Sexual Health HCA- Development Post

Superchem Industries; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in a secure setting is seeking a motivated Healthcare Assistant to work in sexual health services at HMP Peterborough. This role involves assisting with patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and offers opportunities for professional development, moving towards a Band 4 position. Ideal candidates will have care experience, knowledge of sexual health, and be compassionate in patient engagement.

Qualifications

• Previous care experience in a healthcare setting.
• Experience in sexual health and reproductive services.
• Proficiency in English (written and verbal).

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine sexual health screening.
• Book and manage appointments on patient systems.
• Engage sensitively with patients, respecting their needs.

Skills

Care experience

Knowledge of STIs and BBVs

Good IT skills

Effective communication

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care

Venepuncture training

STIF Level 1 Certificate

Job description

Overview

NHFT provides healthcare and wellbeing services within HMP Peterborough to approximately 300 female and 860 male residents. We are recruiting a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant (Development Post) to work within our Sexual Health Service at HMP Peterborough. The successful applicant will support the delivery of a comprehensive range of needs-based care for patients requiring screening, diagnostics, and treatment for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. The post holder will work under supervision of registered sexual health nurses and will contribute to safe, effective, and person-centred care. This Is a Development Post With a Clear Progression Pathway To Band 4. Within 6-12 Months, And Subject To Demonstration Of Required Competencies And Service Requirements, The Post Holder Is Expected To:

• Complete a defined competency framework.
• Develop the skills to manage asymptomatic patients independently.
• Undertake the STIF Gateway course (or equivalent) to support progression.
• Progress to Band 4 Senior Sexual Health HCA, which includes running autonomous clinics and managing asymptomatic patient care, upon successful completion of competencies and service sign-off.

This role requires flexibility, initiative, and a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals in a secure setting. It offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated and compassionate healthcare assistant to develop advanced clinical skills in a specialist service.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Duties

• Assist with routine sexual health screening (e.g., urine samples, self-taken swabs, pregnancy testing) under supervision.
• Provide basic information and signposting regarding sexual health, STIs, and BBVs.
• Undertake delegated procedures such as venepuncture (following training and competency).
• Record observations and prepare pathology specimens per protocol.
• Chaperone patients and support registered staff with procedures.
• Prepare and restock clinic rooms in accordance with NHFT Medicines Management Policy.
• Maintain infection prevention and control standards.

Administrative Support

• Book and manage appointments and clinic slots on patient systems (e.g., CMS).
• Support data collection and accurate record keeping.
• Liaise with prison, healthcare, and external services to support continuity of care.

Health Promotion & Patient Engagement

• Contribute to the delivery of health promotion activities.
• Engage sensitively with patients, respecting their cultural, emotional, and individual needs.
• Promote trauma-informed, person-centred care.

Professional Conduct

• Always maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Adhere to NHFT and HMP Peterborough policies and procedures.
• Access supervision, mentorship, and training as part of the development plan.
• Support the Trust's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

About Us

NHFT is an integrated primary care and mental health Trust, providing physical, mental health and specialty services in both hospital settings and out in the community. Because we put the person at the centre of all we do, we focus on delivering care that is as easy to access as possible. This means many of our services can be provided at home, work or in schools. We also provide health services to various prisons and detention centres in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

NHFT promotes a culture of learning to improve the care and safety of our patients and staff, which focuses on people who enable our Trust to be 'outstanding' by supporting opportunity, innovation, development and growth.

Details

Date posted: 22 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 3

Salary: £24,937 to £30,162 a year pa pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 270-TG366-MH

Job locations: HMP Peterborough, Saville Road, Peterborough, PE3 7PD

Job Description

Job responsibilities

Professional Conduct:

• Demonstrate appropriate professional and personal boundaries.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure safeguarding at all times.
• Adhere to NHFT and HMP Peterborough policies and procedures.
• Access and engage in clinical supervision.

Support the Trusts commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Previous care experience in a healthcare setting
• Experience in sexual health and reproductive services. Knowledge of STIs, BBVs, and contraception
• Good IT and literacy skills; proficiency in English (written and verbal).

Desirable

• Experience in prison healthcare or secure environments
• Experience with clinical systems (e.g., SystmOne).
• Familiarity with telemedicine platforms and audits
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent experience).
• Venepuncture training
• STIF Level 1 Certificate (Sexually Transmitted Infection Foundation)

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3 (or willingness to work towards).
• STIF Level 1 Certificate (Sexually Transmitted Infection Foundation).
• Basic Life Support training.
• STIF Gateway Course

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 details

Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address: HMP Peterborough, Saville Road, Peterborough, PE3 7PD

Employer's website: https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/