Children's Community Support Worker

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Somerset seeks a compassionate Children's Community Health Care Assistant to support children with complex medical needs. Responsibilities include delivering personalized care, administering treatments, and maintaining records. The ideal candidate has NVQ Level 3 and experience in a healthcare setting. Flexible working and travel across Somerset are required. This role offers opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment, aiming to make a positive difference in children’s lives.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Blue Light Card discounts

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with/caring for children.
• Experience in healthcare settings.
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality one-to-one care for children with complex health needs.
• Administer medications and enteral feeds as directed.
• Observe and report changes in the child's wellbeing.

Skills

Compassionate care

Understanding of health issues in children

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

5 GCSE's or equivalent

NVQ Level 3

Job description

Are you passionate about caring for children and making a meaningful difference to families across Somerset? We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Children's Community Health Care Assistant to join our Children's Home Care Team.

In this role, you will care for children with unpredictable and complex medical needs who require up to 24 hour support within a community setting. Many of the children we support rely on medical technologies such as ventilators, suction machines and feeding pumps. You will provide one to one care, working under the supervision of a junior or senior sister, and following written procedures after completing full training and competency assessments.

We proudly provide a 24hour, 365day service, supporting children and families across Somerset. As part of this role, daily travel across the county should be expected, based on the needs of the child and service.

Main duties of the job

Provide highquality onetoone care for children with complex and sometimes technologydependent health needs (e.g. ventilators, suction, gastrostomy or NG feeding)

Work in the child's home, school or community setting, adapting to changing environments and child/family needs.

Follow individual care plans, guidance and written procedures following appropriate training and competency signoff.

Support with airway management, suctioning, oxygen administration, seizure protocols and ventilator checks.

Assist with mobility, personal care, positioning and safe manual handling.

Observe the child's wellbeing throughout the shift and promptly report changes to parents or senior team members.

Administer medication and enteral feeds as directed, following relevant policies

Escort children to community settings or appointments as required.

Maintain accurate and confidential written records in line with Trust policy.

Communicate effectively with the child, family, Children's Home Care Team, and wider multidisciplinary teams.

Work flexibly to meet service demands, including occasional cover for emergency situations

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

Clinical Care & Support

Provide safe, compassionate care for children with complex medical needs in their home or community settings.

Carry out procedures such as suctioning, oxygen administration, tracheostomy care, ventilator checks, tube feeding and seizure management (following training and written protocols).

Support mobility, positioning and use of equipment such as hoists, slings and sleep systems.

Monitor the child's breathing, comfort and overall wellbeing, escalating concerns as needed.

Care for children who rely on ventilators, suction machines, feeding pumps or other essential equipment.

Follow individual care plans, completing safety checks and reporting any variances promptly.

Take appropriate action in emergencies, including resuscitation, once trained.

Communication & Teamwork

Build positive, supportive relationships with children, families and carers.

Communicate effectively with the Children's Home Care Team and wider multidisciplinary teams.

Attend team meetings, supervision and required training to maintain safe, up to date practice.

Record Keeping & Governance

Maintain accurate, confidential records in line with Trust standards.

Report incidents or near misses in accordance with hospital policy.

Follow safeguarding, confidentiality, infection control and health & safety procedures.

Travel & Working Arrangements

Travel across Somerset as required to provide care in homes, schools or community settings.

Work flexibly to support a 24 hour service, including occasional emergency cover.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• 5 GCSE's or equivalent
• NVQ 3

Experience

• Previous experience of working with/caring for children
• Experience of working in healthcare
• Experience of working in hospitals and/or community setting
• Experience of working alone
• Experience of working as part of a team

Additional Criteria

• Up to date understanding of health issues in relation to children.
• Current driving licence and have the ability to travel to locations across Somerset.
• Understanding of needs of children with special/additional needs.
• Awareness of safeguarding children from harm

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.