Job overview
Make a Real Difference Every Day – Join Our Enhanced Health Care Team at UHSussex
We’re building a talent pool of experienced Enhanced Care Support Workers (ECSW) who are passionate about supporting people with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, autism, brain injury, or cognitive impairments.
Do you want to play a vital role in caring for some of the most vulnerable patients during their hospital journey?
If you’re someone who thrives on meaningful, hands-on care, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you. At University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSx), we’re looking for compassionate, motivated, & ambitious individuals to join us as Band 3 ECSW's.
We’ll help you feel at home & give you the tools & support to thrive – with access to an award-winning learning & development programme, tailored training, & exciting career progression opportunities.
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.
Please ensure to attach your Care Certificate and/or ENIC report to your application as this will be required for interview.
If successful in joining our talent pool, we will stay in touch and contact you when an appropriate allocation becomes available.
Main duties of the job
At UHSussex, we recognise that some patients and their families need specialised, person-centred care to achieve the best possible outcomes. As part of our Enhanced Care Team, you’ll work closely with these patients, building therapeutic relationships and delivering truly impactful support.
We offer:
1. A structured training and development programme
2. A supernumerary orientation, tailored to your individual learning needs
3. Access to career coaching, clinical supervision, and clear progression pathways
4. Futurerotation opportunities across our trust to broaden your experience
5. A vibrant and supportive workplace culture where ‘Excellent Care Everywhere’ is at the heart of everything we do
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
6. To work as a member of the Enhanced Care Team under the supervision and guidance of the Head of Nursing for Mental Health providing to all areas of the trust (site specific)
7. To provide Enhanced care supervision to patients to have been assessed as needing additional support on the wards due to dementia, delirium, mental health conditions, challenging behaviour or physical health conditions which are affecting compromising the safety of the patient and or others.
8. To build positive therapeutic relationships with patients needing Enhanced Care Supervision ensuring that their physical and psychological needs are met.
9. To have a good working knowledge of the Mental Health Act
10. Provide and maintain a high standard of care to all patients at all times
ensuring the dignity and self esteem of the patient is preserved.
11. Be proficient and confident in the use of distraction and use this to support nursing and clinical staff as required
12. Communicate appropriately and effectively with a wide age range of patients across the children’s and adult services
13. Maintain a calm and professional manner at all times when dealing with patients and their relatives
14. Promote and maintain patient confidentiality at all times, only providing patient/client information under the guidance and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
15. Chaperone patients and accompany them to other wards or departments, maintaining their privacy, dignity and safety at all times.
16. Respond promptly and appropriately to clinical emergencies to ensure the patient receives appropriate care
17. Act as an advocate for the patients at all times and raise concerns to the Enhanced Care CNS or the nurse in charge
18. Assist in the maintenance of resuscitation and emergency equipment and undertake basic life support procedures when required
19. Report all incidents and accidents to the Nurse in Charge and the Enhanced Care Practitioner and participate in the investigation of incidents and complaints as relevant and required
Person specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential criteria
20. Care Certification
21. Six Months NHS experience (or comparable large, complex health organisation) 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
22. Knowledge of mental health, learning disabilities or neurological conditions
23. Educated to GCSE level or equivalent (with a minimum of 5 A-E qualifications which must include Maths and English). NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification or demonstrate experience/development
24. Experience of working with people with mental health needs in a paid or voluntary capacity.
Desirable criteria
25. Previous experience in a mental health setting or working with people with mental health difficulties, learning difficulties, brain injury, cognitive impairment, or with autism.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
26. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
27. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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