Healthcare Support Worker - Emergency Department

Transformation Unit; Torquay; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust in Torquay is seeking a Healthcare Support Worker to join the Emergency Department on a permanent basis. The role supports patients with a range of urgent care needs, performing clinical observations, personal care and streamlining patient flow under supervision.

Opportunities for learning, development and progression are available in a newly transformed department.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or related subject, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Previous care experience or strong caring nature is desirable.
• English & Mathematics at suitable levels (GSCE A-C) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care with dignity and comfort.
• Undertake routine clinical observations and escalate concerns as needed.
• Support personal care and daily living activities.
• Assist with investigations, procedures and treatments.
• Maintain clean, safe clinical areas and equipment.
• Support admissions, transfers and discharges while ensuring patient flow.

Skills

Compassionate care

Teamwork

Communication skills

Prioritise and organise

Observation skills

Education

Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or related subject

Job description

Main area Emergency Department Grade NHS AfC: Band 3 Contract Permanent Hours

• Full time
• Part time

37.5 hours per week (rotation onto days and nights including weekends) Job ref 388-7609587-MUEC-B3

Employer Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Torbay Hospital Town Torquay Salary £25,760 - £27,476 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 05/11/2026 23:59

NHS AfC: Band 3

Job overview

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 escalated 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.

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Working under the supervision of a registered nurse, you will play an active role in delivering high-quality care to your patients. You’ll 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 you’re 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

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.

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

You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.

If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply promptly.
• Please read the job description carefully and tailor your application to reflect the requirements of the role.
• Applicants who identify in their application form they are a part of the Armed Forces community will be guaranteed an interview, provided they meet the minimum essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification for the role. Step into Health guidance can be found on our NHS Employers website.
• Correspondence will be sent via Trac, text, and email. Please ensure you check your email and Trac account regularly.
• Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.
• If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
• It is your responsibility to ensure the timely receipt of appropriate references.

The Trust is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity and achieving equality of opportunity. No person (staff, patient or public) will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of the nine protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.