HCA - Prevention and Physical Health programme
This position is for 2 x part time roles.
We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Healthcare Support Worker to join our community-based prevention and physical health team supporting GP practices and local communities. This exciting role will support the delivery of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) case finding, stroke prevention initiatives, Severe Mental Illness (SMI) physical health checks, and wider health promotion programmes aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing health inequalities.
Working under appropriate clinical supervision and within established protocols and Standard Operating Procedures, the postholder will undertake delegated clinical observations, screening activities, venepuncture, patient engagement, and health promotion interventions. The role will involve working closely with GP practices, multidisciplinary teams, and community partners to support patients in accessing preventative healthcare services and improving their overall wellbeing.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in healthcare or community settings who is passionate about prevention, patient care, and improving population health outcomes. The successful candidate will be approachable, organised, and able to work both independently and as part of a wider team whilst maintaining professional boundaries and high standards of confidentiality and patient care.
The role is non-diagnostic and does not involve independent clinical decision-making.
Main duties of the job
Job Purpose
To support the delivery of community-based prevention and physical health programmes across GP practices and community settings, including:
* Atrial Fibrillation (AF) case finding and stroke prevention initiatives
* Severe Mental Illness (SMI) physical health checks
* Health promotion and prevention programmes
The postholder will work under appropriate clinical supervision and within clearly defined protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to:
* Identify and engage eligible patients
* Undertake delegated clinical observations, screening and health checks
* Accurately document and transfer clinical information
* Support patient engagement, prevention and health improvement
* Escalate concerns appropriately to registered clinicians
The role is non-diagnostic and does not involve independent clinical decision-making.
About us
DGS Health is a GP Federation based in Gravesend, North Kent. We are comprised of 100% of local GP practices across Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley. We pride ourselves on being clinically led and managerially enabled and like to ensure we recruit people who share our ethos and culture. We are a small and friendly but growing organisation, employing over 33 people across a range of roles. Our services include urgent treatment services, paramedic home visiting, care home support and frailty nursing. We employ a diverse range of roles including nurses, administrators, Paramedics and GP's.
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
To support the delivery of community-based prevention and physical health programmes across GP practices and community settings, including:
* Atrial Fibrillation (AF) case finding and stroke prevention initiatives
* Severe Mental Illness (SMI) physical health checks
* Health promotion and prevention programmes
The postholder will work under appropriate clinical supervision and within clearly defined protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to:
* Identify and engage eligible patients
* Undertake delegated clinical observations, screening and health checks
* Accurately document and transfer clinical information
* Support patient engagement, prevention and health improvement
* Escalate concerns appropriately to registered clinicians
The role is non-diagnostic and does not involve independent clinical decision-making.
Key Working Relationships
* GP Federation Operations Team
* Chief Nurse and Clinical Leads
* GP Practices and Primary Care Teams
* GPwSI / Clinical Supervisors
* Public Health Teams
* Community and Voluntary Sector Partners
* Acute and Community Trust Staff where appropriate
Key Responsibilities
1. Patient Identification and Engagement
* Identify eligible patients for AF case finding and SMI physical health checks
* Approach patients in a professional, compassionate and culturally sensitive manner
* Explain the purpose of screening, prevention and health checks
* Provide approved patient information and health promotion materials
* Support patients to engage with follow-up appointments and services
2. Consent and Data Collection
* Obtain informed verbal consent in line with organisational SOPs
* Record accurate patient demographics and clinical information
* Ensure all information is documented appropriately within clinical systems
* Maintain accurate and timely records at all times
3. Physical Health Checks and Screening
Undertake delegated clinical tasks following training and competency assessment, including:
AF Case Finding
* Undertake single-lead ECG recordings using approved devices (e.g. AliveCor Kardia)
* Repeat readings where required in line with protocol
* Ensure safe and correct use of equipment
SMI Physical Health Checks
Undertake and record:
* Blood pressure measurements
* Height and weight measurements
* BMI calculation
* Lifestyle assessments
* Venepuncture
* Smoking and alcohol status assessments
* Basic health questionnaires and screening tools
The postholder must work strictly within their scope of competence and training at all times.
4. Communication and Escalation
* Communicate screening outputs and factual results only, in line with SOPs
* Explain next steps clearly to patients
* Escalate abnormal findings, concerns or deteriorating patients immediately to a clinician
* Maintain professional boundaries at all times
The postholder must NOT:
* Diagnose medical conditions
* Interpret ECG traces independently
* Provide clinical reassurance outside competency
5. Health Promotion and MECC
Apply Making Every Contact Count (MECC) principles by providing brief advice and signposting relating to:
* Healthy eating and weight management
* Physical activity
* Cardiovascular health
* Access to local support services
6. Data Handling and Record Keeping
* Accurately record all activity within EMIS or other approved systems
* Ensure secure handling and transfer of patient information
* Maintain confidentiality in line with UK GDPR, NHS guidance and organisational policies
* Ensure no patient identifiable information is stored on personal devices
7. Infection Prevention and Equipment Care
* Clean equipment between patient use in line with IPC guidance
* Ensure clinical equipment is maintained, charged and functioning correctly
* Report faults or concerns promptly
8. Safeguarding
* Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns
* Escalate concerns in line with safeguarding policies
* Maintain professional and safe boundaries at all times
9. Incident Reporting and Quality Improvement
* Report incidents, near misses or concerns using organisational reporting systems
* Participate in audit, evaluation and service improvement activities
* Contribute to learning and quality improvement initiatives
10. Professional Responsibilities
* Maintain a professional, compassionate and non-judgemental approach
* Work within organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct
* Maintain competencies and participate in supervision and appraisal
* Work flexibly across sites and services where required
Training and Development
The postholder will complete all required statutory and mandatory training, including:
* Basic Life Support
* Infection Prevention and Control
* Safeguarding Adults and Children
* Information Governance
* Device-specific and clinical skills training relevant to the role
* Competency assessment and ongoing supervision will be provided.
Person Specification
Experience
* Experience working in a healthcare or community setting
* Experience of patient facing roles
* Experience in cardiovascular or long-term condition work
* Experience working in outreach/community engagement settings
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience
Personal Attributes
* Approachable and empathetic
* Reliable and organised
* Able to work independently and as part of a team
* Culturally sensitive and inclusive
Additional Requirements
* Willingness to travel between sites
* Flexibility to work in non-traditional settings e.g. community venues
* Compliance with occupational health requirements
* Hold a clean UK driving license
Skills and Knowledge
* Good communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to follow protocols and work within defined boundaries
* Basic IT skills e.g. email, Emis clinical system
* Understanding of confidentiality and data protection
* Knowledge of atrial fibrillation and stroke risk
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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