Job summary
At Totnes Community Hospital, we're proud to offer something a little different.

Whilst our hospital may appear small and quaint from the outside, behind our doors is a thriving community hospital bringing together a wide range of services including inpatient rehabilitation, Minor Injuries, Physiotherapy Outpatients, X-Ray, Older People's Mental Health Services, Midwifery Teams, Community Services and Discharge Support.

Dart Ward is a 16-bedded inpatient ward providing rehabilitation, recovery and end of life care to patients following acute illness and treatment within our acute hospitals. One of the most rewarding aspects of working within our community setting is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients and their families, supporting them through important stages of their recovery journey and helping them regain independence.

Our team is what makes Totnes special. We have a supportive, welcoming culture where colleagues genuinely look after one another. Whether that's sharing knowledge, celebrating successes or taking part in our much-loved baking and cooking activities, we believe in creating a positive working environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

From the moment you join us, we will invest in your development. Through regular supervision, in-house training, external courses and educational support, we will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to achieve your career aspirations.

Main duties of the job
As part of our multidisciplinary team, you will play an important role in delivering safe, compassionate and high-quality care to our patients.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working collaboratively with registered nurses, therapists and the wider multidisciplinary team to support patient care and rehabilitation.
• Supporting patients to achieve their recovery goals and maintain as much independence as possible.
• Monitoring and responding appropriately to changes in patients' conditions.
• Undertaking a range of clinical skills and procedures following appropriate training and competency assessment.
• Maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to Trust policies and procedures.
• Supporting patients and their families throughout their care journey.
• Contributing to service improvement initiatives and the continued development of Dart Ward.

You will be encouraged and supported to develop your knowledge, skills and competencies throughout your career with us.

About us
Staff Stories
We are passionate about developing talent and supporting colleagues to achieve their goals. Many of our staff have progressed into new roles, undertaken additional training or expanded their clinical skills whilst working within our community services. Whether your ambition is to develop specialist clinical expertise, progress into leadership or simply continue building your confidence and experience, we will support you every step of the way.

Where to Find Us
Nestled in the heart of beautiful Totnes, our hospital enjoys a unique setting close to the historic castle, riverside walks and vibrant town centre. With excellent local amenities and the railway station just a 10-minute walk away, Totnes offers the perfect balance between professional fulfilment and quality of life.

Care to join us? Whether you are experienced within healthcare or looking to further your career within a supportive community environment, we would love to hear from you. We actively encourage informal visits so you can experience first-hand what makes Totnes Community Hospital such a special place to work.

Pleasebe advised:

• that our department is unable to provide visa sponsorship for the Healthcare Support Worker role at this time. Applications are welcomed from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK.
• Priority will be given to applicants with recognised 'Priority' or 'At Risk' status, including NHS staff identified across Devon **.**
• If you do not currently hold a Level 3 qualification, you must have an equivalent qualification or level of experience and be willing to enrol on and complete the NVQ Level 3 qualification as part of your employment.

Job responsibilities
At Totnes Community Hospital, we believe that great patient care starts with supporting our people.

Our teams are passionate about delivering high-quality care whilst creating a workplace where colleagues can develop, thrive and enjoy coming to work. We recognise the importance of wellbeing and provide dedicated breakout spaces for lunch and wellbeing breaks, alongside a culture that promotes mutual support, learning and professional growth.

We are committed to helping our staff achieve their full potential and have a strong track record of supporting career progression, development opportunities and continued education.

To learn more about the role responsibilities please view the combined job description and person specification.

Save the date:
Should you be successful in the shortlisting process, you will be invited to attend an interview date on Wednesday 14th October 2026.

• Once you have undertaken successful pre-employment checks, a start date will be agreed and you will be booked onto a 10 day induction course alongside care certificate, if required. Induction dates typically occur at the beginning of each month

Qualifications and Training
Essential

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification/experience

Desirable

• Care certificate
• English & Mathematics at GSCE grade A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills

Knowledge and experience
Essential

• Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience
• Understands the need for strict confidentiality

Desirable

• Working knowledge of complex care needs of some individuals/families including Safeguarding Children & Adults, Domestic Abuse and Mental Health

Specific skills
Essential

• Basic computer/keyboard skills
• Fine motor skills - for venepuncture, phlebotomy and other clinical tasks
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to prioritise and organise work
• Able to work under instruction, under pressure and as part of a team
• Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records
• Able to manage stress in themselves and others
• Able to offer support at times of emotional distress
• Willingness to undertake new skills and training
• Able to work as a team member or independently
• Ability to adapt behaviour to changing and challenging situations
• To be flexible, adaptable, reliable and punctual
• The post holder must demonstrate a positive commitment to uphold diversity and equality policies approved by the Trust

Desirable

• Healthcare competencies appropriate to area of work

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.