Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW)

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

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a leading healthcare provider as a Senior Health Care Support Worker. In this vital role, you will assist Nurse Practitioners in delivering high-quality care to patients, ensuring their physical and psychological well-being. You'll have the opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive environment, working flexible hours across various locations. This is a fantastic chance to contribute to patient care while advancing your career in the healthcare sector. If you're passionate about making a difference and committed to excellence, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications in healthcare support or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication and documentation skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist Nurse Practitioners in providing patient care and support.
• Perform clinical tasks post-training and competency assessment.
• Manage resources and report incidents to ensure safety.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Accurate documentation skills

Time management

Teamwork

Ability to defuse violent situations

Education

Level 3 (SCQF 6): City and Guilds 3, NVQ 3, BTEC National Diploma

Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Math

Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

Job description

Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW)

The post holder is a member of the MIU Team, working under the direction of the Nurse Practitioners (NP), to maintain a safe and high standard of care. The Health Care Assistant (HCA) may be directed to fulfil certain clinical tasks by the NP under direct supervision. Once trained and assessed for competency, the HCA may perform these tasks independently.

Location: Kingsbridge Minor Injuries Unit - South Hams, with rotations to UTC Cumberland, Dartmoor UTC, and Tavistock MIU as required. Working hours are 8am - 6pm.

Hours: 28.5 hours at Kingsbridge MIU, covering 7 days/week including Public Holidays. Rotations may include early, mid, late shifts.

Preference: Internal Trust staff, 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status, including NHS At Risk staff in Devon with relevant recent experience, will be prioritized.

Main duties of the job

• Assist the Nurse Practitioner in providing physical and psychological care to patients, and support relatives and carers.
• Report issues to the senior nurse promptly.
• Comply with quality indicators for type 3 A&E/UTC/MIU departments in England.
• Perform clinical tasks post-training and competency assessment: triage/'first contact', clinical observations, ECGs, wound care, urinalysis, blood glucose testing, splinting, health promotion, and documentation.

*Note: Triage/'first contact' is performed by HCA only within MIUs.*

• Assist with administrative tasks such as patient booking, stock monitoring, and ordering.
• Manage resources efficiently, report defects, and ensure repairs are completed.
• Report incidents, safeguarding issues, and complete Datix reports as needed.

About us

We are committed to staff development, innovation, clinical excellence, and patient care. Join us in a vibrant city with opportunities for career growth. All communication is electronic; please check your email regularly. For application support, contact 01752 432100. We support flexible working and encourage diverse applicants. Vacancies may close early; if no contact within 4 weeks post-deadline, consider yourself not shortlisted.

Job responsibilities

• Support the Nurse Practitioner in patient care and assist relatives and carers.
• Report problems promptly.
• Meet quality standards for MIU departments.
• Complete and monitor patient observations and documentation.
• Assist with wound care, ECGs, urinalysis, blood tests, splints, and health promotion.
• Monitor stock levels and manage resources efficiently.
• Ensure patient and staff safety, report incidents, safeguarding issues, and complete Datix reports.
• Perform administrative tasks in the absence of reception staff.
• Adhere to relevant policies, including child protection and infection control.
• Take reasonable care for own health and safety.

See attached full job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• One of the following: Level 3 (SCQF 6): City and Guilds 3, NVQ 3, BTEC National Diploma, or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Math or equivalent.
• Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (mapping to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker).

Aptitude and Abilities

• Effective communication skills, written and verbal.
• Accurate documentation skills.
• Awareness of healthcare policies and procedures.
• Commitment to high-quality patient care.
• Assertiveness and ability to defuse potentially violent situations.
• Ability to liaise with healthcare professionals.

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience providing care in healthcare or social settings.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Good time management and prioritization skills.
• Understanding of adult and child protection issues.
• Experience in MIU/A&E and basic triage/first contact skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to a DBS check due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Salary: £24,625 - £25,674 per annum, pro-rata.