Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS SUSSEX NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
We are looking for highly motivated Senior Health Care Assistants to work in an Outpatient. You must be adaptable and flexible to ensure the best possible care is delivered in this evolving and busy working environment.
You will be expected to work at both Worthing and Southlands Hospitals.
You will need to be hard working, maintain high standards of care and show commitment to working as part of a supportive team. We offer excellent opportunities to expand your knowledge and gain new skills across a range of specialities including:
Trauma and orthopaedics, general surgery, gastroenterology, ENT, breast, gynaecology, dermatology, rheumatology, respiratory, cardiology, oncology, renal.
We kindly ask that previous applicants do not reapply at this time.
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
1. To work in a team with qualified nurses, medical, allied healthcare professionals and other support staff.
2. To report all incidents/accidents involving patients and staff to the qualified nurse and to assist in any enquiries.
3. To understand role and participate in control of infection.
4. To participate in quality assurance programmes as required
5. Taking and recording patient observations
6. Collecting and disposing of body waste. Testing urine and stool specimens and recording results and appropriately reporting any abnormalities to the nurse in charge.
7. Under the supervision of a qualified nurse, support patients during clinic appointments and those undergoing clinical procedures, ensuring their comfort and safety.
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
For detailed job description and main responsibilities, please see Job Description and Person Specification.
Person specification
Experience/qualifications
Essential criteria
8. Care certificate
9. Evidence of working within a health and social care setting
10. NHS hospital experience
Desirable criteria
11. Level 3 diploma in health and social care
12. Level 2 diploma in health and social care
13. Previous OPD experience
Skills
Essential criteria
14. Ability to undertake and record patient observations
Desirable criteria
15. Previous experience assisting in minor surgery procedures
16. Previous experience assisting in endoscopic procedures
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
17. Ability to demonstrate skills and processes to new/junior members of staff
Specific requirements
Essential criteria
18. Able to work independently and also as part of a team effectively
19. Good computer skills. Able to send and receive emails, document activities electronically.
Desirable criteria
20. Knowledge of University Hospitals Sussex trust IT systems
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
21. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
22. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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