Children's Health Care Support Worker | Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

Lancashire Care Foundation Trust; Preston; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Preston is seeking Health Care Support Workers to join the Children's Packages of Care Team. This role involves providing care to children with complex health needs, including duties in their homes and schools. Shift work is required, including nights and weekends, and full training will be provided. Candidates should ideally hold an NVQ3 in care or have equivalent experience, with the ability to work independently and adapt to service needs.

Benefits

NHS benefits including enhanced rates for nights and weekends

Paid sick leave and annual leave entitlements

Access to career development pathways

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with children with complex needs is desirable.
• Valid UK driving licence or access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide care to children with complex health needs in various settings.
• Deliver care for children with needs such as gastrostomies and tracheostomies.
• Follow care plans and contribute to team development.

Skills

Experience in healthcare or social care

Organized and adaptable

Calm under pressure

Education

NVQ3 in care or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

A rewarding role where each day could be different, building working relationships with children and young people within our packages of care, helping to make a difference to their lives and to the family unit. We have an exciting opportunity for Health Care Support Workers to join the Children’s Packages of Care Team (CPOC) within the Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust.

The children’s packages of care team sits within the Children’s Complex Needs Nursing Service and delivers packages of care to children across Lancashire. This role includes shift work, including nights and weekends. We would also consider someone who only wants to work night shifts as a shift pattern.

You will require a valid UK driving licence or access to a vehicle for work purposes or be able to travel between community settings in a timely manner. Travel across the geographical footprint within the service is essential. Bases are at Burnley and Preston with packages of care across Lancashire. Travel expenses are reimbursed in accordance with trust policy.

HCSWs within this team are lone workers, taking full responsibility for the care of children with complex needs after receiving comprehensive training. This could include caring for a child overnight in their own home, accompanying a child to school and meeting needs during the school day, or working with another HCSW/nurse to give parents a complete break.

Following training and competency assessment, HCSWs will be able to independently care for children with tracheostomies, gastrostomies, require medications, oxygen therapy and other medical needs. Shift times vary depending on the child’s needs; HCSWs are expected to work a mixture of days, nights, and weekend shifts.

Responsibilities

• Provide care to children with complex health needs in their homes, schools, and community settings.
• Attend to personal cares, moving and handling needs, and engage children through play.
• Deliver care for children with needs such as gastrostomies, tracheostomies, and use of medical equipment, following comprehensive training.
• Work independently as a lone worker or with the support of colleagues to ensure parents receive a break.
• Follow care plans and contribute to ongoing development and professional practice within the team.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Ideally an NVQ3 in care or equivalent care experience; full training will be provided if not held.
• Organised, capable of working alone and as part of a team, adaptable, calm under pressure, and flexible to meet service needs.
• Experience in health care, social care, or education settings working with children is desirable.
• Valid UK driving licence or access to a vehicle required, with ability to travel between community settings.
• Shift work including days, nights, and weekends as needed by the child’s care plan.

Visa and Equal Opportunity Information

• Note the UK government updates: from 9 April 2025, the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas (including Health and Care Visa) has increased to £25,000 per year. Entry-level Band 3 positions may not meet sponsorship criteria.
• If visa sponsorship is required, you will be asked to provide information during the application process to confirm eligibility.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All applications are considered on merit in line with UK employment law and sponsorship obligations.
• If you must select your current visa type, please choose correctly to avoid application rejection.

Benefits and Career Development

• NHS benefits including enhanced rates for nights and weekends, pension, paid sick leave, annual leave entitlements, and access to evidence-based training.
• Career pathway from HCSW to nursing associate within CPOC; annual personal development review and plan, plus regular team days for training and wellbeing.
• Supportive management, peer support, opportunities to work with specialists, and a personal and professional development plan.

*Please note: previous applications need not apply for this role*

This advert closes on Sunday 7 Sep 2025