Maternity Support Worker - Infant Feeding Team

NHS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Maternity Support Worker to join the Infant Feeding Team at Wythenshawe. The role involves providing support and education on breastfeeding and working within antenatal services. Ideal candidates will have experience in a healthcare setting and possess communication skills to enhance patient care.

Qualifications

• Holds National Care Certificate or willing to undertake within 12 weeks.
• Experience working in healthcare or maternity care environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice to parents regarding breastfeeding initiation and continuation.
• Support the antenatal colostrum harvesting programme.
• Provide feeding support during the tongue tie clinic.

Skills

Good communication skills

Ability to work as part of a team

Ability to work independently

Education

National Care Certificate

Level 2 Apprenticeship in health care

Functional Skills Level 1 in Maths and English

Job description

Go back Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Maternity Support Worker - Infant Feeding Team

This job is now closed

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Maternity Support Worker to join the Infant Feeding Team within maternity services at Wythenshawe.

We have a 15-hour post available.

At Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), our Maternity Support Workers take great pride in the essential work we do. We're not just helping patients; we're going the extra mile for them - day in, day out. Our team's commitment to work with empathy, consideration, and dignity makes us among the best and most compassionate in our field.

Upon joining MFT, you'll be supported to develop your knowledge and skills through our Support Worker Development Programme for Maternity Support Workers, which includes the completion of the Care Certificate if not already obtained. Completing this programme offers the opportunity to progress into a Band 3 Nursing Assistant/Maternity Support Worker role.

If you're an experienced Maternity Support Worker seeking a new opportunity, you'll undertake a skills analysis at start to identify any gaps in your clinical skills. You'll then be supported to access relevant modules from the clinical skills programme to support your progression to a Band 3 post upon completion.

Main duties of the job

• Provide advice to parents in group settings or individually regarding breastfeeding initiation and continuation.
• Provide breastfeeding support in clinical areas.
• Participate in antenatal education related to infant feeding.
• Provide education and support to families choosing to artificially feed, in line with recommendations.
• Support the antenatal colostrum harvesting programme by preparing equipment and providing information to women.
• Assist with contacting parents referred for tongue tie assessment and booking clinic appointments.
• Provide feeding support for mothers/families during the tongue tie clinic.
• Offer telephone breastfeeding support following hospital discharge.
• Assist in organizing events to promote breastfeeding awareness, e.g., National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.
• Work within your defined scope, referring to more senior staff when necessary.
• Support the Infant Feeding team with ongoing audits.
• Assist the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative team in maintaining stage 3 accreditation.
• Maintain skills to support the maternity unit as needed.

Candidates should expect to work shifts covering Monday to Saturday.

About us

MFT is one of the largest NHS Trusts in England with a turnover of £2.8bn, creating an exceptional integrated health and social care system for over 1 million patients annually.

Bringing together 10 hospitals and community services across Manchester, Trafford, and beyond, we promote collaborative working and transformation, encouraging our 30,000 staff to pursue ambitious goals. We set standards that others emulate, offering extensive opportunities.

We have adopted digital tools like Hive, our Electronic Patient Record system launched in September 2022, to enhance clinical quality, patient and staff experience, and operational efficiency.

We are a major academic Research Centre and Education provider, supporting high-quality research. Our Green Plan demonstrates our commitment to sustainable healthcare.

At MFT, we foster an inclusive culture, providing fair and transparent career development opportunities, prioritizing your health and wellbeing, and shaping our future together.

Job responsibilities

Our Maternity Support Workers at Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust take pride in their vital work. Our team’s dedication to empathy, consideration, and dignity makes us among the best in our field.

Upon joining, you'll be supported to develop your skills through our Support Worker Development Programme, including the Care Certificate if needed. This can lead to progression into a Band 3 Maternity Support Worker role.

If you are experienced, you'll undergo a skills analysis to identify any gaps, with support provided to access relevant training modules for progression.

For more details on responsibilities and required skills, please review the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. Additionally, read the Candidate Essentials Guide for information about the Trust, benefits, and application process. This guide contains critical information to assist your application.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity, and eliminating discrimination. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. If you have special requirements, contact [e-mail] for support.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Holds National Care Certificate or willing to undertake and complete within 12 weeks of starting.
• Level 2 Apprenticeship in health care OR equivalent knowledge and skills from the Trust Clinical Support Worker Development Programme.
• Upon completing the Trust programme demonstrating clinical knowledge, skills, and competency, the worker will move to a Band 3 role.
• Functional Skills Level 1 in Maths and English or equivalent.

Experience

• Experience working in healthcare, social care, or a service industry involving contact with people.
• Experience in a healthcare or maternity care environment.

Skills

• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to carry out routine tasks well-defined.
• Ability to work independently following guidance from a Registered Healthcare Practitioner.
• Ability to relate well with patients, relatives, visitors, colleagues, and the wider Trust staff.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required to check for any criminal convictions.

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: £24,169 to £25,674 per annum (pro rata)