Job overview
Bank Opportunity – Enhanced Care Support Worker (ECSW)
Please specify preferred site in application
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting Enhanced Care Support Workers (ECSWs) to join the UHSussex Staff Bank.
ECSWs provide 1:1 or cohort enhanced care to patients who require additional support due to mental health needs, dementia, delirium, neurodiversity, trauma, or behaviours that may challenge. The role focuses on therapeutic engagement, reducing risk, and supporting patient recovery while maintaining dignity and safety.
Who can apply?
• Current UHSussex Bank Workers
• Staff with health or social care experience, particularly in mental health, dementia or acute care settings
Key highlights:
1. Flexible bank shifts across wards and departments (including A&E)
2. Work across all UHSussex sites based on service need
3. Support patients through engagement, calming and de-escalation techniques
4. Be part of a compassionate, patient-centred enhanced care service
Additional training
All successful applicants must attend two days of mandatory ECSW-specific training, covering:
5. Therapeutic engagement and enhanced care principles
6. De-escalation and distraction techniques
7. Mental Health Act (MHA) and Mental Capacity Act (MCA) awareness
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
If you do not meet the sponsorship requirements, 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
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.
Essential requirements include:
• Level 3 Health & Social Care (or equivalent)
• Care Certificate (or willingness to complete)
• Minimum 6 months’ experience in a health or social care setting
• Enhanced DBS (Adults & Children)
A vibrant and supportive workplace culture where ‘Excellent Care Everywhere’ is at the heart of everything we do
Working for our organisation
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 Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
8. 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)
9. 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.
10. To build positive therapeutic relationships with patients needing Enhanced Care Supervision ensuring that their physical and psychological needs are met.
11. To have a good working knowledge of the Mental Health Act
12. 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.
13. Be proficient and confident in the use of distraction and use this to support nursing and clinical staff as required
14. Communicate appropriately and effectively with a wide age range of patients across the children’s and adult services
15. Maintain a calm and professional manner at all times when dealing with patients and their relatives
16. 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)
17. Chaperone patients and accompany them to other wards or departments, maintaining their privacy, dignity and safety at all times.
18. Respond promptly and appropriately to clinical emergencies to ensure the patient receives appropriate care
19. Act as an advocate for the patients at all times and raise concerns to the Enhanced Care CNS or the nurse in charge
20. Assist in the maintenance of resuscitation and emergency equipment and undertake basic life support procedures when required
21. 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
22. Care Certification
23. 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
24. Knowledge of mental health, learning disabilities or neurological conditions
25. 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
26. Experience of working with people with mental health needs in a paid or voluntary capacity.
Desirable criteria
27. 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
28. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
29. 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