Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is delighted to offer exciting opportunities for compassionate and skilled individuals to join our dedicated nursing teams as Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs). We have vacancies across various specialties; however, if appointed, allocation to your desired location is not guaranteed.
The role offers exciting opportunities to work in dynamic and rewarding environments.
Who We’re Looking For
* Are committed to delivering high-quality patient care
* Have a minimum of two full years’ acute healthcare experience and are ready to hit the ground running
* Hold a nationally approved HEE Care Certificate obtained in a healthcare setting
Key Responsibilities
* Assisting with essential patient care, ensuring comfort and dignity
* Monitoring and recording vital signs
* Providing urinary catheter care and specimen collection
* Supporting the wider clinical team in delivering high standards of care
This role provides an excellent foundation for those aspiring to progress into Registered Nursing, Nursing Associate, or Allied Health Professional roles within the NHS.
Why Join Us?
* Be part of a supportive, inclusive, and diverse team that upholds the Trust’s core PRIDE values
* Benefit from professional development opportunities and career progression pathways
* Gain hands‑on experience in a dynamic healthcare environment
* Hear directly from our team in this video
Induction Programme
If appointed, you will undertake a comprehensive induction programme, including the corporate induction and dedicated training days for Healthcare Support Workers. This will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to carry out your role effectively.
The induction programme is full‑time for one week, with an additional 1–2 days depending on your previous experience. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory, and training days will run from 9:00am to 5:00pm and may be at either Maidstone Hospital or Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Following induction, you will complete a two‑week supernumerary period within your clinical area, during which you will be supported by members of the education team. Ongoing support will also be provided to help you complete the Care Certificate (if not already achieved) and the required competencies relevant to your clinical area.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date has been agreed.
You will be expected to attend the Trust’s Clinical Induction Programme for Healthcare Support Workers (which starts on the first day of employment). The programme involves travelling to both Trust sites.
If you do not currently hold a nationally recognised Care Certificate obtained in a healthcare setting from a registered provider, you will need to apply via the band 2 New to care Healthcare Support Worker advert. We will assist you with on‑the‑job training to complete your Care Certificate within the probationary period.
Sponsorship & Visa
If sponsorship is required, applicants must check to ensure they meet the full eligibility criteria before applying. If you are currently on or are looking to move to a visa that requires sponsorship by MTW, you will only meet the UKVI sponsorship eligibility criteria if you have over 2 years permanent NHS experience in a clinical role as per the agenda for change pay circular.
Application Guidance
* Your understanding of the importance of Healthcare Support Workers in delivering patient care
* If you have experience or a passion for a particular specialty, please include this in your supporting statement
* The personal qualities and skills you bring to the role
* A full employment and education history
Benefits
* At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time staff)
* Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits
* Blue Light card eligibility
* Additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
About the Trust
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second‑best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey. We are a large acute hospital trust in south‑east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day‑care beds, diagnostic services (X‑ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Flexible Working
We are a flexible working‑friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Important Information
All duties are subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. This advert closes on Friday 27 Feb 2026.
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