Job Summary
We invite applicants to join Team Countess as a Health Care Support worker. Permanent and training posts are available. Candidates with an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent experience, can be recruited to our Band 3 workforce after a successful interview and pre‑employment checks. Equivalent experience may include 2 years of NHS substantive employment, membership of our Countess of Chester Bank Team as a health care assistant, or 3 years’ experience in another health care setting caring for equivalent patients.
If you do not hold an NVQ Level 3 or have insufficient equivalent experience, you will start in a six‑month training post. During training you will receive the National Living Wage, complete the Care Certificate, and meet our practical assessment documentation. Upon successful completion you will progress to Band 3 and may begin the NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care through a 24‑month programme partnered with Cheshire College.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals who want to help Team Countess provide safe, kind and effective care.
The right candidate will attend a 7‑day Healthcare Assistant Induction, introducing them to the Trust and ensuring they settle into their new role.
Successful candidates will receive resources and guidance to ensure completion of the Care Certificate within 6 months of appointment.
Please see the attached Job Description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.
About Us
The Trust’s services are provided from three locations: the Countess of Chester Hospital (473 acute beds); Ellesmere Port Hospital (60 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facility); and Tarporley War Memorial Hospital (community services base). The Trust employs 5,964 staff to care for a population of over 400,000 in Chester and West Cheshire, including Ellesmere Port, Neston and the Deeside area of Flintshire. We work within the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System and closely with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, treating patients from England and parts of Wales. In 2024/25 there were approximately 643,000 patient attendances.
Details
Date posted: 09 February 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 per year, pro‑rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time
Reference number: 210‑2026‑01‑A
Job locations: Countess of Chester Hospital / Ellesmere Port Hospital, Liverpool Road, Chester, CH2 1UL
Job Description
Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person Specification) and values.
Applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check; costs will be deducted from salary over the first three months. DBS Update Service may be enrolled for an annual fee of £16.
New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Applicants are advised to apply early; if a large number of applications are received, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
Person Specification
Essential
* Level 3 qualification (e.g., A‑Levels, NVQ 3) in Health & Social Care or equivalent knowledge and experience.
* Completion of the Care Certificate within the specified timeframe on commencing employment with the Trust.
* In‑depth understanding of the health care support worker role.
* Experience working in a clinical environment, undertaking a range of relevant clinical skills with proven competencies.
* Experience working in the NHS.
* Knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of a health care support worker.
* Demonstrated understanding of the importance of promoting patient independence.
Desirable
* Additional clinical duties and activities as defined by the area of work under the delegation of the registered nurse.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous convictions.
Employer details
Employer name: Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Countess of Chester Hospital / Ellesmere Port Hospital, Liverpool Road, Chester, CH2 1UL
Employer’s website: https://www.coch.nhs.uk/working-with-us.aspx (Opens in a new tab)
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