Job overview
PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY
APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT MEET THE ESSENTIAL CRITERIA WILL NOT BE SHORTLISTED. GENERIC AI APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE SHORTLISTED.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. Applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role (Band 3 HCA within the NHS) to meet the salary requirements to qualify for sponsorship.
Post holders will be expected to undertake training to ensure a basic knowledge or level of competence in sexual health appropriate to the role and to be able to work across all sites of the integrated service according to service needs. Flexibility in working hours is expected including weekend & evening working.
If this role is not sponsorable, and you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Main duties of the job
Another exciting opportunity has arisen to join the busy and dynamic Nursing team as a Clinic Support Worker within the Sexual Health and Contraception Service in Brighton. The Integrated Sexual Health Service in Brighton operates across three sites, with outreach to other parts of the city. We are a multi-professional progressive team providing a comprehensive, evidence based and patient focused service for Contraception and Sexual Health.
Experience in venepuncture and/or diagnostic microscopy is desirable but not essential as all necessary training will be given to the successful candidate/s. However, excellent interpersonal and communication skills are imperative as the role requires a sensitive, confidential and non-judgemental manner at all times. Evidence of previous team working and flexibility is essential.
Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
For this role it is essential that you have previous NHS or NHS primary care experience with a Care Certificate from an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation. Or that you are an internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor who has worked in an acute NHS Trust within recent years with evidence of your degree verified by an ENIC report.
Please ensure to attach your Care Certificate and/or ENIC report to your application as this will be required for interview.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Information Pack :
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. The post holder will be responsible for delivering planned, high quality nursing care that supports the integrated service (‘the service’) aim of providing effective care that encompasses and responds to the sexual health and contraception needs of patients attending the service.
2. The post holder will (after in-house training and successful completion of competency based assessments) provide evidence-based, clinical patient care that supports holistic sexual and reproductive health care of patients attending the service. This will include venepuncture, assisting medical and nursing staff performing intimate genital examinations, specimen collection and delivering contraception care, acting as a chaperone, performing diagnostic microscopy, facilitating asymptomatic patient pathways, recording patient observations (blood pressure, weight, height) and sexual health discussion / health promotion (including C-Card and condom provision.
3. The post holder will be responsible for the preparation of the clinical area and assisting colleagues in the genital biopsy, Horizon, IUD / IUS and implant clinic.
4. The post holder is required to work in an autonomous role when performing venepuncture and diagnostic microscopy and will be required to make clinical diagnosis based upon their microscopy assessment
5. The post holder will work across hub and spoke sites across Brighton and Hove, and is required to work some evenings and weekends.
Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
Person specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential criteria
6. NHS experience or NHS primary care experience is required or an internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor who has worked in an acute NHS Trust within recent years
7. Care Certificate from a Ofqual regulated awarding organisation
8. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills acquisition, working at a higher-level standard of care delivery, equivalent to vocational qualification level 3. This is evidenced via a portfolio of practice and/or profession discussion.
Desirable criteria
9. Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support or Health and Social Care or relevant equivalent
10. Level 2 apprenticeship standard in Clinical Healthcare Support, Health & Social Care or relevant equivalent qualification
11. Level 3 apprenticeship standard in Clinical Healthcare Support or relevant equivalent Qualification
12. Maths GCSE (grade C or above or grade 4 to 9) or Maths Level 2 functional Skills
13. English GCSE (grade C or above or grade 4 to 9) or English Level 2 functional skills.
Skills
Essential criteria
14. Experience of working in an autonomous role and managing own workload
Desirable criteria
15. Venepuncture
16. Diagnostic Microscopy
17. Experience in a Sexual Health and Contraception setting
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
18. Good interpersonal and people skills
19. Able to work as part of a team
20. Ability to demonstrate activities to new/junior members of staff
Desirable criteria
21. Experience of supporting new HCAs to induct and develop
22. Experience of supporting knowledge acquisition and reviewing a learners practice to meet a fundamental standard of patient care
23. A good working knowledge of the Care Certificate Standards
24. Mentoring or teaching Qualification
25. Competent to chaperone during intimate genital examinations
26. Aware of confidentiality in relation to sexually transmitted infections, young people and safeguarding
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
27. Good written and spoken English – able to communicate clearly and succinctly to patients and colleagues Legible handwriting and able to maintain accurate documentation
28. Computer / keyboard skills, sufficient to send/receive emails, document activities electronically, eg. In Electronic Patient Record
29. Non- judgemental and with the personal maturity to discuss matters related to sex and sexuality
30. Able to communicate complex and sensitive information using appropriate language
Desirable criteria
31. Knowledge of Healthcare in an inner city
Freedom to Act
Essential criteria
32. Work within codes of practice and according to professional standards and guidelines.
33. Take responsibility for assessing service requirements and delegate work as appropriate in response to changing demands
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
34. 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