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

Lancashire Care Foundation Trust; Preston; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking Health Care Support Workers to join their Children's Complex Needs Nursing Service. This role involves supporting children with complex medical needs in various environments, emphasizing teamwork and individual care. Candidates should be organized, adaptable, and possess NVQ Level 3 in care or equivalent experience. This position offers standard NHS benefits and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Enhanced rates for nights/weekends

Pension

Paid sick leave

Annual leave entitlements

Access to training

Qualifications

• Experience in health care, social care, or education settings with children is preferred.
• Full training will be given if NVQ Level 3 is not held.

Responsibilities

• Deliver care to children with complex needs after comprehensive training.
• Provide care in various settings including homes and schools.
• Support personal cares and promote the child's well-being.

Skills

Organised

Adaptable

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

NVQ Level 3 in care or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

WE ARE HIRING Health Care Support Workers to join the Children’s Packages of Care Team (CPOC) within the Children’s Complex Needs Nursing Service. This rewarding role involves building working relationships with children and young people housed within our packages of care and helping to make a difference to their lives and to the family unit. The service delivers packages of care to children within the Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust (LTHTR).

Please note - PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY.

Responsibilities

• Act as a lone worker delivering care to children with complex needs after comprehensive training.
• Provide care in children’s homes, schools, and across community settings, including overnight care when required.
• Care for children with conditions such as tracheostomies, gastrostomies, require medications, or oxygen therapy, following training and competency assessment.
• Work as part of a team or alongside another HCSW/nurse to give families a complete break when needed.
• Support personal cares, moving and handling, and engagement through play, promoting the child’s well-being and development.
• Attend to the needs of children while ensuring safety and adherence to care plans.

Working Arrangements

• Shift work is involved, including nights and weekends. Night shifts may be the only shifts available for some roles.
• Base locations are Burnley and Preston with packages of care across Lancashire. Travel between community settings is required; travel expenses are reimbursed per trust policy.
• Full training will be provided before independently caring for children with complex medical needs.

Qualifications and Experience

• Organised, able to work independently and as part of a team; adaptable and calm under pressure; flexible to meet service needs.
• Experience in health care, social care, or education settings with children is preferred.
• NVQ Level 3 in care or equivalent experience is desired; full training will be given if not held.

Visa and Eligibility

• Note that, in line with UK Government updates, from 9 April 2025 the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas (including Health and Care Visa) increased to £25,000 per year. Entry-level Band 3 positions may not meet sponsorship criteria.
• If visa sponsorship is required to work in the UK, you will be asked to provide information to confirm eligibility during the application process.
• Accurate information is required; inaccuracies may result in removal from the process.

Benefits and Career Development

• We are an NHS-run service with standard NHS staff benefits, including enhanced rates for nights/weekends, pension, paid sick leave, annual leave entitlements, and access to training.
• Career pathway from HCSW to nursing associate is available within CPOC. Annual personal development reviews and plans support career aspirations, along with regular team days for training and wellbeing.
• Supportive management, peer support, and opportunities to work with specialists.

Application Notes

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All applications will be considered on merit in line with UK employment legislation and sponsorship obligations. If required, please select the correct visa type option during the application. Incorrect selections may result in rejection.

Important Dates

This advert closes on Thursday 16 Oct 2025.