Job summary
We want you to become part of the team at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust!

West Herts College Group, in collaboration with the West Hertfordshire NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust, has established a "Routes to Work" course for Healthcare Support Workers.

Our Healthcare Support Workers play a vital role within our hospitals delivering excellent care to our patients.

This programme is designed for individuals new to the workforce who do not possess prior healthcare experience or relevant qualifications.

No healthcare qualifications or experience are required, and participants will be employed by the hospital during the 6 week training period. Upon successful completion, individuals will transition directly into employment as a Healthcare support worker.

At the end of your training programme, you will be required to work 12.5 hour shifts, covering days, nights and weekends (further details below).

Please visit the following website for information about the role of a Healthcare Support Worker: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-support-worker/roles-healthcare-support-worker/healthcare-assistant

Interviews will be held on Tuesday, 10th November 2026.

You must be ready to start the programme on the 11 January 2027. There can be no delays or extension to this date.

Due to limited spaces on the course, we encourage you to apply now to avoid disappointment.

Main duties of the job
This 6-week course is designed to provide staff with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of care within the National Health Service (NHS). Participants will gain essential knowledge and skills necessary for delivering high-quality care and supporting patients effectively.

Through interactive modules, participants will learn about various aspects of care delivery, including communication skills, patient centred care, infection control, and reflective practice. The programme is aimed at career changers, those returning to work, and those without prior knowledge of working in the health sector.

The Healthcare Support Worker is a member of the ward team responsible for delivering prescribed care under the guidance of a registered nurse. For a comprehensive overview of the duties associated with this role, please refer to the attached job description.

Key responsibilities include supporting patient hygiene, assisting with feeding for those in need, providing comprehensive care, and ensuring the cleanliness and organisation of designated areas and equipment as directed.

About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking

If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net

If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Details
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 2
Salary: £26,618 a year inc HCA
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 360-H-HCSW-RTW26

Job responsibilities
Please find attached the job description and information sheet for your review which provide further details about the position and the programme.

You will be required to complete the Care Certificate qualification as part of your on-going training.

The Care Certificate is an agreed set of standards that define the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of specific job roles in the health and social care sectors. The qualification is made up of the 15 minimum standards that should be covered if you are 'new to care' and will form part of a robust induction programme.

Important information - please read:
Residency and funding eligibility: You must meet the relevant residency and immigration status requirements under the applicable funding rules. Eligibility will be assessed individually.

We are unable to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (Work Permit) for this role.

Due to funding requirements, you must be aged 19 by 31st March 2027.

We are recruiting for full time ward based positions covering a 24 hour, 7 day a week shift pattern (rotational shifts, with enhanced pay for weekends and nights).

Posts involve working 3 long days/nights per week, with 1 week in 4 working a 4 day/night week.

Shifts are 12.5 hours long (this includes an hour allocated for breaks). Shifts start at 7:15am - 7:45pm or 7:15pm - 7:45am. Shifts will cover 7 days per week, days, nights and Bank Holidays.

We cannot accommodate set shift patterns, day or night only shifts. If you are unable to commit to the working pattern, as detailed above, we would suggest that you apply to join NHS Professionals.

Once you have experience in the role, if you are looking to progress, we have fantastic opportunities within the Trust for you to complete a Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship or to go on to complete the Nursing Associate program. These opportunities are fully supported and financed by the Trust. Please ask us for more information if you are interested.

Person Specification
Education and qualifications

• Essential: Good general education.
• Essential: Good standard of written and spoken English.
• Essential: Willingness to undertake The Care Certificate, Skills for Care & Skills for Health.
• Desirable: English GCSE A*-C, 4-9 or Functional skills level 2.
• Desirable: Maths GCSE A*-C, 4-9 or Functional skills level 2.

Knowledge

• Essential: Understands the role of a Healthcare Assistant.
• Desirable: IT skills.

Experience

• Essential: Broad general experience.
• Essential: Team working.

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: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address: Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB, United Kingdom
Employer's website: http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk

For questions about the job, contact:
Recruitment Specialist, Geanina Duduta, geanina.duduta@nhs.net

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