Support Worker

British Red Cross; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Holidays 36 days

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Career development

Job summary

British Red Cross in Portsmouth is seeking a Support Worker to provide practical and emotional support to patients, relatives and staff in a hospital setting, helping patients return home safely and reduce readmission.

The role is 21 hours per week under a fixed-term contract to end of March 2027; applicants must have a full driving licence (2 years) and access to a vehicle, with flexible and compassionate approach expected.

Qualifications

• Full driving licence (2 years) and access to a vehicle.
• Confident in a busy hospital environment, especially in the emergency department.
• Caring, calm approach with strong communication and emotional resilience.
• Ability to assess needs and follow support plans.

Responsibilities

• Assisting patients with mealtimes and comfort items.
• Providing one-to-one support for patients with dementia, confusion, or emotional distress.
• Offering bereavement support and signposting to further services.
• Helping patients return home safely, including transport and follow-ups.

Skills

Calm demeanor

Empathy

Communication

Job description

Support Worker

Location: Portsmouth

Salary: £24,479 per annum pro rata

Hours: 21 per week

Contract: Fixed term contract to end of March 2027
Additional Requirement: Applicants must have a full licence (2 years) and access to a vehicle.

Could you be the calm, caring presence someone needs in their moment of crisis?

Are you ready to make a difference from the moment someone enters the emergency department? As a Support Worker, you’ll be based in a hospital setting, offering practical and emotional support to patients, relatives and staff. You’ll help patients return home safely, reduce the risk of readmission, and support them to live independently. Could you be the person who brings comfort, clarity and kindness when it’s needed most?

What will a day in the life of a Support Worker involve?

• Assisting patients with mealtimes, refreshments and comfort items like blankets or pillows.
  
• Providing one-to-one support for patients with dementia, confusion or emotional distress.
  
• Offering bereavement support and signposting patients to further services.
  
• Helping patients return home safely, including transport and follow-ups.

To be a successful Support Worker, what will you need?

• Confidence working in a busy hospital environment, especially in the emergency department.
  
• A caring, calm approach with strong communication and emotional resilience.
  
• The ability to assess needs, follow support plans and work independently.
  
• A natural ability to build trust and offer reassurance to people in distress.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you’ll get:

• Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy extra leave.
• Pension Scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Recognition Platform: Managers can reward great work with retail vouchers.
• Discounts: Discounts through our Reward Gateway, Blue Light Card, Tickets for Good, and more.
• Wellbeing Support: Peer Supporters, CiC (EAP) & Headspace App.
• Learning & Development: A range of career and learning opportunities.
• Will Writing Service: Access to a free will writing service.
• Death in Service: A tax-free lump sum paid to your beneficiary in the event of your death.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident and Carers Confident employer.

We are dedicated to building an inclusive, equitable and wellbeing-focused culture where everyone feels safe, valued and can thrive. Guided by our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Strategy, we foster belonging, psychological and physical wellbeing, and work to remove barriers to fair opportunities. Grounded in compassion and anti-racist practice, we listen to diverse voices, value lived experience and create environments where staff and volunteers can succeed. Join us and be part of an organisation that leads with care, celebrates difference and helps everyone succeed.

Together, we are the world's emergency responders