County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Health Care Support Worker

The closing date is 13 January 2026

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Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated Health Care Support Worker to join our Childrens

Outpatient Team. This post will be predominantly based at University Hospital of North Durham but

travel to other sites is required. Our team supports around 32,000 appointments per year so this is a

busy role where no two days are the same. This role is for 26.25 hours; 8.15am-5.30pm shifts to meet

the needs of the service.

Main duties of the job

You will be welcoming children and families to the department, supporting Consultant and Nurse led

clinics, performing clinical observations and supporting our nursing team with investigations and

procedures. You will be expected to take bloods after appropriate training. As well as being a great

team player, were looking for someone who is flexible, has initiative and excellent communication

skills and will take pride in ensuring the department is maintained to a high standard.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years of as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).

Date posted

06 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,465 to £26,598 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9439-2526-1341

Job locations

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW

Job description

Job responsibilities

This is a Trustwide role so whilst you'll be predominantly based at Bishop Auckland Hospital , you will be

required to travel to Darlington Memorial, University Hospital of North Durham, Chester-le-Street

Hospitals and Stanley Primary Care centre; you must be able to travel independently across site.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This is a Trustwide role so whilst you'll be predominantly based at Bishop Auckland Hospital , you will be

required to travel to Darlington Memorial, University Hospital of North Durham, Chester-le-Street

Hospitals and Stanley Primary Care centre; you must be able to travel independently across site.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Relevant NVQ level 3 or equivalent
relevant experience.
Care Certificate or willingness to
complete within first 6 months of
commencement in post.
GCSE equivalent in English and
Mathematics

Desirable

Short courses relevant to undertake
patient and clinical care duties

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Good verbal and written command of
English.
Ability to act upon own initiative.
Good communication skills.
Able to work under some pressure.
Ability to show leadership.
Ability to plan own work.
Ability to work calmly under pressure.
Willing to take and record patient
observations .

Desirable

Knowledge of care and related
procedures, clinical observations,
relevant legislation

Special Requirements

Essential

Ability to work hours flexibly when
service needs require.
Ability to travel independently across
sites to fulfil the requirements of the
post.
Self-motivated and able to motivate
others.
Excellent communication & interpersonal
skills.
Reflective practitioner.
Ability to work in a busy and varied work
environment and respond to change.

Desirable

Be able to offer pastoral care to
mentors and students when
providing feedback on performance

Experience

Essential

Computer skills
Ability to learn new skills

Desirable

Previous experience in caring for
others

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Relevant NVQ level 3 or equivalent
relevant experience.
Care Certificate or willingness to
complete within first 6 months of
commencement in post.
GCSE equivalent in English and
Mathematics

Desirable

Short courses relevant to undertake
patient and clinical care duties

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Good verbal and written command of
English.
Ability to act upon own initiative.
Good communication skills.
Able to work under some pressure.
Ability to show leadership.
Ability to plan own work.
Ability to work calmly under pressure.
Willing to take and record patient
observations .

Desirable

Knowledge of care and related
procedures, clinical observations,
relevant legislation

Special Requirements

Essential

Ability to work hours flexibly when
service needs require.
Ability to travel independently across
sites to fulfil the requirements of the
post.
Self-motivated and able to motivate
others.
Excellent communication & interpersonal
skills.
Reflective practitioner.
Ability to work in a busy and varied work
environment and respond to change.

Desirable

Be able to offer pastoral care to
mentors and students when
providing feedback on performance

Experience

Essential

Computer skills
Ability to learn new skills

Desirable

Previous experience in caring for
others

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.