University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW)

The closing date is 17 February 2026

Job summary

A Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW) is part of the multidisciplinary team delivering direct care topatients and supporting Registered Practitioners to deliver high quality, compassionate health care to peoplein accordance with assessed needs and a care plan.You will carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical healthcare, or therapeutic tasks, under the direct orindirect supervision of the Registered Practitioner, in accordance with the Trust values.There will be opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills, specific to your needs. Training will beprovided to ensure you have the required core skills for a Band 3 HCSW in your area of work. You will alsobe supported to obtain a Care Certificate if not already achieved

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

Key Dimensionsa) To carry out a range of clinical duties with minimal / no direct supervisionb) Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concernsabout patients to other clinical staff.c) Lead by example and supervise/support junior members of staff to improve and maintain highstandards of care.d) Implements clinical care packages through a range of delegated clinical care duties relevant to thearea of service

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details

Date posted

03 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-SF-DD7751615

Job locations

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Derriford road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITYPRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY1. Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.2. Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.3. Ability to use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and an understanding totake decisions within your area of responsibility.4. To carry out a range of (limited) clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including for example, bloodpressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate,glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples / faecal samples / sputum samples andwound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustiveand will vary depending on area of work.5. Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concernsabout patients to other clinical staff.6. Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able toconcentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.7. Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies andprocedures.8. Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.9. Utilising skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.10. Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.11. maintain effective record keeping and communication with patients, relatives, and members of theMultidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a range of appropriate communicationskills, where there may be barriers to understanding.12. Ensuring equipment and stores are well maintained, taking appropriate action if the equipment is faulty.This may include ordering supplies.13. Work effectively as part of a team.14. The SHCSW is responsible for inputting information into the electronic patient record where applicableand also into patients written records. Comply with all relevant legislation and local policies regardingconfidentiality and access to medical records.Professional15. Demonstrate ability to access Trust policies and procedures and comply with those relevant to role.16. Act, at all times, in a manner which demonstrates respect for privacy, dignity and confidentiality.17. Embrace the Trust values and work in an inclusive way.18. Act within limits of competence, ensuring actions support care, protection, and wellbeing.19. Responsible for maintaining own skills, knowledge, and competence for the role.20. Participate in team discussions / meetings as an integral member of the team.21. You are accountable for your workload in accordance with care plans and for reviewing the effectivenessof care provided. Adapting, or escalating as required.22. To support or guide the healthcare support worker.Administration23. Competent in the use of IT systems within the workplace environment.24. Participate in the induction and orientation of newly appointed staff, learners and other visitors to thedepartment.25. Comply with Trust policy regarding information governance and the care of patient property.

Working Conditions26. Dependent on work setting you may have frequent exposure to bodily fluids, distressed, or confusedpatients.27. Occasional distressing and emotional circumstances when caring for patients with chronic illness orterminally ill.OTHERAll Job Holders are required to: Work to the Trust values - Put patients first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learnand improve. Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc. Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participatein appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training. Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training. Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. Allmembers of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the UK Data Protection Act 2018/UKGeneral Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) or Data Protection legislation. Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set outby the Trust. Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration isrequired for the post. Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safesystems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions toreduce risk. Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contactwith children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific rolewith children and families. Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame. Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding andprevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services. Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Controlpolicies and procedures. Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with thePublic Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are publicrecords and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations.NoteThis job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may bereviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job descriptionis to be read in conjunction with all current Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust policies, procedures & guidelines

