Job overview
The role exists to provide a multi-skilled worker who undertakes a range of delegated duties under the indirect supervision of a Registered Practitioner. The post-holder supports the multidisciplinary team with clinical and non-clinical activities, in order to provide holistic, person-centred care.
The post-holder will follow the plan of care that the Registered Practitioner has devised and undertake a range of delegated clinical care duties. They are key in identifying the deteriorating patient, escalating concerns to the Registered Practitioner in a timely manner
Play an active role in working together as a team to provide the best outcomes for our surgical patients
Main duties of the job
1. Communicate positively and appropriately with Registered Practitioner, medical staff, all members of the multidisciplinary team, other departments, patients and their families/carers, face to face, via the telephone and in writing.
2. Report physical and psychological changes in patient condition to the Registered Practitioner, ensuring pain and distress are addressed promptly.
3. Accurately document observations, test results and all care given in the patient’s health record.
4. Complete an annual appraisal, identifying own developmental needs.
5. Achieve objectives identified in own Professional Development Plan (PDP) by undertaking developmental opportunities consistent with band 3 role, and participating in training programmes.
6. Undertake minor clinical procedures if deemed competent, e.g. removal of intravenous cannulas, application of simple dressings, removal of urethral catheter, as instructed by a Registered Practitioner once deemed competent.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
7. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
8. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
9. Blue Light card eligibility
10. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s Clinical Induction Programme for Healthcare Support Workers (which starts on the first day of employment). The programme is full-time (please contact the CSW Induction Programme Lead if you have any issues: ), lasts for two weeks and will involve travelling to both Trust sites. The programme includes two supernumerary shifts in the clinical area (an early and a late shift), all of the other days are classroom-based and run from 9am to 5pm
Please note that the Fordcombe Site is located in a rural area with limited access via public transport. You will need to ensure you are available to attend the time during the day and evenings. Access to a vehicle is advantageous.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
11. Care Certificate
Desirable criteria
12. Hold an NVQ/ Diploma level 3 in Healthcare/ or level 3 Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship or equivalent experience.
13. Functional skills English and maths level 2 or GCSE English and maths grades A*/9 – C/4.
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
14. Experience of dealing with the public
15. Experience of working in a caring environment, either in health, social or voluntary services
16. Knowledge of the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers (2013).
17. Insight into role and responsibilities of post.
18. Able to describe the importance of delivering high quality care to patients.
19. Knowledge of current healthcare issues.
20. Knowledge of principles of confidentiality
Skills
Essential criteria
21. Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients and colleagues, verbally and in writing.
22. Can understand and communicate factual information accurately.
23. Good interpersonal skills.
24. Basic information and communications technology (ICT) skills
25. Can demonstrate practical skills to others.
26. Able to deliver patient care under the indirect supervision of the Registered Nurse
27. Able to deal with the public in person and on the telephone
28. Able to support and reassure patients and their families/carers.
29. Able to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks
30. Able to act on own initiative (in relation to delivering patient/client care)
31. Ability to work under pressure
32. Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team
33. Customer Care skills
34. Ability to prioritise and plan own work
35. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
36. Interpersonal skills