Healthcare Support Worker Roles
We are currently expanding our team of Healthcare Assistants/ Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs).
HCSWs are a vital part of the team and support staff and patients in wards and departments throughout the hospital. HCSWs make sure the patient experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. It can also be the stepping stone into many other NHS roles.
If you have a true passion for care and are keen to join a fantastic hospital, in a beautiful location, then this could be the job for you.
What to expect working as a HCSW at Team DCH
Working as a HCSW is a very varied role and can differ slightly depending on the ward you work on. You will work under the guidance of the Ward Sister or Staff Nurse and daily tasks may include:
- washing and dressing patients
- serving meals and refreshments and helping to feed patients
- making beds
- helping patients to keep active
- helping patients to feel more comfortable
- monitoring patients' conditions by taking temperatures, pulse, respiration and weight
Do I need previous care experience?
You don’t need to have experience in a care setting to start your healthcare career with us. We provide training and support before you start your role and simply ask that you uphold our Trust Values, are passionate about care and are committed to supporting our patients.
We do ask for six months of experience when working in certain areas such as our Ilchester Integrated Assessment Unit and Emergency Department.
Skills and personal characteristics needed
To be a healthcare support worker, you will need to be:
- caring and kind
- cheerful and friendly
- willing to be hands-on with patients
- willing to do personal care tasks (washing, toileting, etc)
- able to follow instructions and procedures
- able to work in a team but also use your own initiative
You will also need:
- good communication skills, including listening
- good organisational skills
- good observational skills
- GCSE English and Maths (Grade D or above/Function Skills Level 1)
Training and development
Your training as a healthcare support worker will include basic nursing skills and you will work towards the Care Certificate, developed by Skills for Care, Skills for Health and Health Education England.
We are dedicated to supporting our staff and we have a team of Practice Educators who will support you with settling into your first few months and with your care certificate.
Click here to find out more about the Care Certificate.
Pay and benefits
Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours and may include a mix of shifts, such as nights, early starts, evenings and weekends. As a healthcare support worker, you’ll be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting on a Band 2.
You will also have access to the NHS pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, which increases the longer you are in service.
- A competitive salary at £10.36 - £10.93 per hour plus unsociable hours payments
- Incredible leave entitlement available from your first day with us (this is because in other places you have to have extensive service)
- Access to discounts available for NHS staff
- Excellent pension scheme