Job overview
Are you looking to step into 2024 with a new career? Do you want to make a difference to people’s lives? Do you enjoy working as part of a team?
University Hospitals Sussex is a great place to work, offering a working environment with an inclusive culture that looks after and values our people and creates a sense of belonging. We encourage applications from people who embrace our values and who will enable us to expand our diverse workforce. We also offer a wealth of health and well-being benefits Staff wellbeing - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (uhsussex.nhs.uk), NHS salary structure and pension, enhanced pay when you work unsocial hours Maternity, paternity and adoption leave, a wide range of LGBTI+ initiatives, Health service discounts and online benefits.
Main duties of the job
As a Health Care Support Worker, you will be supporting patients being looked after on Middleton Ward
You will be given a trust induction and access to a bespoke training programme aimed at supporting your development within your first year. Continuing education and professional development are strongly encouraged.
Our Nationally recognised Patient First Improvement system ensures that all members of our staff are actively encouraged to contribute to making improvements in their areas of work.
In return we expect you to be caring and kind, cheerful and friendly, able to follow direct instructions, able to work in a team but also use your own initiative, have good listening and communication skills, willing to learn and ask questions and be well organised.
The Healthcare Support Worker role can also lead to a range of career opportunities. With the right support, those who want to can undertake the necessary training to become our future Nursing Associates and Registered Nurses.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Professional
1. To actively take part in meeting the needs of the patients under the supervision of a qualified nurse, working within the Trust's policies and procedures and the philosophy of the department.
2. To be an effective member of a multidisciplinary team under the direction and supervision of a qualified nurse and to be continually aware of the need for confidentiality.
3. Where appropriate, to continue to develop own capabilities in nursing tasks in order to deliver a high standard of care.
4. To participate in ensuring effective use of resources and reduction of wastage within the departmental areas.
5. The post holder will have direct contact with patients in their capacity as HCA within the out patient setting, under the direction and supervision of a RN.
6. There may be an occasional requirement for administrative functions within this role e.g. minimal data input, maintaining health records.
Clinical
7. To assist patients to carry out personal care
8. To assist patient to mobilise where appropriate
9. To testing specimens and recording the results.
10. Taking and recording of temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, height and weight on instruction from the qualified nurse. Recording the results appropriately and reporting any abnormalities to the nurse in charge
11. Under the supervision of the qualified nurse, support patients undergoing clinical procedures ensuring their comfort and safety
12. To restock departmental areas as required reporting and shortages to the sister
13. To adhere to the policy for the Control of Infection
14. To maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business.
15. To participate in quality assuranceprogrammes as required.
16. To participate in the promotion of a positive learning environment and to act as a role model at all times.
17. To be aware of and contribute to Clinical Governance arrangements/issues for area of work.
Communication
18. To work in a team with qualified nurses, medical, healthcare professionals and other support staff.
19. To report all incidents/accidents involving patients and staff to the qualified nurse and to assist in any enquiries.
20. To answer telephone enquiries pleasantly, in accordance with the Trust’s telephone answering technique and take the appropriate action.
21. To participate in the use of IT within the department.
Education
22. To attend relevant study days/courses to meet own development needs within the department in accordance with the Trust's aims and objectives as asked by department manager.
23. To review personal practice and development through the appraisal process
Person specification
Behaviors and Attitudes
Essential criteria
24. Demonstrate kind, caring and compassionate behaviours in line with Trust Values.
25. Experience of caring for patients of different ethnic origin, gender and faiths.
Desirable criteria
26. Knowledge of the 6 C’s and Trust values.
27. Evidence of training and awareness in equality and diversity.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
28. Current care experience (paid employment) in a Healthcare setting.
29. Experience in customer or public facing roles.
Desirable criteria
30. NHS care experience.
Communication
Essential criteria
31. Able to communicate using verbal and written skills.
32. Basic computer skills.
33. Experience in assisting patients with moving and handling.
Desirable criteria
34. Advanced computer skills.
35. Knowledge and experience of NHS IT systems/applications
Experience/Qualifications
Essential criteria
36. GCSE Maths and English or Fundamental Key Skills Maths and English at level 2 or equivalent qualifications.
Desirable criteria
37. Healthcare related NVQ, BTEC or equivalent at Level 3. National Care Certificate Maths and English GCSE passes at grade D or above.
38. Previous care experience
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
39. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
40. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.
Closing adverts early: Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications