Job summary
Clinical Healthcare Support Worker, Band 3- Frailty Assessment Unit
Are you a compassionate and enthusiastic person who wants to make a real difference in the lives of older people? Join the Frailty Assessment Unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital as a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW).
We are a fast-paced unit caring for elderly patients who require same-day assessment or short inpatient stays. Every day is different--you'll support patients during a key moment in their hospital journey. Whether you're starting your NHS career or looking for a new challenge, this is a role where your kindness, patience, and hard work truly matter.
If you're passionate about caring for others and want to be part of a team that values each contribution, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Additional Contact information:
Contact name: R-phine Paet
Contact job title: Ward Manager
Contact email address: r-phine.paet@nhs.net
Contact telephone number: 0300 422 2230 or 0300 422 2206 or 0300 422 2207
Main duties of the job
As an HCSW in our unit, you'll work closely with nurses and the wider team to provide high-quality care to frail, elderly patients. You'll help with:
Personal care such as washing, dressing, toileting, and feeding
Taking and recording observations like blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
Supporting mobility and encouraging independence
Helping with admissions, discharges, and transfers between areas
Providing reassurance, conversation, and emotional support, especially to those living with dementia or confusion
We're looking for someone with excellent communication skills, a calm and caring nature, and the ability to work well under pressure. You'll need to be reliable, flexible, and eager to learn--full training will be provided, including the Care Certificate.
This role is ideal for those who genuinely enjoy working with elderly people and want to contribute to a positive, respectful patient experience.
About us
Our Frailty Assessment Unit is a close-knit, supportive team made up of nurses, healthcare assistants, doctors, therapists, and discharge coordinators. We pride ourselves on our warm, welcoming atmosphere and strong team spirit, where everyone supports one another to deliver the best patient care.
We work hard, but we also look after each other--team wellbeing is a priority. You'll be supported from your first day with a full induction, mentorship, and opportunities to grow your career, including apprenticeships and internal development programs.
You'll also benefit from:
Join us and be part of a team that values compassion, teamwork, and respect as much as clinical skill.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Health Care Support Worker in the Frailty Assessment Unit, you will play an essential role in delivering safe, effective, and person-centred care to elderly patients, many of whom present with complex health and social needs. The unit includes both Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) and inpatient areas, which operate at a fast pace with high patient turnover.
Your main responsibilities will include:
-
Delivering personal care including washing, dressing, toileting, and assisting with meals in a way that maintains dignity and respects patient preferences
-
Supporting patients mobility and promoting independence, including the use of appropriate mobility aids
-
Carrying out clinical observations such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose (following training and competency)
-
Assisting with admission, discharge, and transfer of patients within the unit or to other wards, departments, or care settings
-
Accurately documenting care given and escalating concerns promptly to registered staff
-
Supporting patients who may have cognitive impairment, dementia, or delirium by providing reassurance, calm communication, and emotional support
-
Contributing to a clean and safe environment by adhering to infection control policies and maintaining high standards of hygiene
-
Working collaboratively with all members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure efficient, coordinated care
-
Engaging in training, supervision, and appraisal processes to support your professional development
-
Upholding the Trust values and delivering care with compassion, respect, and professionalism
You will be expected to respond to the changing needs of the unit, which may include working across both SDEC and inpatient areas as needed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Health Care Support Worker in the Frailty Assessment Unit, you will play an essential role in delivering safe, effective, and person-centred care to elderly patients, many of whom present with complex health and social needs. The unit includes both Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) and inpatient areas, which operate at a fast pace with high patient turnover.
Your main responsibilities will include:
-
Delivering personal care including washing, dressing, toileting, and assisting with meals in a way that maintains dignity and respects patient preferences
-
Supporting patients mobility and promoting independence, including the use of appropriate mobility aids
-
Carrying out clinical observations such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose (following training and competency)
-
Assisting with admission, discharge, and transfer of patients within the unit or to other wards, departments, or care settings
-
Accurately documenting care given and escalating concerns promptly to registered staff
-
Supporting patients who may have cognitive impairment, dementia, or delirium by providing reassurance, calm communication, and emotional support
-
Contributing to a clean and safe environment by adhering to infection control policies and maintaining high standards of hygiene
-
Working collaboratively with all members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure efficient, coordinated care
-
Engaging in training, supervision, and appraisal processes to support your professional development
-
Upholding the Trust values and delivering care with compassion, respect, and professionalism
You will be expected to respond to the changing needs of the unit, which may include working across both SDEC and inpatient areas as needed.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy, or any equivalent qualification (e.g. GCSEs, vocational training, or overseas degree), demonstrating appropriate verbal and written communication skills
Desirable
- The Care Certificate or equivalent induction training
Experience
Essential
- Able to communicate effectively with patients/relatives and carers and other health and care professionals.
Desirable
- Recent care experience in a similar healthcare settings
- Practical ability, prioritization and time management
Knowledge/ Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of basic nursing and personal care
- Able to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals
- Practical ability, prioritisation, and time management
- Awareness of confidentiality and data protection
Desirable
- Basic IT skills (e.g., using electronic patient records or digital care systems)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy, or any equivalent qualification (e.g. GCSEs, vocational training, or overseas degree), demonstrating appropriate verbal and written communication skills
Desirable
- The Care Certificate or equivalent induction training
Experience
Essential
- Able to communicate effectively with patients/relatives and carers and other health and care professionals.
Desirable
- Recent care experience in a similar healthcare settings
- Practical ability, prioritization and time management
Knowledge/ Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of basic nursing and personal care
- Able to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals
- Practical ability, prioritisation, and time management
- Awareness of confidentiality and data protection
Desirable
- Basic IT skills (e.g., using electronic patient records or digital care systems)
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.
