AI tools like chatbots and virtual assistants can support you as you complete your application. For example, they can check for spelling or grammar errors, or help you to decide what to include.
But they shouldn't replace your own responses or be used to write the application for you.
Relying too much on AI can negatively impact your chances of success, because automatically generated answers:
* might not be specific or relevant enough to address the criteria in the recruitment profile
* often seem generic and not personalised enough – an AI response won't show your unique voice and perspective
* could misrepresent information about you, such as your qualifications, skills and experience
We monitor applications for any behaviour that could create an unfair advantage, and we check all references carefully. You are likely to be tested on your experience at interview, so be honest and make sure all the information in your application is correct.
Job overview
Under current UK immigration rules entry-level Band 3 Health Care Support Worker roles do not meet the salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of starting their employment with a minimum of 12 months remaining on their visa, or to be eligible for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa have worked as a Senior Health Care Support Worker (NHS Band 3 or equivalent experience) for 2 years or more.
About the Role
We are recruiting experienced Senior Healthcare Assistants to support patient care across UHL. You will provide clinical and non‑clinical support under the supervision of a Registered Practitioner.
Requirements
* Experience in a healthcare setting (essential) minimum 6 months experience at Band 2 level
* Care Certificate & Level 1 English and Maths and NVQ level qualification within healthcare (evidence required if shortlisted)
Training
Full training provided to develop the core skills needed for Band 3 practice in an acute hospital.
Working Hours
Full‑time and part‑time posts available. Shifts include days, nights, weekends, and bank holidays. Flexible working may be supported depending on service needs—please discuss at interview.
Typical Shifts
* Long Day: 07:30–20:00
* Night: 19:30–08:00
* Short Shifts: Limited availability in some areas
* Flexible working requests can be considered but this will depend upon the service needs, you can highlight this in interview if selected
Advert
As a Senior Healthcare Assistant, you will support the ward team under the indirect supervision of a Registered Practitioner. Your duties will include providing personal and clinical care, carrying out delegated observations and interventions, and working within Trust policies, procedures, and your own competencies. You will take responsibility for your own learning and understand the limits of your role.
To Succeed, You Will Be:
* A strong team player
* A clear communicator
* Energetic, reliable, and able to work independently
* Confident in taking and recording vital signs
You will deliver safe, high‑quality, patient‑centred care through effective communication and teamwork.
Working for our organisation
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years
We have four primary goals:
* high-quality care for all,
* being a great place to work,
* partnerships for impact, and
* research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
* we are compassionate,
* we are proud,
* we are inclusive, and
* we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The detailed job description and main responsibilities are included as an attachment to this advert.
Please evidence your Qualifications and National Care Certificate and bring to interview if you are selected
Please note that this vacancy will be closed as soon as sufficient applications have been received
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Evidence of eligibility will be required before appointment, in line with Home Office regulations. Visa sponsorship for this post is subject to Home Office rules and Trust policy.
To meet the minimum salary threshold required for sponsorship, applicants must hold a Band 3 Senior Healthcare Assistant position within the NHS and have at least two years of NHS substantive experience.
This requirement applies equally to all applicants and reflects both the salary requirements for visa sponsorship and the service needs and patient safety considerations. Applicants who do not meet this criterion will not be eligible for sponsorship.
Additional Information
Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.
Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.
UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.
UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.
The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.
The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.
COVID 19 Risk Assessment
Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.
The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.
If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.
Covid Vaccination Status
Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.