Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen on Cornwallis Ward at Maidstone Hospital to be come a Healthcare Support Worker.
We are looking for a Healthcare Support Worker with the desire to work in a fast paced surgical setting to join our team. Previous surgical experience desirable however not essential. We pride ourselves on delivering safe, high quality care for our patients. You will be well supported within a friendly team.
Main duties of the job
The ward specialises in Urology, including emergency and elective urology and Gynae-oncology but also covers Breast and occasionally ophthalmology. The ward also has escalation beds to medicine.
You will be dealing with acutely unwell patients with varying complex needs as well as planned care patients, and we receive major post operative gynae-oncology from the Intensive Care Unit.
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.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• 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)
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
If you do not currently hold a nationally recognised Care Certificate obtained in a healthcare setting from a registered provider, you can commence this role as a Trainee Healthcare Support Worker, Band 2. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust will assist you with on-the-job training to complete your Care Certificate within the 6-month probationary period, with a minimum completion time being 3 months. Upon successful competition of the Care Certificate, you will progress to a Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Hold a nationally approved Care Certificate – this must have been obtained in a healthcare setting
Desirable criteria
2. Hold an NVQ/ Diploma level 3 in Healthcare/ or level 3 Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship or equivalent experience.
3. Functional skills English and maths level 2 or GCSE English and maths grades A*/9 – C/4.
Experience
Essential criteria
4. Experience of dealing with the public
5. Experience of working in a caring environment, either in health, social or voluntary services
Skills
Essential criteria
6. Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients and colleagues, verbally and in writing.
7. Can understand and communicate factual information accurately.
8. Good interpersonal skills.
9. Basic information and communications technology (ICT) skills..
10. Can demonstrate practical skills to others.
11. Able to deliver patient care under the indirect supervision of the Registered Nurse