Trainee Radiology Department Assistant

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS Trust in Maidstone seeks a dedicated team member for the Radiology department. The successful candidate will engage directly with patients and support medical staff. Key skills include effective communication, basic patient care, and flexibility in working hours. Candidates should possess GCSEs in English and Mathematics, along with relevant healthcare experience. A commitment to patient confidentiality and teamwork is essential. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays

Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme

Blue Light card eligibility

Qualifications

• Experience in public-facing role dealing with people with differing needs.
• Experience in carrying out assigned duties after training.
• 12+ months clinical experience in an acute healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Support radiographers, radiologists, and nurses in caring for patients.
• Register patients on the Radiology computer system.
• Assist in minor procedures performed under imaging guidance.

Skills

Effective interpersonal and communication skills

Basic patient care

Flexibility

Organisational astuteness

Ability to multi-task and prioritise work

Good IT and administrative skills

Ability to work within a team

Initiative and ability to work autonomously

Education

Grade C GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics

GCSE (or equivalent) in a science subject

Job description

Job overview

The Radiology department is recruiting for a pivotal role within the radiology team. The successful candidate will have direct patient contact as well as liaising with clinical personnel throughout the hospital.

This role requires the following skills

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Basic patient care
• Flexibility
• Organisational astuteness
• An ability to multi task and prioritise work
• Good IT and administrative skills
• An ability to work within a team
• To use initiative and work autonomously when required

Patient confidentiality is essential to this role

Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications and the advert may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.

Main duties of the job

The role involves working a combination of 7.5 hours and 11.25 hours shifts including weekends, overnight and bank holidays, to assist the Radiology service throughout the week, weekend and overnight. Therefore, you will require flexibility with your working pattern to be able to fully participate in this roster.

The main tasks of the post will be to support the radiographers, radiologists and nurses in caring for patients, register the patients on the Radiology computer system and assist the Radiographers with transfer of patients if no porters are available. There will be some clerical duties but training will be given for all aspects of the post.

Clinical tasks include chaperoning patients, cannulation, patient observations and assisting in minor procedures performed under imaging guidance. Competencies and training for this will be provided.

New members of staff will find themselves welcomed into a vibrant and friendly department that has an attitude of inclusivity. We have an active social group comprising staff from all Bands who meet regularly to socialise after the stresses of the day.

Working for our organisation

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day‑care beds, diagnostic services (X‑ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation / treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working?

We are a flexible working‑friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public / bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits.
• Blue Light card eligibility.
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors / omissions prior to submission.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Broad education to include Grade C GCSE (or equivalent in English and Mathematics)>
• Experience in public facing role dealing with people with differing needs
• Experience in carrying out assigned duties / assisting qualified staff after training

Desirable criteria

• GCSE (or equivalent) in a science subject
• Proven record of continued learning
• Previous work as an HCA or similar
• Previous clinical experience in an acute healthcare setting, with a minimum of 12 months experience
• Basic knowledge of NHS structure
• Care certificate
• Evidence of working with a wide‑range of patients with differing care needs

Skills

Essential criteria

• Good interpersonal skills both verbal and written
• Good organisational ability
• Helpful telephone manner
• Able to use initiative and work under pressure
• Adaptable
• Ability to support colleagues and work as part of a team
• Able to work alone
• Demonstrates good time management skills
• Ability to compassionately manage sensitive situation
• Able to handle aggression or distress with tactfully with understanding

Desirable criteria

• Experience of giving care in a multi‑cultural environment

Attributes

Essential criteria

• Calm, methodical, accurate and well organised
• Willing to help others
• Self‑motivated
• Committed to continuous learning
• Able to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks.
• Able to deal with the public in person and on the phone
• Able to support and reassure patients / carers in distress
• Understands importance of maintaining confidentiality
• Understands importance of infection control