Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW)

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider seeks a dedicated Healthcare Support Worker to assist in delivering patient-centered care. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience and a Level 3 qualification in healthcare support. This is a part-time, permanent position based at Tavistock Hospital, with a focus on compassionate patient care and working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Must have Level 3 qualification in healthcare support or equivalent.
• Ability to document observations accurately.
• Must be able to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-standard nursing care including washing and manual handling.
• Carry out clinical observations and report changes in patients' conditions.
• Maintain professional development and adhere to Trust policies.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Ability to work under supervision

Demonstrable experience in patient care

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

NVQ Level 3

BTEC National Diploma

Job description

Job summary

To assist in the delivery of patient-centred, compassionate care planned and assessed by the Registered Nurses, and other registered healthcare professionals. To carry out that care & other duties under direct supervision.

To work as part of the nursing and multidisciplinary team to deliver patient care and rehabilitation.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

1. Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.

2. Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.

3. Ability to use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and an understanding to take decisions within your area of responsibility.

4. To carry out a range of (limited) clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including for example, blood pressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate, glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples / faecal samples / sputum samples and wound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustive and will vary depending on area of work.

5. Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concerns about patients to other clinical staff.

6. Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.

7. Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.

8. Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. Tavistock Hospital is a Community Hospital, 14 miles from the city of Plymouth. It is a small market town within a rural community in the middle of Dartmoor National Park. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details Date posted

04 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £25,674 a year Per Annum Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

216-DH-M7141721-A

Job locations

Tavistock Hospital

Spring Hill

Tavistock

PL19 8LD

Job description Job responsibilities

• Provide and deliver a high standard of nursing, care (i.e. washing, mouthcare, toileting, manual handling and mobility), recognising and meeting the specific needs of patients.
• Prioritise own tasks under the direction of registered nurse.
• To carry out clinical observations on patients, recognising, recording and reporting all changes in patients condition to senior staff.
• To support maintenance of fluid balance and dietary charts, recognising, recording and reporting all adverse findings to senior staff.
• Undertake the escort of patients to appointments on other sites under the direction of the registered nurse (when deemed competent).
• To support nutritional needs of patients by assisting with feeding and drinking, reporting on concerns about dietary intake to senior staff.
• An awareness of skin integrity over pressure points, recognising and reporting all adverse findings to senior staff.
• To recognise the importance of health education and teaching of patients and carers, and refer patients to senior staff.
• Document and sign for all observations and care given with counter signature from a registered practitioner.
• To maintain his/her own professional development, attending courses/further training to enhance and optimise his/her role within the work area.
• To promote and safeguard the well-being of patients, their families and colleagues.
• To share responsibility in the care and maintenance of all equipment on the ward and stock control.
• To respect the confidential information, in line with Trust policy Data Protection Act, obtained in the course of work and not disclose this information.
• To be familiar with and adhere to Trust and Departmental policies and procedures mindful of responsibilities to self, colleagues and patients.
• Report untoward incidents, complaints, clinical emergencies to senior staff

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Job description Job responsibilities

• Provide and deliver a high standard of nursing, care (i.e. washing, mouthcare, toileting, manual handling and mobility), recognising and meeting the specific needs of patients.
• Prioritise own tasks under the direction of registered nurse.
• To carry out clinical observations on patients, recognising, recording and reporting all changes in patients condition to senior staff.
• To support maintenance of fluid balance and dietary charts, recognising, recording and reporting all adverse findings to senior staff.
• Undertake the escort of patients to appointments on other sites under the direction of the registered nurse (when deemed competent).
• To support nutritional needs of patients by assisting with feeding and drinking, reporting on concerns about dietary intake to senior staff.
• An awareness of skin integrity over pressure points, recognising and reporting all adverse findings to senior staff.
• To recognise the importance of health education and teaching of patients and carers, and refer patients to senior staff.
• Document and sign for all observations and care given with counter signature from a registered practitioner.
• To maintain his/her own professional development, attending courses/further training to enhance and optimise his/her role within the work area.
• To promote and safeguard the well-being of patients, their families and colleagues.
• To share responsibility in the care and maintenance of all equipment on the ward and stock control.
• To respect the confidential information, in line with Trust policy Data Protection Act, obtained in the course of work and not disclose this information.
• To be familiar with and adhere to Trust and Departmental policies and procedures mindful of responsibilities to self, colleagues and patients.
• Report untoward incidents, complaints, clinical emergencies to senior staff

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• One of the following o Level 3 (SCQF - 6): - City and Guilds 3 o NVQ 3 o BTEC National Diploma o Demonstrable experience equivalent to the above qualifications
• Level 2 Functional skills in English and Maths, or equivalent
• Completion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker)
• Equivalent demonstrable experience

Aptitude and Abilities Essential

• Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to work with minimum supervision to a high standard

Knowledge and Experience Essential

• Demonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
• Be able to work as a member of a team

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• One of the following o Level 3 (SCQF - 6): - City and Guilds 3 o NVQ 3 o BTEC National Diploma o Demonstrable experience equivalent to the above qualifications
• Level 2 Functional skills in English and Maths, or equivalent
• Completion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker)
• Equivalent demonstrable experience

Aptitude and Abilities Essential

• Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to work with minimum supervision to a high standard

Knowledge and Experience Essential

• Demonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
• Be able to work as a member of a team

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Tavistock Hospital

Spring Hill

Tavistock

PL19 8LD

Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Tavistock Hospital

Spring Hill

Tavistock

PL19 8LD

Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)