Job description

Job responsibilities

DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITYPRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY1. Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.2. Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.3. Ability to use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and an understanding totake decisions within your area of responsibility.4. To carry out a range of (limited) clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including for example, bloodpressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate,glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples / faecal samples / sputum samples andwound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustiveand will vary depending on area of work.5. Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concernsabout patients to other clinical staff.6. Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able toconcentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.7. Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies andprocedures.8. Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.9. Utilising skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.10. Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.11. maintain effective record keeping and communication with patients, relatives, and members of theMultidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a range of appropriate communicationskills, where there may be barriers to understanding.12. Ensuring equipment and stores are well maintained, taking appropriate action if the equipment is faulty.This may include ordering supplies.13. Work effectively as part of a team.14. The SHCSW is responsible for inputting information into the electronic patient record where applicableand also into patients written records. Comply with all relevant legislation and local policies regardingconfidentiality and access to medical records.Professional15. Demonstrate ability to access Trust policies and procedures and comply with those relevant to role.16. Act, at all times, in a manner which demonstrates respect for privacy, dignity and confidentiality.17. Embrace the Trust values and work in an inclusive way.18. Act within limits of competence, ensuring actions support care, protection, and wellbeing.19. Responsible for maintaining own skills, knowledge, and competence for the role.20. Participate in team discussions / meetings as an integral member of the team.21. You are accountable for your workload in accordance with care plans and for reviewing the effectivenessof care provided. Adapting, or escalating as required.22. To support or guide the healthcare support worker.Administration23. Competent in the use of IT systems within the workplace environment.24. Participate in the induction and orientation of newly appointed staff, learners and other visitors to thedepartment.25. Comply with Trust policy regarding information governance and the care of patient property.

Working Conditions26. Dependent on work setting you may have frequent exposure to bodily fluids, distressed, or confusedpatients.27. Occasional distressing and emotional circumstances when caring for patients with chronic illness orterminally ill.OTHERAll Job Holders are required to: Work to the Trust values - Put patients first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learnand improve. Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc. Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participatein appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training. Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training. Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. Allmembers of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the UK Data Protection Act 2018/UKGeneral Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) or Data Protection legislation. Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set outby the Trust. Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration isrequired for the post. Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safesystems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions toreduce risk. Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contactwith children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific rolewith children and families. Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame. Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding andprevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services. Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Controlpolicies and procedures. Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with thePublic Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are publicrecords and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations.NoteThis job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may bereviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job descriptionis to be read in conjunction with all current Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust policies, procedures & guidelines

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
  • Be able to work as a member of a team
  • Understands and committed to a caring approach to patients & relatives
  • Experience of time management and prioritising work

Qualifications

Essential

  • One of the following o Level 3 (SCQF - 6): - City and Guilds 3 o NVQ 3 o BTEC National Diploma o Experience equivalent to the above qualifications ? Level 2 Functional skills in English and Math's, or equivalent ? Completion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker) ? Equivalent experience

Attitude and Abilities

Essential

  • Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
  • Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately
  • Able to meet the physical and developmental demands of the role *
  • Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures
  • Enthusiasm and commitment to working within the healthcare setting
  • Committed to providing high quality patient care
  • Able to demonstrate calm, caring patient manner / attitude
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision to a high standard
  • IT skills, basic word, Email, keyboard skills
  • Ability and willingness to undertake appropriate training within given time frames ? Flexible and adaptable to change, able to work a range of shifts and moving across wards/unit dependant on clinical need
Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
  • Be able to work as a member of a team
  • Understands and committed to a caring approach to patients & relatives
  • Experience of time management and prioritising work

Qualifications

Essential

  • One of the following o Level 3 (SCQF - 6): - City and Guilds 3 o NVQ 3 o BTEC National Diploma o Experience equivalent to the above qualifications ? Level 2 Functional skills in English and Math's, or equivalent ? Completion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker) ? Equivalent experience

Attitude and Abilities

Essential

  • Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
  • Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately
  • Able to meet the physical and developmental demands of the role *
  • Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures
  • Enthusiasm and commitment to working within the healthcare setting
  • Committed to providing high quality patient care
  • Able to demonstrate calm, caring patient manner / attitude
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision to a high standard
  • IT skills, basic word, Email, keyboard skills
  • Ability and willingness to undertake appropriate training within given time frames ? Flexible and adaptable to change, able to work a range of shifts and moving across wards/unit dependant on clinical need

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Derriford road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Derriford road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Senior Sister

Melissa Williams

melissawilliams3@nhs.net

01752432162

Details

Date posted

03 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-SF-DD7751615

Job locations

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Derriford road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)