Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW)
Job Summary
Senior Health Care Support Workers (SHCSW) will support the multidisciplinary team in the recovery area of Plymouth Hospitals. The role involves assisting with the care of patients across a range of surgical specialities, including HDU patients. The post does not meet the latest thresholds for international recruitment and sponsorship, and preference will be given to internal Trust staff, NHS at‑risk staff, and those with ‘Priority’ status.
Location & Details
Job location: Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
Band: 3
Salary: £24,937 – £26,598 per annum (pro rata if part‑time)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 216‑EG‑S7463176‑B
Date posted: 3 December 2025
Responsibilities
* Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
* Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.
* Use knowledge and experience to undertake non‑routine duties and make decisions within your area of responsibility.
* Carry out limited clinical duties with minimal or no supervision, such as blood pressure monitoring, oxygen saturation measurements, temperature, pulse, respiration rate, glucose monitoring, sample collection and wound swabs.
* Participate in patient assessment, providing high‑quality holistic care and escalating concerns to other clinical staff.
* Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and be able to concentrate throughout the day with occasional interruptions.
* Provide clinical care in accordance with infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
* Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.
* Utilise skills to facilitate self‑care and independence with patients.
* Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.
Essential Knowledge & Experience
* Demonstrable experience of providing care in an acute healthcare or social setting.
* Ability to work as a member of a team.
* Demonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work.
* Demonstrable experience of working under one’s own initiative.
Essential Qualifications
* Level 3 Qualification (SCQF 6): City and Guilds Level 3, NVQ Level 3, BTEC National Diploma in a healthcare topic.
* Level 2 Functional skills in English and Maths, or equivalent.
* Completion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (mappable to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker).
* Equivalent acute care experience.
Essential Aptitude & Abilities
* Effective and appropriate communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Ability to complete appropriate documentation accurately.
* Demonstrate awareness of healthcare work, policies and procedures.
* Demonstrable IT skills in Windows‑based programmes.
Information for Candidates
We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. Applications are welcome from those requiring current skilled‑worker sponsorship; a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. For support with the application process, please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100.
Employer Details
Employer: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address: Derriford Hospital, Brest Rd, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
Website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/
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