Healthcare Support Worker - Emergency Department

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust; Kingskerswell; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Healthcare Support Worker for the Emergency Department on a permanent basis. You will work alongside experienced nurses and doctors to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to patients with urgent needs.

The role offers flexible working options including day, night and long shifts, with both full-time and part-time opportunities. Comprehensive training and progression pathways, including Care Certificate and NVQ, are provided.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or related
• Previous experience in a care environment
• GCSE English and Maths at A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills
• Care certificate

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality care to patients in the Emergency Department.
• Assist with clinical observations and patient flow.
• Support patient admissions, transfers and discharges.
• Maintain a safe, clean and efficient clinical environment.
• Work under supervision of a registered nurse.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Prioritisation

Teamwork

Record keeping

Empathy

Education

Level 3 Health & Social Care

GCSE English & Maths

Care certificate

Job description

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Support Worker - Emergency Department

The closing date is 05 November 2026

Are you looking for a role where every day brings new challenges, learning opportunities and the chance to make a real difference to patients when they need it most?

We are seeking compassionate, motivated and enthusiastic Healthcare Support Workers to join our busy and supportive Emergency department on a permanent basis.

Working alongside experienced nurses, doctors and the wider multidisciplinary team, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality care to patients with a wide range of urgent and emergency healthcare needs. You'll support with clinical observations, personal care, assessments, treatments and patient flow, helping to ensure patients receive safe, effective and compassionate care throughout their journey.

Whether you are new to care, an experienced Healthcare Support Worker or looking to begin a long-term NHS career, this role offers excellent opportunities for learning, development and progression.

Based within our newly transformed Emergency Department, you'll benefit from modern facilities, enhanced clinical areas and a supportive team environment designed to help staff provide outstanding care and reach their full potential.

Main duties of the job

As a Healthcare Support Worker within the Emergency Department, you will be a valued member of the team, helping to deliver high-quality care to patients presenting with a diverse range of illnesses, injuries and emergency healthcare needs.

Working closely with registered nurses, doctors and allied health professionals, you will:

• Provide direct patient care, ensuring comfort, dignity and wellbeing.
• Undertake routine clinical observations and escalates concerns appropriately.
• Support patients with personal care and daily living needs.
• Assist with investigations, procedures and treatments.
• Help prepare clinical areas and equipment for patient care.
• Support patient admissions, transfers and discharges.
• Provide reassurance to patients and their families during challenging and often stressful situations.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean and efficient clinical environment.
• Work collaboratively to support patient flow and deliver the best possible patient experience.

About us

We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer a range of flexible working options, including day, night and long shifts, with both full-time and part-time opportunities available.

Joining our Emergency Department means becoming part of a supportive, inclusive and ambitious team committed to delivering outstanding care. Whether you're an experienced Healthcare Support Worker or looking to build a long-term career in healthcare, you'll be supported to learn, grow and reach your full potential while making a lasting impact on the lives of others.

About the role

As a Healthcare Support Worker within the Emergency Department, you will be a valued member of the team, helping to deliver high-quality care to patients with a wide range of illnesses, injuries and urgent healthcare needs.

Working alongside registered nurses, doctors and allied health professionals, you will provide direct patient care, undertake clinical observations, support personal care needs, assist with treatments and investigations, and help maintain a safe, clean and efficient clinical environment.

You will also support patient admissions, transfers and discharges, provide reassurance to patients and their families, and contribute to effective patient flow across the department.

Job responsibilities

Working under the supervision of a registered nurse, you will play an active role in delivering high-quality care to your patients. Youll gain experience across a range of areas within the Emergency Department, including majors, paediatrics, waiting areas, and fit-to-sit, giving you valuable exposure to a wide variety of patient needs in a fast-paced environment.

If youre looking for a role that is challenging, meaningful, and full of opportunity, this is your chance to grow your skills and make a real difference every day.

No two days are the same, making this an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering compassionate care. Every shift offers the chance to learn, develop new skills and make a meaningful difference.

ELIGIBILITY

If you are an experienced individual whose do not currently hold a Level 3 qualification, you must have an equivalent qualification or level of experience and be willing to enrol on and complete the NVQ Level 3 qualification as part of your employment.

Alternatively, if you are new to care with a specialist interest in working in a fast paced emergency department, this is an exciting development opportunity combining a comprehensive and supportive education pathway and attainment of a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care. Your application form will be shortlisted against the combined job description and person specification alongside a learning assessment which will be facilitated by our education team during the shortlisting process.

As part of your employment into post, you will undertake 2 weeks clinical training including the Care Certificate, if not already completed.

Please note:

• our department is unable to provide visa sponsorship for the Healthcare Support Worker role at this time therefore, we are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the right to work in the UK.
• Priority will be given to applicants with recognised 'Priority' or 'At Risk' status, including NHS staff identified across Devon.

IMPORTANT

The advert is proposed to close midnight on the 5th November 2026with interviews proposed for week commencing the 9th or 16th November 2026. We encourage applicants to apply at their earliest availability, as we reserve the right to close the post early should we receive a volume of applications.

Should you be successful in the shortlisting process, you will be contacted and invited to attend an interview with us.

Subject to a successful interview, you will promptly be invited to attend the Recruitment Offices for a face-to-face appointment to undertake pre-employment checks which includes a right to work and qualification check.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or a related subject, or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience. Willingness to undertake a relevant Level 3 qualification, if not already held. Alternatively, if you are new to care with a specialist interest in working in a fast paced emergency department, this is an exciting development opportunity combining a comprehensive and supportive education pathway and attainment of a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care. Your application form will be shortlisted against the combined job description and person specification alongside a learning assessment which will be facilitated by our education team during the shortlisting process.
• Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience
• English & Mathematics at GSCE grade A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills
• Care certificate

Knowledge and Experience

• Understands the need for strict confidentiality
• Previous experience in an emergency/urgent care environment

Specific Skills

• Basic computer/keyboard skills
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to prioritise and organise work
• Able to work under instruction, under pressure and as part of a team
• Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records
• Able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and to adapt communication style to circumstances

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.

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

£25,760 to £27,476 a yearper annum pro rata