Trainee Healthcare Support Worker - Mental Health

NHS Professionals; Exeter; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Devon Partnership NHS Trust invites applicants to join the Healthcare Support Worker development programme as trainee HCSW. Based at Torbay Hospital or Langdon Hospital, the six‑month on‑the‑job placement includes mentorship and Care Certificate training with NHS supervision.

Benefits include weekly pay, paid leave, and progression opportunities within the NHS. Ideal for those starting a career in healthcare, with the chance to become a Healthcare Support Worker and possibly advance to Nursing

Qualifications

• Entry level role – no prior healthcare experience required.
• Demonstrates passion for care and adheres to Care values (6Cs).
• Must be over 18 and able to work at least 30 hours per week across shifts.

Responsibilities

• Take basic observations, explain treatment, and update patient records.
• Support patients with daily activities and mealtimes.
• Provide emotional support to patients and families.
• Monitor physical and mental health and maintain records.
• Supervise safety, manage common emergencies, and perform risk assessments.
• Work in partnership with registered Nurses and other healthcare staff.
• Comply with Trust policies including safeguarding and infection control.

Skills

Six Cs values

Willingness to learn

Compassion

Job description

Job Introduction

Open the door to your NHS career today. Discover how you can earn while you learn.

Join our Healthcare Support Worker development (HCSWD) programme, where you will learn on the job at Devon Partnership NHS Trust at either Torbay Hospital or Langdon Hospital over a 6-monthperiod.

Days: £12.92, Saturdays/Nights: £18.22, Sunday/Bank Hols: £23.65

Why might this job interest you?

During your placement, you’ll work towards achieving the widely recognised Care Certificate with the training you need to become a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW). Also known as Healthcare Assistant (HCA). Throughout, you’ll have supportive supervision from your mentor/Ward Manager.

Once you’ve graduated as a HCSW, you can progress your career by accessing further training. This career path may lead to potential roles such as Senior Healthcare Assistant to Assistant Practitioner or Nursing Associate, enabling further career avenues such as a Nurse or Midwife.

Where will you be working?

You’ll be joining an organisation focused on making a real difference to the lives of the people we support, as well as their families.

We also prioritise the health and wellbeing of our staff whatever your skills or experience, there’s likely to be a role that suits you.

Whether you prefer working in a city, countryside, or coastal location, Devon offers all three. It really is a great place to live and work.

Benefits of joining

By joining, you can receive some exciting benefits:

• Career Progression – Achieve a Care Certificate and begin your journey with the NHS.
• Weekly pay – Work this week, get paid next week.
• Paid annual leave – Build holiday allowance.
• Provide patient care – Provide care, safety, and welfare for patients.
• Join the NHS family – Become part of a healthcare team.
• Dedicated training and supervised shifts – Support from your ward / area and skilled mentors.

Main Responsibilities

As a trainee HCSW in Mental Health, you’ll learn key skills, such as:

• Taking basic observations, explaining treatment, and updating patient records.
• Supporting patients with everyday activities, including assisting at mealtimes.
• Providing emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families.
• Monitoring patients’ physical and mental health and keeping accurate records.
• Supervising patients to ensure their safety, managing common emergencies, and performing risk assessments.
• Working individually and as part of a team, supporting registered Nurses and other healthcare practitioners in providing patient care.
• Comply with Trust and local policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Infection Prevention and Control.

The benefits we can offer you in return:

• Career progression – Achieve a Care Certificate and begin your healthcare career with the NHS.
• Weekly pay – Access your wages more quickly.
• Join the NHS family – Become part of a respected healthcare team and provide patient care.
• Dedicated training and supervised shifts – Support from your ward / area and skilled mentors.
• Development opportunities via the Trust.
• Webinar support – Regular monthly sessions covering the Care Certificate workbook, Conflict Management training and more.

The Ideal Candidate

What you’ll need:

• As an entry level role, you do not need any previous healthcare experience.
• A passion for care as well as following the six enduring values that underpin ‘compassion in practice’. The 6Cs are defined as: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment.
• To be over the age of 18 or turning 18 before placement.
• Able to work at least 30 hours a week across earlies, lates and nights during the programme.

What’s next?

If you’re successful, you’ll be invited to an interview and assessment day in the first week of October, exact date TBC, followed by unpaid classroom training End of October Exact date TBC and an induction week before you start.

“As a result of the HCSWD programme, I am now a qualified Healthcare Support Worker and currently pursuing my dream to qualify as a Nurse.” Lynda Akpan, HCSW

Disclaimer

Please note, you will be contacted by email throughout the recruitment process, so please check your emails, including your junk/spam regularly. We regret we cannot contact everyone who is not selected for an interview, therefore if you do not hear from us within 21 days after submitting your application, please assume you have not been successful on this occasion.