Job overview
Join Our Dedicated Team at Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust as a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW)
Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? If you're new to care and eager to learn, we have an exciting opportunity for you to become part of our dedicated healthcare team. At Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, we are recruiting Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) who are ready to make an impact while developing their skills.
No prior experience is required—we value a compassionate nature and a commitment to excellence. Whether you're just starting out or looking to change careers, we provide full training and support to help you achieve the health education england recognised care certificate. This qualification will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to progress into a Band 3 position and advance your career in healthcare.
Please Note
1. We are not currently recruiting for Paediatric or Midwifery services.
2. This is a face-to-face event
3. Walk-in applications will not be accepted on the day.
4. We are unable to offer certificates of sponsorship for Band 2 Healthcare Assistant/Support Worker roles, as they do not meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities of Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs):
5. Assist with essential patient care, ensuring comfort and dignity
6. Monitor and record vital signs
7. Provide urinary catheter care and specimen collection
8. Support the wider clinical team in delivering high standards of care
This role offers an excellent foundation for those looking to progress into Registered Nursing, Nursing Associate, or Allied Health Professional roles within the NHS.
Why Join Us?
9. Be part of a supportive, inclusive, and diverse team that upholds the Trust’s core PRIDE values.
10. Benefit from professional development opportunities and career progression pathways.
11. Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic healthcare environment.
12. [Hear directly from our team in this video.](HCSW recruitment MTW - YouTube)
Application Guidance
To apply, please ensure your supporting statement includes:
·Your understanding of the importance of Healthcare Support Workers in delivering patient care
·The personal qualities and skills you bring to the role
·A full employment and education history
If you have a passion for a particular specialty, please detail this in your supporting statement
If you are committed to delivering high-quality care and are eager to build a career in healthcare, we encourage you to apply and become part of our dedicated team.
If appointed, you will undertake a comprehensive induction programme, including the corporate induction and dedicated training days for Healthcare Support Workers. This will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to carry out your role effectively.
The induction programme is full time for one week, with an additional 1–2 days depending on your previous experience. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory, and training days will run from 9:00am to 5:00pm and may be at either Maidstone Hospital or Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Following induction, you will complete a two-week supernumerary period within your clinical area, during which you will be supported by members of the education team. Ongoing support will also be provided to help you complete the Care Certificate (if not already achieved) and the required competencies relevant to your clinical area.
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.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
13. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
14. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits
15. Blue Light card eligibility
16. 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), and will involve travelling to both Trust sites.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
17. Good general education.
18. Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
19. Holds or commitment to complete the Care Certificate Programme within the first 6 months.
Desirable criteria
20. Hold or willing to work towards NVQ Level 2 / Health and Social Care Diploma Level 2 / Intermediate apprenticeship Level 2
21. Functional skills English and maths level 2 or GCSE English and maths grades A*/9 – C/4
Experience
Essential criteria
22. Experience of dealing with the public
23. Understands importance of and provides good customer care
Desirable criteria
24. Previous experience of team work
Skills
Essential criteria
25. Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients and colleagues, verbally and in writing
26. Can understand and communicate factual information accurately.
27. Good interpersonal skills
28. Basic information and communications technology (ICT) skills
29. Able to deal with the public in person and on the telephone
30. Able to support and reassure patients and their families/carers
31. Able to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks
32. Able to deliver patient care under the indirect supervision of the Registered Nurse
33. Can demonstrate practical skills to others