Job Overview
Healthcare Support Workers are responsible in assisting in the delivery of nursing services to the prison population. Supported by registered nursing staff within healthcare, they will deliver care within the boundaries of their role, focussing on supporting patients to be healthy; monitoring of long-term conditions, health promotion and screening and responding to emergencies. They will work collaboratively with the Healthcare Team to meet the needs of patients, supporting the delivery of Local and national Policies and Procedures.
By joining our Prisons Health Care Team, you will not only look after the healthcare needs of our patients residing in secure environments, but who also have the opportunity to have a real impact on promoting health and well-being.
Our healthcare services work to a 7 day week working model, to ensure our patient's healthcare is managed and maintained to the highest of standards at all times.
Why not see what our staff say about working within our award winning teams:
Main duties of the job
Healthcare Support worker will work closely with prisoners who require social care needs whilst in prison.
Healthcare Support Worker will follow social care plans as assessed by Local Authority or as identified by emergency care plans in the event that a new prisoner arrives without an established social care plan.
Healthcare Support Worker are expected to be kind and responsive but professional and informative and contribute to the quality of the services we provide by.
Please note: This vacancy does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship, unless you meet the criteria by temporary exemption from current changes to immigration rules put in force on 22/07/2025. "Separate provisions are applied to workers who have been sponsored and held continuously Skilled Worker visa since prior to 04/04/2024."
As such, if you don't meet the Transitional Provision (above) we are unable to consider your application unless you can provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom. If you believe you are eligible for sponsorship or already hold a valid right to work in the UK, please ensure you provide full details of your immigration status in the Pre-Screening Immigration section of your application form.
Please note role eligibility also depends on whether the role meets the salary threshold for the relevant occupational code (SOC CODE).
For further info please visit: Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK
Working for our organisation
We're passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic or in the patient's own home. Patients are at the heart of everything we do.
Providing top quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people. We're always looking to recruit outstanding people who will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, teams and the Trust. With every new employee we're hoping to find our future leaders and we'll support our staff by providing opportunities to develop your career.
With a diverse culture and equally diverse range of opportunities across mental health, community services, addictions, eating disorders, learning disabilities and more – whatever stage of your career you're at, there's always a place for you at CNWL.
The trust also values its staff and you are entitled to become a member of MyTrustBenefits. MyTrustBenefits is an online portal for all CNWL staff, as well as their family and friends. It offers over 1400 discounts at hundreds of retailers nationwide. Save money on your weekly food shops, toiletries, cosmetics, cinema, meals out, holidays, travel and entertainment. You can also access free online courses on a variety of topics, professional and personal, ranging from business management, languages, law and teaching.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
HMP Woodhill is a high secure prison and CNWL are the healthcare providers within HMP Woodhill providing Primary Care, Mental Health and Addictions services to approximately 500 adult male prisoners.
We are looking for enthusiastic and experienced healthcare support workers to join our multi-disciplinary team delivering high quality care to the prison population in this challenging environment.
For further information about the advertised role, please refer to the job description & person specification included in the documents section of this advert.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
Good general education to O Level or GCSE standard or equivalent
Evidence of personal development in previous employment
Willingness to undertake NVQ Level 2 in Healthcare
Knowledge
Essential criteria
Able to deal with sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy
Able to present factual information and refer questions to others where appropriate
Ability to communicate in a variety of settings with patients of varying levels of understanding
Basic working knowledge of IT and emails
Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues in the Healthcare setting
Experience
Essential criteria
Substantive and relevant work experience
Excellent communication skills
Desirable criteria
Experience of working within a secure environment
Personal disposition
Essential criteria
Willingness to learn and develop; recognises the need for flexibility
Able to work well within a multi-disciplinary team
Understands own accountability
Delivers care under the supervision of the registered nursing team and in line with PCT/Prison Policies and Procedures
Ability to use own initiative
Be discrete in dealing with sensitive issues
Key Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
Carry out clinical interventions as delegated by a registered nurse
Willingness to undertake further training in areas such as phlebotomy and wound care assessment
Desirable criteria
Ability to carry out basic assessments of blood pressure, pulse, temperature