Support Services Assistant

NHS; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Dorset is seeking a Support Services Assistant. This role involves portering, cleaning, and catering services to ensure a patient-focused environment. Candidates must have experience in similar roles and demonstrate teamwork. The position offers a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in facilities services.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

Competitive pay

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role is required.
• Ability to demonstrate English skills effectively.

Responsibilities

• Transportation of patients and delivery of meals.
• Achieving cleanliness standards in clinical and non-clinical areas.
• Assisting with food preparation and serving meals.

Skills

Ability to work on own initiative

Teamwork

Basic IT skills

English proficiency (written and spoken)

Education

Level 2 in Housekeeping or working towards

Tools

Stock Control knowledge

Job description

Overview

Support Services Assistant at Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust. This is a multi-skilled role to provide effective, patient-focused facilities services in the delivery of portering, cleaning and catering. The closing date is 29 September 2025.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

This post is part of the [Facilities & Estates / Procurement] Service that Dorset HealthCare may transfer to an NHS wholly owned subsidiary company, from November 2025 or later. The subsidiary will continue to offer NHS Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions, including NHS pensions, to staff who transfer as well as new staff it recruits itself.

Main duties of the job

Portering - This will be the primary role. The main duties include transportation of patients between departments, delivery of meal trolleys, waste collection, collection of soiled linen, loading and unloading of stores to all departments, security, delivery of mail and transportation of medical gases.

Domestic - The main duties include achieving a high standard of cleanliness in clinical and non-clinical areas throughout the Hospital and Clinics, to provide a clean, safe and comfortable environment for patients and visitors.

You will also provide support to Catering - The main duties include assisting with food preparation, serving meals for patients, staff and visitors, washing up and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness within the catering department.

This is an interesting and varied post and an ideal opportunity for someone looking to expand their knowledge and skills in the above areas. A flexible approach is essential for this post to provide adequate support to the facilities services.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do [e-mail]

Person Specification

Experience

• Previous experience in a similar role

Knowledge,skills & training

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Level 2 in Housekeeping or working towards

Finance & Resources

• Knowledge of Stock Control procedures and methods

Information/technology/resources

• Basic IT skills

Additional requirements

• Demonstrate skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively

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

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust