Healthcare Support Worker - Emergency Department

NHS; Torquay; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Torquay is seeking a qualified Healthcare Support Worker for the Emergency Department. The role involves delivering high-quality patient care, working under the supervision of registered nurses. Candidates should have NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, a caring nature, and strong communication skills. Full-time and part-time opportunities are available with salaries ranging from £24,937 to £26,598 per annum. Join a supportive team dedicated to delivering exceptional emergency care.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature.
• Understands the need for strict confidentiality.
• Previous experience in an emergency/urgent care environment.

Responsibilities

• Developing and supporting yourself and others.
• Delivering care of the highest standard to all patients.
• Liaising with the wider MDT to maintain safety.

Skills

Good interpersonal and communication skills

Basic computer/keyboard skills

Ability to work under pressure and as part of a team

Ability to prioritise and organise work

Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care

English & Mathematics at GCSE grade A‑C

Care certificate

Job description

Go back Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Support Worker - Emergency Department

The closing date is 29 December 2025

Are you interested in a challenging and fast‑paced career in Emergency Care? Are you a qualified Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW)/Healthcare Assistant looking for the next step in your career? Have you got new ideas and experience to bring to a dedicated team of nursing professionals?

If so, Torbay Emergency Department is looking for you! We currently have a number of HCSW vacancies and are looking for the right people to join our fantastic team on a full or part time basis.

Main duties of the job

You will work clinically, under the supervision of a registered nurse, leading care delivery for your group of patients. You will either work in a busy and challenging majors area, the waiting room, the fit‑to‑sit area or a busy paediatric ED – delivering care and support of the highest standards. You will be involved in multiple care‑based activities, some of which are listed below:

• Developing and supporting yourself and others.
• Delivering care of the highest standard to all of our patients.
• Carrying out clinical observations and escalating your concerns.
• Carrying out a range of clinical tasks including venepuncture and cannulation, basic wound care, bladder scanning and continence management, mobilisation and discharge planning.
• Employing professional behaviour and communicating effectively and efficiently within a pressurised and challenging working environment.
• Working under guidance and in conjunction with the senior nursing team and the departmental Matron.
• Following the Department's and Trust's Policies and Protocols to ensure the safety of the department and our patients.
• Liaising with the wider MDT to maintain safety. This will include working with outside agencies such as social services and safeguarding.
• Helping to facilitate the development of the service as part of the wider team.
• To participate in discussions and projects that will benefit the team, the patients and the department as a whole.

About us

The role is supported by a fantastic team of practice educators.

Practice Educators offer a multitude of learning experiences tailored to the needs of the ED, led by an Emergency Nurse, and facilitate in‑house training for the clinical skills required by nurses within the ED, and is responsive to the developmental and educational needs of all the staff.

The requirement for the delivery of safe, high quality care is at the heart of all we do, and we take great pride in the professionalism of the team and our work.

Job responsibilities

Full Vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification/experience.
• Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature / life experience.
• English & Mathematics at GCSE 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

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum pro rata