Job Overview
The primary role of the Maternity Support Worker (MSW) is to assist, support, and work in collaboration with the midwife and the wider multidisciplinary team to provide a safe and holistic approach to women‑centred care.
The midwife is ultimately responsible for the care of the mother and her new‑born(s), and under the direct or indirect supervision of the midwife, the MSW assists with and provides clinical care following completion of any relevant training. The employee will receive appropriate training for the clinical setting in which they are working. The role is community based within Nottinghamshire and training is provided at Nottingham University Hospitals City and QMC.
Post will be fixed term for 10 or 12 months.
Main duties of the job
* Undertake planned delegated care as part of the midwifery team, delivering high standards of clinical, physical, psychological and social care under the supervision of a registered practitioner.
* Work in partnership with women and their families, developing and maintaining positive relationships, supporting informed decision‑making and respecting the woman, birthing person and their family’s wishes.
* Work within limits of own competence and authority in line with the MSW’s scope of practice in the national framework to inform care planning and, when required, escalating to the multi‑disciplinary team to avoid harm.
* Work collaboratively as part of a team.
* Promote a professional, welcoming, and caring environment.
* Have a positive attitude and consistently demonstrate the Trust’s values and behaviours.
Working for our organisation
With over 19,000 staff, we are one of the biggest employers in the city, playing a leading role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We are committed to diversity, encouraging new ideas and offering endless personal development opportunities. We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we strive to be better represented at NUH.
Care of the Woman
* Manage own time effectively, prioritising care needs of women and their babies under the direction and supervision of the associated professional.
* Communicate effectively and clarify understanding with women and their families in all settings, selecting appropriate methods when disability or complexity may exist.
* Understand and gain consent before providing care.
* Undertake baseline and routine observations and measurements, escalating any deviation from the normal range to the named midwife or appropriate team member.
* Perform venepuncture or capillary blood sampling in line with national standards and local policy, following completion of relevant competency training.
* Assist in the nutrition and hydration needs of women and birthing people.
Care of the Newborn
* Undertake neonatal observations under direct and indirect supervision, escalating any deviations from the normal range appropriately and in a timely manner after practical and theoretical competency training.
* Observe the overall wellbeing of the newborn, escalating any concerns to the named midwife or multi‑professional team promptly.
* Provide practical support and transition to parenthood for new parents, promoting safety, bonding and teaching parenting skills in the home setting.
* Assist or perform neonatal blood sampling, including tests such as newborn blood spot and TCB jaundice test as directed by the midwife, following successful completion of appropriate competency training.
Infant Feeding
* Have the knowledge and skills to support initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding.
* Understand the importance of skin‑to‑skin contact, enabling responsive feeding cues.
* Apply BFI standards on attachment and positioning for effective feeding.
* Recognise circumstances affecting lactation and breastfeeding, providing support and appropriate referrals.
* Support and counsel on expression, storage, and use of breastmilk, including hand and pump expression and cup feeding.
* Appreciate the role of human milk and breastfeeding in improving health outcomes and protecting public health.
* Understand hormonal influences on milk production and the Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL).
* Help parents who formula feed, ensuring safe practices, minimal risks, feeding schedules, and equipment sterilisation.
* Promote secure mother‑infant attachment and its impact on health and wellbeing, irrespective of feeding method.
* Familiarise with the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and its implications for practice.
Health Promotion and Screening
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of local and national antenatal and newborn screening services, signposting families to appropriate practitioners.
* Advise on newborn blood spot screening, immunisations, and produce GROW charts after relevant competency training.
* Promote behavioural change required in health promotion activities: diet, food hygiene, exercise, personal hygiene, and smoking cessation.
* Complete documentation for screening tests performed in the maternity records.
* Identify deterioration in mental and emotional wellbeing, escalating to a midwife for appropriate care pathways.
* Understand mental health policies (Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Mental Health Act) and their impact on the role.
* Recognise perinatal mental health issues and refer via the multi‑disciplinary team, both at home and hospital.
Safe Environment
* Abide by local infection control policy and procedure.
* Act responsibly regarding colleagues’ health, safety, and welfare, following lone working and local health and safety guidance.
* Ensure cleanliness of equipment in all clinical and non‑clinical areas and assist in preparing the environment.
* Maintain adequate stock levels; report shortages promptly.
* Ensure equipment is working correctly, reporting concerns or faults to the appropriate person.
* Report incidents using Datix, escalating appropriately and in a timely manner.
* Participate in audits of standards as required.
Administrative Duties
* Ensure all clinical documentation (written or electronic) is accurately and confidentially collected, updated, stored, and filed in accordance with local information governance and record‑keeping policy.
* Provide administrative support to the midwifery team as required.
* Maintain confidentiality and data protection in line with local information governance and legal requirements for tracking, obtaining, and filing clinical records.
Professional Attitudes And Responsibilities
* Convey an approachable and professional manner to all mothers, birthing people and families.
* Challenge discriminatory attitudes to promote equality and support protected characteristic groups (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation).
* Maintain knowledge of local safeguarding policy and refer concerns promptly.
* Be vigilant of Child Protection issues, referring promptly to a registered midwife in compliance with legal requirements.
Person Specification
Qualifications (Academic/Professional)
Essential criteria
* NVQ Level 3 in relevant subject, or equivalent qualification (e.g. N.N.E.B.).
* Evidence of recent learning.
Desirable criteria
* NVQ Level 3 Health.
Travelling - Driving Licence
Essential Criteria
* Full driving licence and ability to travel between locations. Car driver with access to a car for work.
Previous Experience (Nature & Level)
Essential Criteria
* Experience working with women and families, multi‑agency working, diverse communities, and mothers and children on an individual and group basis.
Desirable Criteria
* Demonstrate understanding of clinical role in personal statement.
Evidence of Particular - Knowledge - Skills - Aptitudes
Essential Criteria
* Knowledge of issues relating to the needs of individuals and different groups, clear communication, teamwork, working with diverse backgrounds, commitment to community participation, flexibility, and challenge to established practices.
Special Requirements - Unsociable Hours
Essential Criteria
* Flexible approach to work arrangements, ability to meet tight deadlines, commitment to personal development, positive attitude towards equal opportunities and a multi‑cultural environment.
Physical Requirements
Essential criteria
* All appointments are subject to satisfactory medical clearance and the ability to cope with the demands of the role.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Other
Industries
Hospitals and Health Care
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