Healthcare Support Worker - Band 3 | Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust; Pembury; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare trust in the UK is seeking compassionate individuals for the role of Healthcare Support Worker. Responsibilities include providing patient care, monitoring vital signs, and assisting nursing teams. Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ acute healthcare experience and a nationally recognized Care Certificate. The position offers a rewarding opportunity to build a career in healthcare with robust professional development and support. Ideal for those looking to make a difference in patient care.

Benefits

At least 27 days of annual leave plus public holidays

Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme

Blue Light card eligibility

Qualifications

• Minimum of two full years’ acute healthcare experience.
• Committed to delivering high-quality patient care.
• Ability to support nursing teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with essential patient care.
• Monitoring and recording vital signs.
• Providing urinary catheter care and specimen collection.
• Supporting the clinical team.

Skills

Compassion

Healthcare experience

Patient care

Education

Nationally approved HEE Care Certificate

Job description

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is delighted to offer exciting opportunities for compassionate and skilled individuals to join our dedicated nursing teams as Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs).

We have vacancies across our Tunbridge Wells Site, in our Medical Surgical and Emergency departments.

The role offers an exciting opportunity to work in dynamic and rewarding environments. If you have experience or a passion for A&E, please highlight this in your supporting statement.

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Are committed to delivering high‑quality patient care
• Have a minimum of two full years’ acute healthcare experience and are ready to hit the ground running
• Hold a nationally approved HEE Care Certificate obtained in a healthcare setting

As a Healthcare Support Worker, you will play a vital role in providing exceptional patient care, supporting our nursing teams, and making a real difference to the lives of those we care for.

Please Note

• This is a face‑to‑face event
• Walk‑in applications will not be accepted on the day.
• If sponsorship is required, applicants must check to ensure they meet the full eligibility criteria before applying. For further details, please refer to the government website.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with essential patient care, ensuring comfort and dignity
• Monitoring and recording vital signs
• Providing urinary catheter care and specimen collection
• Supporting the wider clinical team in delivering high standards of care

This role provides an excellent foundation for those aspiring to progress into Registered Nursing, Nursing Associate, or Allied Health Professional roles within the NHS.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a supportive, inclusive, and diverse team that upholds the Trust’s core PRIDE values.
• Benefit from professional development opportunities and career progression pathways.
• Gain hands‑on experience in a dynamic healthcare environment.
• Hear directly from our team in this video.

Application Guidance

To apply, please ensure your supporting statement includes:

• Your understanding of the importance of Healthcare Support Workers in delivering patient care
• The personal qualities and skills you bring to the role
• A full employment and education history

If you are committed to delivering high‑quality care and are eager to build a career in healthcare, we encourage you to apply and become part of our dedicated team.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second‑best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south‑east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day‑care beds, diagnostic services (X‑ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working?

We are a flexible working‑friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits.
• Blue Light card eligibility.
• And more; additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.

We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.

Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s Clinical Induction Programme for Healthcare Support Workers (which starts on the first day of employment). The programme involves travelling to both Trust sites.

If you do not currently hold a nationally recognised Care Certificate obtained in a healthcare setting from a registered provider, you will need to apply via the band 2 New to Care Healthcare Support Worker advert. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust will assist you with on‑the‑job training to complete your Care Certificate within the 6‑month probationary period, with a minimum completion time being 3 months. Upon successful completion of the Care Certificate, you will progress to a Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker.

This advert closes on Monday 15 Dec 2025.