Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Support Worker - Abbotsbury Ward

The closing date is 14 August 2025

Job summary

Abbotsbury is a GOLD accredited multi-speciality ward with a team dedicated to improving the quality of care for our patients.

We care for patients from a range of specialities including gastroenterology, surgery and general medicine. Many of our patients have complex care needs and we adapt our skills to meet the ever-changing needs of the NHS. You will need to be able to care for patients before and after surgery and be involved in all aspects of care from admission to discharge. You will need to be able to adapt to the changing workload whilst delivering compassionate, safe high quality care. Some experience in care is preferable and you will be provided with care certificate training as well as a thorough induction / shadowing period.

To excel in this role you will:

Have excellent communication skills and be able to work as part of a team.
Have an eye for detail and be able to maintain accurate documentation.
Be flexible and willing to work across a variety of adult wards within DCHFT

Please be aware that this role is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants should be aware of the requirement to independently obtain ongoing right to work in the UK beyond the expiry of any temporary or time-limited permissions. Evidence of this will need to be shared with the HR Team to ensure our records remain up to date.

Main duties of the job

The successful applicant will be joining a positive, friendly and supportive team focused on goals driven by patient experience and evidence based best practice.

We are a high-performing team and we welcome newcomers who want to share their skills and learn new ones.

If you enjoy teamwork and have a positive 'can do' attitude then we would love to hear from you.

About us

In return we can offer you:

An attractive benefits package including competitive hourly rate, brilliant leave entitlement, NHS discount, NHS pensions and more!
Access to first class training to support you in your role, whether you are in your first years of healthcare, or progressing your existing career. This includes a week of initial training which will result in you achieving a Care Certificate.
Functional Skills.
A truly special environment as part of #TeamDCH.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Date posted

01 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Per Annum (Salary point based on banding of offer)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

405-25-CS349ABB

Job locations

Dorset County Hospital

Williams Avenue

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Job description

Job responsibilities

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

We are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Person Specification

Skills & Abilities

Essential

Professional appearance
Tactful and polite
Ability to communicate with all levels of staff
Ability to exchange factual information accurately
Ability to deal with sensitive situations
Patient and calm
Kind and compassionate
Open and approachable
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Motivated
Positive and flexible approach
Understands limits of own responsibility
Willingness to learn new skills
Able to speak English as necessary to undertake role

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (to understand and be understood)
Ability to follow clear instruction and feed back to senior staff.
Ability to work as part of a team, as well as on own initiative
Experience to vocational level 3
An understanding around basic patient care
Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and well-being

Education, Qualifications & Training

Essential

Evidence of Secondary Education including English and Maths up to Level 2 or equivalent
Level 3 vocational qualification in health and social care (or willing to complete) or equivalent relevant experience
Understanding of basic physiology e.g. normal vital signs, fluid balance, nutritional requirements etc.
IT literate

Person Specification

Skills & Abilities

Essential

Professional appearance
Tactful and polite
Ability to communicate with all levels of staff
Ability to exchange factual information accurately
Ability to deal with sensitive situations
Patient and calm
Kind and compassionate
Open and approachable
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Motivated
Positive and flexible approach
Understands limits of own responsibility
Willingness to learn new skills
Able to speak English as necessary to undertake role

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (to understand and be understood)
Ability to follow clear instruction and feed back to senior staff.
Ability to work as part of a team, as well as on own initiative
Experience to vocational level 3
An understanding around basic patient care
Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and well-being

Education, Qualifications & Training

Essential

Evidence of Secondary Education including English and Maths up to Level 2 or equivalent
Level 3 vocational qualification in health and social care (or willing to complete) or equivalent relevant experience
Understanding of basic physiology e.g. normal vital signs, fluid balance, nutritional requirements etc.
IT literate

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Dorset County Hospital

Williams Avenue

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Employer's website

https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Dorset County Hospital

Williams Avenue

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Employer's website

https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)