Job overview
previous applicants need not apply
We are looking for an enthusiastic Health Care Assistant to join the Sexual health team at Chichester Hospital.
The successful applicant will play an important role in the management of patients attending the service. They will be responsible for supporting trained staff, delivering patient care and demonstrate diagnostic skills and also helping with the day to day running of the busy clinic.
Full training and support will be given to the successful candidate.
Assisting in the promotion of treatment, control and prevention of the spread of STIs including HIV, they will offer patients basic information, support and health education in a safe, friendly, non-judgemental and confidential environment and will have the opportunity to support the Health Promotion team at events in the community.
At times of need they will undertake a reception service or provide support to the central booking line to ensure effective patient flow in the department, ensuring clinical staff are able to provide treatment and care to patients.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job
1. Chaperoning
2. Microscopy
3. Venepuncture
4. Supporting colleagues
5. Housekeeping
6. Data inputting
7. Communicating results to patients
8. Asymptomatic screening of patients for sexually transmitted infections
9. Support/promote Health Promotion Team
10. Room preparation for clinics
11. Ordering supplies
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. 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, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - 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
Undertakes simple history taking from asymptomatic patients against a pre-determined template using tact and persuasive skills, providing and receiving sensitive information .
Uses patient administration system to send out text reminders to service users for appointments.
Supports the diagnostic process through the reading of slides under the microscope and documenting the findings into the patient record.
When covering reception or the Central Booking Line uses triage guidelines to guide decision making when advising patients on whether and when they can be seen and the appropriate appointment type.
Under the supervision of trained nursing/medical staff acts as chaperone in supporting the patient undergoing examination and assisting in the taking of specimens whilst ensuring the safety, comfort and dignity of the patient at all times.
Carries out urinalysis and pregnancy tests, takes bloods and completes microscopy on genital swabs taken by a trained member of staff. Reports findings and enters results onto the clinical system.
Enters data accurately into the computer including demographic, personal and clinical details of patient attendances.
Recognises vulnerable adults and child protection issues, assessing patients from the age of 16 and above when attending for asymptomatic screening and refers them to senior clinical colleague immediately.
For further details / informal visits contact:
Name
Kelly Hodgson
Job title
Team Manager
Email address
Telephone number
01243 831677
Additional contact information
Lisa Brown
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
12. English & Maths GCSE or equivalent.
13. Care Certificate or equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria
14. Understanding confidentiality
15. Adult Safeguarding
16. Chaperoning
17. Data input skills
Desirable criteria
18. Venepuncture
19. Microscopy
20. Children's Safeguarding
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
21. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
22. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Person specification
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
23. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
24. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Qualifications
Essential criteria
25. GCSE English & Maths or equivalent
26. Care Certificate
Experience
Essential criteria
27. Understanding confidentiality
28. Adult safeguarding
29. Chaperoning
30. Data input skills
Desirable criteria
31. Venepuncture
32. Microscopy
33. Children's safeguarding
Equality, Diversity and Inclustion
Essential criteria
34. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
35. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
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 the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications