Thank you for your interest in this vacancy! We highly recommend reading our to give you an insight on how applications are scored & shortlisted by our Recruiting Managers. These tips have been provided to give you a better chance of being shortlisted for our vacancies.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for Maternity Support Workers to join our Women and Children’s division at North Bristol NHS Trust, working on the post natal wards in the maternity unit.
As a Maternity Support Worker within our supportive multidisciplinary team, you will play an integral role in providing high quality care during the early post-natal days. You will carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical healthcare, or therapeutic tasks, under the direct or indirect supervision of the registered healthcare practitioner, in accordance with the Trust values.
There will be opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills, specific to your needs. Training will be provided to ensure you have the required core skills and skills set specific to your area of work.
All successful applicants will be expected to complete an Apprenticeship in Healthcare at Level 3 ,if not already achieved.
Please note, this role does not currently meet the salary requirement for certificate of sponsorship. From the 9th April 2025, the minimum salary required for a Skilled Worker visa became £25,000 per year. While this role may be offered at a higher point on the pay scale depending on relevant NHS experience, most new starters are appointed at the bottom of the band, which does not meet the new salary threshold.
It is likely this vacancy will close early once a sufficient amount of applications are received.
Main duties of the job
Your key duties will include:
1. Supporting new parents and their families on adapting to parenthood
2. Taking physiological observations and blood tests
3. Being a strong team player, with the ability to work autonomously.
4. Providing chaperoning support to the woman and her partner during clinical examination
5. Working in collaboration with the midwives
Working for our organisation
Our maternity services provide a full range of maternity care. Our dedicated midwives, doctors, maternity support workers (MSW’s) and support staff are committed to providing personalised care to the highest standards.
The service at North Bristol Trust is based at Southmead Hospital and provides a full range of obstetric services for those who live in the catchment of North Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. The maternity department is one of the largest in the country, was awarded ‘Good’ by the CQC has more than 5200 births each year.
The postnatal ward areas are called Percy Phillips Ward and Transitional Care. You will provide support for families under the guidance of the Midwife. You will be allocated to either of these postnatal ward areas, but not both.
Percy Phillips ward has 30 beds and mothers and babies will typically stay for 24-48 hours. The Transitional care is a separate ward area and provides space for mothers and babies who require additional neonatal and maternity support after birth for up to 7 days.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached for a full list of responsibilities
All Areas
6. Practice safe standards of care following Trust guidelines and policies
7. Not all duties are routine. You will need to use your knowledge, experience and understanding to take decisions within your area of responsibility.
8. Prioritise your own workload and manage time effectively.
9. Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
10. Recognise and report any abnormal events or emergencies to the multidisciplinary team through the appropriate means, in a timely manner.
11. Support women and birthing people during clinical procedures, including attending to any personal hygiene, as necessary.
12. Understands the principles of parent education and health promotion and directs women to a qualified practitioner with any concerns or questions.
13. Assist with infant feeding, encouraging, and supporting breastfeeding in line with Baby Friendly Initiative Standards.
14. If appropriate to working area co-ordinate clinics ., NIPE clinics/GTT etc. and arrange and inform follow-up appointments with birthing people, ensuring systems are updated with this.
15. Escort women, birthing people and their families between clinical areas as required.
16. Provide practical support to new parents when caring for their newborn.
17. Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.
18. Contribute to the safeguarding of women, birthing people, and baby’s, reporting concerns to the appropriate bodies.
19. Maintain accurate records. Understand the importance of accurate and timely communication within the health care environment. Exchange information with women and birthing people using encouragement, reassurance, tact, empathy; may overcome barriers to understanding, ., physical impairment, mental health condition or learning disabilities
20. Act as chaperone when requested to do so.
21. Assist in the nutrition and hydration needs of women and birthing people.
22. Adhere to Trust Uniform Policy, maintain personal standards of hygiene, and promote universal precautions to limit cross infection.
23. Maintain stock levels and ensure clinical areas and equipment are clean and tidy. Ensure the most effective and economical use is made of all supplies and equipment. If required assist with the ordering, receipt, storage, and distribution of stock.
24. Ensure the working order of equipment, reporting any concerns, faults, or breakages to the appropriate person in a timely manner.
Person specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential criteria
25. Apprenticeship in Health Level 3 or RQF/ QCF Diploma Level 3 in Healthcare
26. GCSE grade A- C (grade 4 and above) or equivalent in English
27. GCSE grade A- C (grade 4 and above) or equivalent in Maths
28. Evidence of full-time education achievements
29. IT skills, basic word, Email, keyboard skills, data collection
Work experience
Essential criteria
30. Experience of working in a health or social care setting
31. Be able to work as a member of a team
32. Experience of time management skills and prioritising work
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
33. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
34. Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately
35. Able to demonstrate an awareness of health care work and policies and procedures
36. Able to adapt quickly to changing situations
37. Committed to providing high quality patient care
The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.
At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.
Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.