Clinical Support Worker Higher Level (HCA) Lymphoedema

Harmonia Careers; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Plymouth is seeking a dedicated Lymphoedema Support Worker to provide vital patient education and care. This role involves working collaboratively with the healthcare team and promoting self-care in patients. Understanding of Lymphoedema and strong communication skills are essential. The position offers flexible working patterns and ongoing educational opportunities.

Benefits

Continuing professional development opportunities

Flexible working patterns

Qualifications

• Experience of formulating therapeutic relationships.
• Previous experience working in a healthcare setting.
• Understanding of physical health, mental health, and learning disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver patient-centered care as directed by registered staff.
• Support the treatment of patients with Lymphoedema.
• Promote emotional wellbeing and self-care education.

Skills

Compassion

Effective communication

Time management

Ability to work independently

Education

Maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above

NVQ III in Care

Job description

Overview

Job Summary: 37.5 hours per week. Proposed Interview date: Tuesday 21st October 2025. We require a dedicated and compassionate Lymphoedema support worker, who is inquisitive and enthusiastic to learn, able to work autonomously. To work without direct supervision within the clearly defined boundaries of your competencies and carry out specific delegated clinical tasks and responsibilities, prioritising work in line with policies and procedures. There are many educational opportunities linked to role and the Lymphoedema scope of care. This is a pivotal role requiring you to work collaboratively with the Lymphoedema Specialists Nurses, wider MDT and our patient community. Promoting the highest standards of care in line with the latest guidance, research and information. With appropriate information and the help and support of our lymphoedema specialist practitioners, there is much that patients can do to help themselves in the management and control of their condition. This role will require you to support with educating our patients to self care with this lifelong condition, in the management and control of their condition; patient education, advice and support is now at the forefront of care.

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline. All staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.

Main duties

Setting/Area Covered: Patient population. In a clinic setting in Plymouth, Northwest Cornwall, and within SHWD.

Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday 08:30 to 16:30.

To deliver an effective and competent level of HCA support and consistently deliver a patient focused provision which promotes good customer service and effective working relationships. To take a holistic approach to patient management, carry out tasks and treatment plans as directed by registered staff, ensuring to report back to the appropriate worker any changes in clinical conditions and maintain accurate clinical records. Referral Sources: From any professional for patients resident in the areas covered. Depending on role you will be required to work within a defined geographical area undertaking specific clinical nursing duties to patients in a variety of settings such as their own homes, care homes, other community locations or clinic settings. To assess care needs, including observing any changes in clinical conditions and reporting the findings to appropriate level.

Additional skills required unique to service area: linked to Tissue Viability scope of wound management, and skills and competence as listed in the clinical presentation. Skills and knowledge in promoting self-care, and the use of digital technology.

About Us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs. We are guided by our values: kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve. We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives. We prioritise employees\' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation. Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.

Details

Date posted: 01 October 2025. Pay scheme: Agenda for change. Band: Band 3. Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year pa, pro rata. Contract: Permanent. Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working. Reference number: B9832-2025-NM-10058. Job locations: Southway Clinic, 50 Inchkeith Road, Plymouth, PL6 6EJ.

Job Description and Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Additional duties and responsibilities unique to service area Specialist Lymphoedema knowledge, and competencies, including education both formal sessions and informal. Working collaboratively with the Lymphoedema Specialist Nurses. To provide care; to support with the treatment of patients with Lymphoedema; to have an educative role with other healthcare professionals; to promote emotional wellbeing through supporting patients and family; to promote early intervention reduces the need for time consuming intensive therapy and lowers hospital admission rates for cellulitis. A Lymphoedema Specialist Led Service will be provided (primarily clinic-based but may support patients in a community setting for Chronic Oedema with Lymphatic Deficiency - COLD). This will include: palliative treatment related to cancer; secondary lymphoedemas; primary lymphoedemas; lipoedemas; complex lymphovenous oedema not responding to treatment; MAIN DUTIES-RESPONSIBILITIES. To be responsible for contributing to the planning, monitoring, and evaluating of patient centred care, reporting back to the registered nurse and escalating concerns as required.

Following a Registered Nurse or Assistant Practitioner\'s assessment of need, implement a planned programme of care with support of a Registered Nurse. To act as a role model for all staff and students, demonstrating clinical skills and high standards of practice and professional conduct. To take responsibility for personal and professional development, maintaining competence, knowledge, and skills commensurate with the role. To participate in Reflective Practice, Practice Supervision and Appraisals and line management supervision as per policy. To take a flexible approach to supporting colleagues in times of caseload pressures, including working with colleagues to maintain support across the teams with the resources available.

• Responsibility for People Management

To maintain accurate records, which are confidential, contemporaneous, and legible, with all care given documented at the time in line with Livewell Southwest policies. You will be expected to participate in standard of patient records by audit or peer review and have a regular open discussion with team members. Make appropriate records in the multi-disciplinary patient file and/or electronic records, which may be required to be counter-signed by a registered nurse. Complete on time and submit all necessary forms, including IT data, as required by the manager/organisation. To always maintain and protect confidentiality, and be aware of GDPR, Access to Health Records and Consent for Treatment. To access NHS email and other information through Livewell Southwest intranet. To manage own time daily in line with caseload demands, using initiative and remaining flexible to respond to service needs. Where appropriate, organise hospital records upon delivery ensuring they are available to the correct clinician and use appropriate clinical systems to track and trace and return when completed.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications

• Maths and English GCSE grade 4 or above (A-C)
• NVQ III in Care (or evidence of working towards) or able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge & ability to work to this level.

Desirable

• Care certificate

Experience

• Experience of formulating therapeutical relationships
• Previous experience of working within a health care setting (employment, work experience, volunteering)

Knowledge

• Understanding of physical health, mental health and learning disabilities.
• Understanding of the role of Clinical support worker / Healthcare assistant and boundaries

Specific Skills

• Ability to access/travel to patient homes across the locality
• Effective communication and interactive skills including oral, written and IT
• Ability to use initiative and work independently
• Good time management

Disclosures

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 the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants for entry clearance must present a criminal record certificate from each country of residence for the past 10 years. Guidance can be found here: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.