowledge, skills, and experience. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in drafting responses is permitted, provided that all information is factual, verifiable, and can be supported by evidence if requested. By submitting your application, you confirm that your answers are truthful and represent your personal experience. Any misleading or fabricated content may result in your application being withdrawn from the recruitment process.