Health Care Support Worker #1077

Douglas Macmillan Hospice; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A local healthcare charity in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking compassionate Health Care Support Workers to deliver high-quality palliative and end-of-life care. You will support patients and families with dignity and professionalism, contributing to individual care plans in a multi-disciplinary team. Candidates should have GCSEs in English and Maths, as well as a caring disposition. A generous benefits package is included.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Generous annual leave

Contributory pension

Healthcare cash plan

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Numeracy and literacy skills required to keep accurate patient records.
• Experience caring for people with palliative care needs.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and positive working attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal and physical care in accordance with each patient's care plan.
• Support patients with mobility, nutrition, hydration, and hygiene.
• Observe and report changes in patients' physical or emotional condition.

Skills

Compassion and empathy

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

GCSE Level in English and Maths

NVQ or QCF level 2 in Direct Care / Health and Social Care

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

We are looking for kind, compassionate and committed Health Care Support Workers to join our Adult Inpatient Services team at Dougie Mac. Our 28-bed unit provides expert palliative and end-of-life care to adults with life-limiting conditions across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.As a Health Care Support Worker, youll be an essential part of our multi-disciplinary team, providing personal, physical, and emotional care to patients during their stay. Youll help maintain dignity and comfort at all times while supporting families during challenging and emotional experiences.This role is suited to someone with a genuine passion for patient-centred care, strong interpersonal skills, and a flexible, team-oriented approach.

Main duties of the job

The Health Care Support Worker will assist in the delivery of high-quality palliative and end-of-life care on the Adult Inpatient Unit. Responsibilities include providing personal care, monitoring patient wellbeing, supporting clinical staff, and maintaining accurate documentation. You will work within a 24/7 care environment, contributing to individual care plans and supporting patients and families with empathy and professionalism.This is a rewarding and impactful role, ideal for individuals who want to make a real difference to patients lives as part of a supportive and values-led hospice team.

About us

Dougie Mac provides compassionate care for adults, young adults and children with life-limiting conditions across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. As a values-led organisation, we deliver high-quality, inclusive care across inpatient, community and supportive services. Following our merger with Approach Dementia Support and the expansion into children and young adult services, we now support more people than ever before across all age groups.Our skilled and dedicated team works collaboratively to deliver responsive, meaningful care in line with our hospice values. We support professional development, reflective practice and wellbeing.Dougie Mac is proud to be a financially independent local charity, offering competitive pay, generous annual leave, a contributory pension, study opportunities, a healthcare cash plan and free on-site parking.Our 28-bed Adult Inpatient Unit provides 24/7 specialist palliative and end-of-life care in a calm, purpose-built environment. We support people with complex clinical and emotional needs, and their families, at the most difficult time of life.

Job responsibilities

As a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) within the Adult Inpatient Unit, you will deliver high-quality, compassionate care to adults with life-limiting illnesses, supporting both patients and their families throughout their time with us.Working under the supervision of registered nurses, you will contribute to the delivery of individualised care plans and uphold the highest standards of dignity, respect, and professionalism.Key responsibilities include:Providing personal and physical care in accordance with each patients care planSupporting patients with mobility, nutrition, hydration, hygiene, and toileting needsAssisting in last days of life care and providing emotional support to patients and their loved onesObserving and accurately reporting changes in patients physical or emotional conditionMaintaining clear and accurate patient records, contributing to care planning and handoversSupporting the safe administration of medications (following appropriate training and direction)Upholding infection prevention and control measures, health and safety procedures, and safeguarding responsibilitiesCreating a calm and welcoming environment in line with Dougie Macs values and ethos of careParticipating in ongoing training, reflective practice and professional development sessionsSupporting the general running of the unit including cleaning duties, stock control and basic equipment checksYoull work within a multi-disciplinary team, rotating across day and night shifts, and contribute to a responsive, person-centred culture that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Numeracy and literacy skills required to keep accurate patient records.
• Spoken and written English Language to an appropriate standard to fulfil the job requirements.
• GCSE Level (A C or 4 9) in English and Maths or equivalent or a willingness to complete
• NVQ or QCF level 2 in Direct Care / Health and Social Care

Experience

• Experience in a caring role
• Experience of working with the public and communicating with range of different people
• Experience working as part of a team and alone.
• Experience of caring for people with palliative care needs
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
• Experience within a clinical environment

Additional Criteria

• Ability to observe changes and report.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and empathy.
• Ability to carry out aspects of physical care under direct supervision.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Culturally, personally and professionally flexible
• To display a caring disposition
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and positive working attitude.
• Demonstrate a willingness to work with some flexibility.
• Ability to analyse situations and seek help/advice when required.
• Awareness of own limitations
• Presentable and able to adhere to our clinical uniform policy.
• Flexible working to meet shift requirements.
• Able to meet the requirement of the job role with values aligned to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
• Evidence of Palliative End of Life Training
• IT skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Demonstrates calmness under pressure.

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.