Job summary
A Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) is part of the multidisciplinary team delivering direct care to patients and supporting Registered Practitioners to deliver high quality, compassionate health care to people in accordance with assessed needs and a care plan.

You will carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical healthcare, or therapeutic tasks, under the direct or indirect supervision of the Registered Practitioner, in accordance with the Trust values.

There will be opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills, specific to your needs. Training will be provided to ensure you have the required core skills for a Band 3 HCSW in your area of work. You will also be supported to obtain a Care Certificate if not already achieved.

Main duties of the job

• To carry out a range of clinical duties with minimal / no direct supervision
• Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concerns about patients to other clinical staff.
• Lead by example and supervise/support junior members of staff to improve and maintain high standards of care.
• Implements clinical care packages through a range of delegated clinical care duties relevant to the area of service.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100.

We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

Job responsibilities

• Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
• Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.
• Ability to use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and an understanding to take decisions within your area of responsibility.
• To carry out a range of (limited) clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including for example, blood pressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate, glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples / faecal samples / sputum samples and wound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustive and will vary depending on area of work.
• Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concerns about patients to other clinical staff.
• Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.
• Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.
• Utilising skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.
• Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.

Qualifications
Essential

• Training and qualifications are provided to enable the HCSW to comply with mandatory HCSW standards where you will obtain either: Accredited Vocational Qualification at Level 2 or equivalent relevant demonstrable experience. Note that if you are new to care, training will be provided to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.

Desirable

• Level 2 QCF Diploma in Clinical Healthcare support
• Level 2 NVQ in Healthcare Health and Social Care
• Level 2 in Health and Social Care (NVQ, QCF, RQF)
• GCSE A*-D in English Language, or equivalent (e.g. Certificate in Adult Literacy at Level 1)
• GCSE A*-D, or equivalent in Mathematics (e.g. Certificate in Adult Numeracy at Level 1)

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Be able to work as a member of a team
• Demonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work
• Understands and committed to a caring approach to patients and relatives
• Ability to carry out assigned tasks effectively in a busy environment.

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting

Aptitude and Abilities
Essential

• Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
• Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately

Desirable

• Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures.

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.

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address: Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Contact
For questions about the job, contact: Ward Manager Kate Rayner, Katherine.rayner2@nhs.net, 01752439773

Applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome. Available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity (with current line manager's agreement).