Job summary
This is an opportunity for development into nursing support worker roles for those with no formal care experience through a Band 2 to 3 development pathway. This is a 6 month development Programme, therefore this is not suitable for full time students due to the training requirements. Successful applicants will commence in a Band 2 post and on successful completion of all competencies, progress into a Band 3 position in 6 months.

You must bring your school qualifications in Maths and English and prepare to bring these with you if successful for interview; if you cannot bring them please let a member of the recruitment team know prior to interview. Please note this is not an apprenticeship route, therefore applicants must be 18 and above.

Under current UK immigration rules Band 2 Health Care Support Worker roles do NOT meet the salary or skills requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship by the Trust.

Applicants MUST already have the right to work in the UK at the time of starting their employment with a minimum of 12 months remaining on their visa.

Main duties of the job
The Health Care Assistant will be an integral member of the ward / department team working under the direct supervision of a registered practitioner.

The Health Care Assistant is responsible for providing personal care to patients as delegated by the registered practitioner.

The Health Care Assistant will ensure that their practice is guided by standard operating procedures and established policies and guidelines. They will recognise own limitations, and work within the scope of their role at all times.

The Health Care Assistant will act in a manner that upholds privacy, dignity, respect and confidentiality for patients and colleagues.

About us
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

Details
Date posted: 16 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 2
Salary: Depending on experience Per Annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 358-8296142-COR
Closing date: 29 October 2026

Job responsibilities

• Report any observed changes in the patients physical or psychological needs to the registered practitioner.
• Provide support to the registered practitioner, and where appropriate, other members of the ward / department clinical team as required.
• Initiate a response to and participate with emergencies i.e. cardiac arrest, patient falls and patients with a rapidly deteriorating condition.
• Undertake transfer/escort of patients from one area to another within their scope of practice and after appropriate delegation from the registered practitioner.
• Assist in the Last Offices for deceased patients ensuring that all religious and cultural wishes are adhered with.
• Perform area specific clinical competencies to enhance the delivery of patient care. (List of Specific Personal Care Interventions can be found in Appendix 1).

Nutrition and Hydration

• Assist in the preparation of patients prior to meals and beverages providing assistance in feeding / drinking where appropriate.
• Correctly record and monitor dietary intake of patients, informing registered practitioners of progress and / or any difficulties relating to dietary / fluid intake experienced by the patient.

Communication

• Communicate effectively and maintain good relationships with patients, relatives, and healthcare practitioners.
• Undertake clerical duties as directed by the registered practitioner in relation to all verbal and written communications, ensuring messages and communications are passed to other team members, as required.
• Listen to and value the views of patients and their relatives and / or on their experience and discuss this with registered practitioners in order to improve care and patient experience.
• Actively support and assist in alleviating distress and anxiety for patients and carers in line with their personal beliefs and preferences whilst in hospital, seeking support from a registered practitioner when required.

Infection Prevention and Control

• In accordance with training, ensure safe and effective infection prevention and control (including waste management), handwashing and wearing of Personal Protective Equipment are adhered to at all times.
• Maintain cleanliness in the work environment in line with UHL Health and Safety and Infection Prevention policies and guidelines.
• Prepare and maintain environments for clinical procedures under the direction of a registered practitioner.

General Ward / Department Duties

• Under the direction of a registered practitioner, organise the supply and maintenance of materials and ward or department equipment, ensuring they are placed in the correct area and present no hazards to staff, patients, or visitors.
• Assist in the transfer of materials and equipment as requested.
• Clean and return equipment utilised in procedures and treatments to the Decontamination Unit or dispose of as appropriate.
• Assist with the checking and recording of deliveries to the clinical areas against original orders.
• Assist with stock rotation, minimising the risk of equipment being out of date.
• Use IT systems where appropriate and trained to do so, to record patient information.

Education and Training

• Recognise and consistently works within boundaries of the role.
• Maintain responsibility for their own continuing professional development needs and take part in the annual appraisal process to help identify future development requirements.
• Assist in the orientation of new staff / learners to the ward or department.

This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended to be a complete list. You may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require. You will be required to maintain compliance with all statutory and mandatory training requirements. The link to the Trusts policies and procedures is: https://secure.library.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/PAGL/SitePages/Home.aspx

Person Specification
Training and Qualifications (Essential):

• Holds Functional Skills Level 1 Maths and English or education equivalent

Experience (Essential):

• Experience working in a healthcare, social care organisation/setting or similar transferable service industry requiring people contact.
• New to care/expresses a keen interest in providing care

Communication and relationship skills (Essential):

• Good communication skills (written and verbal) and this is visible in Supporting information (with limited use of AI)
• Able to work as a team.
• Able to relate well with patients/relatives/visitors/ Colleagues/the multi-disciplinary team and wider Trust staff.

Skills

• Essential: Able to carry out well defined routine tasks.
• Essential: Committed to delivering high standards of patient care.
• Essential: Professional outlook and positive attitude.
• Desirable: Computer skills

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours (Essential):

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

Analytical and judgement skills (Essential):

• Able to work on own initiative, following direction/supervision by a Registered Practitioner

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Address: University Hospital Leicester - Cross Site., Infirmary Square, Leicester, LE1 5WW, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/

For questions about the job, contact:
Education Lead, Healthcare Support Worker Faculty - Anna Kendrick - anna.kendrick2@nhs.net - 07929838363

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust's privacy notice is available on the Trust website.