Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated Health Care Support Worker to join our Childrens Outpatient Team.

This post will be predominantly based at University Hospital of North Durham but travel to other sites is required. Our team supports around 32,000 appointments per year so this is a busy role where no two days are the same. This role is for 26.25 hours; 8.15am-5.30pm shifts Monday-Friday to meet the needs of the service.

You will be welcoming children and families to the department, supporting Consultant and Nurse led clinics, performing clinical observations and supporting our nursing team with investigations and procedures. You will be expected to take bloods after appropriate training. As well as being a great team player, were looking for someone who is flexible, has initiative and excellent communication skills and will take pride in ensuring the department is maintained to a high standard.

This is a Trustwide role so whilst you'll be predominantly based at UHND , you will be required to travel to Darlington Memorial, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street Hospitals and Stanley Primary Care centre; you must be able to travel independently across site.

Main duties of the job
You will be welcoming children and families to the department, supporting Consultant and Nurse led clinics, performing clinical observations and supporting our nursing team with investigations and procedures. You will be expected to take bloods after appropriate training. As well as being a great team player, were looking for someone who is flexible, has initiative and excellent communication skills and will take pride in ensuring the department is maintained to a high standard

About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years of as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).

Job responsibilities
This is a Trustwide role so whilst you'll be predominantly based at UHND , you will be required to travel to Darlington Memorial, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street Hospitals and Stanley Primary Care centre; you must be able to travel independently across site

Person Specification
Special Requirements
Essential

• Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
• Reflective practitioner.
• Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change

Desirable

• Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.

Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential

• Good verbal and written command of English.
• Ability to act upon own initiative.
• Good communication skills.
• Able to work under some pressure.
• Ability to show leadership.
• Ability to plan own work.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Willing to take and record patient observations.

Desirable

• Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.

Personal Attributes
Essential

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
• Understanding of the role of HCSW.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.

Qualifications
Essential

• Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience.
• Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post.
• GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.

Desirable

• Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties

Experience
Essential

• Computer skills Ability to learn new skills
• Previous

Desirable

• Previous experience in caring for others.

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.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.