Job summary
We are looking for motivated and passionate Senior Healthcare Support Workers to contibute to the amazing care already provided on our Paediatric Unit, known as Rainbow Ward based at Royal albert Edward Infirmary.

This role is an integral member of the clinical team. They will assist and support nursing, medical, and other professional staff in the delivery of high standards of holistic family centred care to children and families. Your role as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker is to support our Nursing teams deliver the best care possible to our patients and contribute to the smooth running of our wards and departments.

Please note, due to the working arrangement of 36 hours per week, this role is not eligible for sponsorship.

Please note: Essential criteria for appointment to Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker: NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or Care Certificate. If no appointable candidate meeting the Band 3 essential criteria is identified, the Trust may consider appointing to a Band 2 role only where the candidate meets the Band 2 person specification and where duties and pay reflect Band 2 responsibilities. Any appointment to Band 2 will be subject to a documented selection decision and a clear training plan to support progression to Band 3 once the mandatory qualification is achieved. Please note we are unable to accept online qualifications that are diplomas and not recognised NVQ as they do not meet the RQF (Regulated Qualification Framework).

Main duties of the job
Duties of a Healthcare Support Worker
We know that no two days are the same and it's hard to fit everything on one page, however, the following are an example of the duties our Healthcare Support Workers do every day in their role.

• Assist patients with the provision of washing, dressing, personal care, beverages and/or meals.
• Assist qualified nursing and medical staff where requested.
• Communicate with all members of the team to maintain a good service provision.
• Ensure that all patients are able to meet their hygiene needs, providing a level of assistance appropriate to the individual.
• Prepare and support the patient appropriately during any activity that is to be undertaken.
• Alert the registered nurse where you notice any changes in the patient's health and well-being or any possible risks.
• Undertake observations/tasks such as patient temperature, weighing, fluid checks as directed
• Ensure effective use of material resources/supplies within the ward/unit in consultation with senior staff.
• Assist with the general cleaning and re-stocking of resources where appropriate as well as cleaning and preparing patients beds.
• Contribute to own personal development and take an active part in learning opportunities.

About us
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is proud to provide high-quality acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, our staff are central to everything we do -- we believe that happy staff make for happy patients, and this ethos underpins our culture and our success.

We have a strong, recognised track record in staff engagement and in living our values:

• People at the Heart
• Listen and Involve
• Kind and Respectful
• ONE Team

We are committed to placing patients at the heart of every decision and delivering safe, effective care that protects dignity and enhances experience. We seek to recruit people who share our values, our passion for high-quality care, and our belief in working together as One Team.

At WWL, we recognise the strength that comes from a rich and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all sections of society and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Details
Date posted: 28 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year
per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time,
Flexible working
Reference number: 302-26-8236664S-MCFW
Job locations: Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 2NN
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan
WN1 2NN
United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities

• The post holder will provide the highest standards of nursing care to children and their families
• The post holder will be an effective communicator in all aspects of their duties both in direct and indirect patient care.
• The post holder will work in collaboration with the healthcare teams
• The post holder will work within the confines of their mandatory and statutory obligations,
• The post holder will undertake delegated nursing tasks as deemed necessary to enhance the care of the patient, some of which may be competency based.
• The post holder will assess and report risk to the nurse/lead clinician. The post holder will assist in the orientation and education of new staff.
• Take responsibility for, prioritise and manage own workload to support the clinical team.
• Work without direct supervision once deemed competent, using experience and knowledge to ensure the highest quality care is delivered
• Promote and maintain a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment for patients and their families.
• Carry out additional clinical skills once trained and deemed competent. These can be specific to the clinical area.
• Create and maintain relationships with patients, parent/carers, offering advice and support where necessary. Accompany patients to other areas of the hospital for specialised treatment.
• Prepare patient for and assist with specific clinical and non clinical procedures appropriate to the clinical area.
• Participate in patient assessment (with direct supervision and after appropriate delegation from the Registered Practitioner/Assistant Practitioner), to deliver high standards of care.
• Perform area specific clinical competencies to enhance the delivery of patient care/therapy.
• Under supervision follow individual care treatment plans, and report any changes immediately to the Registered Practitioner/Assistant Practitioner.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Maintain effective communication with patients, relatives and members of the Multidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a variety of communication skills in accordance with the patient group.
• Contribute to clear concise patient records and documentation adhering to national standards and trust policies and procedures.
• Obtain consent prior to giving care/therapy in accordance with Trust Consent Policy.
• Undertake transfer/escort of patients from one area to another after appropriate delegation from the Registered Practitioner within their scope of practice.
• Provide clinical care/therapy in accordance with infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.

Person Specification
Qualifacation
Essential

• NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care qualification
• Care Certificate

Desirable

• Effective level of numeracy and literacy skills

Experience
Essential

• Ability to work independently and as part of the team
• Effective customer service skills
• Previous experience as healthcare support worker

Desirable

• Ability to deal with people from all backgrounds
• Experience within a paediatric setting

Knowledge
Essential

• Effective customer service skills
• Effective understanding of confidentiality

Desirable

• Effective communication skills - written and verbal

Additional
Essential

• Flexible and hardworking

Desirable

• Ability to deal with people from all backgrounds

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: Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 2NN
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan
WN1 2NN
United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Ward Manager
Gail Parr
gail.parr@wwl.nhs.uk
01942778672

Details
Date posted: 28 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year
per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time,
Flexible working
Reference number: 302-26-8236664S-MCFW
Job locations: Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 2NN
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan
WN1 2NN
United Kingdom

Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)

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.