Maternity support worker - Community

NHS; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a passionate Maternity Support Worker to join its community services in Brighton and Haywards Heath. This part-time role involves supporting mothers and infants during the postnatal journey, ensuring high-quality care while working alongside registered midwives. Join a diverse and dedicated team that values compassion and excellence in service delivery.

Qualifications

• Previous maternity experience preferred.
• Phlebotomy trained.
• UK valid driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and support to mothers regarding infant care.
• Assist Midwifery Team in delivering high quality care.
• Communicate effectively with service users and colleagues.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Empathy

Initiative

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health care or equivalent experience

GCSE Maths Grade A-C (Levels 4-9) or equivalent

GCSE English Grade A-C (Levels 4-9) or equivalent

Job description

Go back University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Maternity support worker - Community

The closing date is 19 June 2025

UHSussex are seeking a passionate individual to support women, birthing people and families throughout their postnatal journey as a Maternity Support Worker in our community maternity services at Brighton and Haywards Heath.

We are looking for enthusiastic, diligent and flexible individuals who are committed to upholding the highest standards at a momentous time in our service user's lives. Maternity Support Workers are central to the provision of quality care, working alongside midwives and the wider multi-disciplinary team to achieve excellence in maternity services. Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal 'where better never stops' and you will play a vital part in driving us forwards and improving the lives of families across Sussex.

Please note:

• This is a part-time position for 23 hours per week.
• This is a shift working role including weekends and bank holidays (7.5 hours typically from 08:30 - 16:30.
• This position is within community services and will require you to provide care within clinic and home settings. You will require a UK driving licence for this role. This role can be across both Brighton and Haywards Heath community catchment areas.

Main duties of the job

• Provide advice and information on maternal and infant care, including advice and support with infant feeding and the initiation of breast feeding both in the hospital and community setting
• To support the Midwifery Team with the delivery of high quality care to all mothers and their babies in the antenatal and postnatal period. This must be in accordance with the Trust's Clinical Guidelines
• Give practical support, advice and information to mothers with regards the care of their baby,
• Assisting the mother in her chosen method of infant feeding including giving advice / information on breast feeding to meet the Trust's standards
• Demonstrate the principles of sterilization and preparation of artificial milk feeds

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job responsibilities

Communication

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both colleagues and service users in a warm, friendly and approachable manner.
• Demonstrate ability to use own initiative and through active listening, interpret information and escalate concerns to registered staff as required. Report any change in the condition of service users physical, mental and behavioural wellbeing to the registered midwife/MDT. Report any changes to a babys overall wellbeing to the registered midwife/MDT.
• Document clinical care accurately and contemporaneously in clinical records, utilising digital platforms in accordance with Trust policy and guidelines.
• Communicate sensitively, respectfully and with compassion when service users are distressed.
• Communicate sensitively, respectfully and with compassion during times of bereavement or loss.
• Obtain suitable communication methods to communicate with service users e.g. booking interpreters and sign language services.
• Report all incidents, complaints, enquiries or accidents to the midwife in charge/team leader.
• Recognise obstetric or neonatal emergencies, summon assistance and act as a member of the MDT in managing scenario within parameters of own competence and defined role. Utilise communication tools such as closed loop communication during emergency situations.
• Report and if necessary, challenge behaviour that infringes the rights of others.

Service Delivery and Improvement

• Demonstrate ability to prioritise own workload.
• Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Registered Midwife (or other registered care professional) with a focus on promoting health and informed choice.
• Assist in the implementation of agreed plans of care in line with guidance, policies and protocols, in conjunction with the wider MDT and in collaboration with service users.
• Contribute to and promote service improvements such as audits, research, team meetings and benchmarking activities.
• Adhere to Trust infection control policy.
• Adhere to Trust uniform/non-uniform policy.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the UHSussex Patient First agenda and Trust Values.

People Management and Development

• Participate in the promotion of a positive learning environment, acting as a role model and supporting the orientation of new MSWs in collaboration with the wider team.

Patient Care Delivery/Skills

• Demonstrate safe, evidence-based practice in all skills and procedures required of role.
• Respect privacy, dignity and individual choice.
• Empower service users to safely and effectively care for themselves and their babies. Assist service users with personal hygiene as required.
• Care for babys wellbeing and hygiene as required.
• Ensure stock levels are maintained and replenished. e.g. Replace sharps boxes using safe general working practice, replenish stock in cars and postnatal bags.
• Collect and transport equipment and specimens.
• Contribute to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of the maternity services.
• Following appropriate training and achieved competence:
• Undertake basic vital signs recordings e.g. blood pressure, pulse, temperature and escalate to registered member of staff when outside normal limits.
• Perform venepuncture (taking blood).
• Take, label and send swabs.
• Undertake basic vital signs recordings on a baby e.g. heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature.
• Support and teach parents the skills required to establish and maintain infant feeding.
• Provide breastfeeding advice and support in accordance with Trust policies. Help service users gain confidence with positioning and attachment. Understand safety and risk issues and assist in making appropriate referrals when needed e.g. tongue tie, reluctant feeders.

Please see attached Job Description for full details.

Person Specification

• Previous maternity experience
• Phlebotomy trained
• UK valid driving licence

Experience/ Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Health care or equivalent experience
• Vocational Qualifications Level 3
• Baccalaureate Qualification Advanced, or equivalent level of knowledge
• GCSE Maths Grade A- C, Levels 4-9, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent.
• GCSE English Grade A- C, Levels 4-9, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent.
• GCE AS and A Level

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

£24,625 to £25,674 a yearper annum pro rata