Maternity Support Worker

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A large NHS teaching trust in the UK is looking for Maternity Support Workers to assist midwives in providing high-quality care on antenatal, postnatal, and birthing wards. Applicants should have at least 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English, or relevant clinical experience, and good spoken English. Flexible working options are available, with a minimum of 22.5 hours per week and 50% unsocial hours including night shifts. This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact in maternity care.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including Maths and English, or previous clinical experience.
• Good command of spoken English.
• Motivated to develop knowledge and skills.

Responsibilities

• Support midwives in providing high-quality care.
• Assist with breastfeeding support and maternal observations.
• Maintain the dignity and privacy of all women.

Skills

Good command of spoken English

Motivated to develop knowledge and skills

Ability to cope effectively under pressure

Education

5 GCSEs or equivalent, including Maths and English

Job description

Overview

Maternity support workers are central to quality care and information provision working alongside midwives and the wider professional teams to achieve excellence in maternity care. We are seeking enthusiastic, hard‑working, flexible individuals to assist us to provide the best care at all times. We have a mixture of antenatal, postnatal and birthing wards where our support workers can work. The role can include duties such as breastfeeding support, maternal observations, ward stocking and cleaning duties. If you feel you have the qualities to suit the role and would like to make a difference, then consider joining our excellent service. We are happy to consider part‑time/full‑time applicants, with a minimum of 22.5 hours required. We do not offer term time only contracts at present. Please note: This role includes 50% unsocial hours working, including night shifts and weekends. Shifts are generally 12.5 hours from 0730-2000 or 1930-2000. We are happy to discuss flexible working options at interview. This role is not eligible for overseas sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Support midwives and the wider professional teams to provide high quality care on antenatal, postnatal and birthing wards.
• Assist with breastfeeding support, maternal observations, ward stocking and cleaning duties.
• Work as part of the ward team to develop and maintain services for women, ensuring a safe, efficient and smooth running of the ward/clinical area.
• Maintain the dignity and privacy of all women and respect their right to confidentiality.
• Contribute to the safe, efficient and smooth running of the ward/clinical area.
• Complete and maintain a generic and specific portfolio of clinical competencies and/or the Care Certificate as required.
• Review progress with line manager at regular intervals and through the appraisal process.
• Understand own level of responsibility, scope of practice and accountability in relation to registered staff.
• Adhere to all policies at all times.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including Maths and English, or previous clinical experience.
• Good command of spoken English.
• Motivated to develop knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrate insight into the role applied for.

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of Level 2 Diploma or Apprenticeship in a health‑related subject, or willingness to work towards one.
• Evidence of Care Certificate completed.
• Experience of NHS and/or health care requirements.
• Has worked in a maternity setting.

Essential criteria

• Previous experience working in a busy and variable environment.
• Previous experience working with the general public and within a team.
• Ability to cope effectively under pressure and remain resilient with maturity to experience potentially distressing situations.

Employment details

• Minimum 22.5 hours per week; full‑time/part‑time available.
• 50% unsocial hours: night shifts and weekends. Shifts generally 12.5 hours (0730‑2000 or 1930‑2000).
• No overseas sponsorship.

Employer

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals: the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury. The Trust’s values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care offered and the professional relationships with patients, colleagues and the wider community. The Trust emphasizes compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.