About this role
Job summary
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is delighted to offer exciting opportunities for compassionate and skilled individuals to join our dedicated nursing teams at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals, as Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs).
Please note: This is a bank-only role and work is offered on an as-and-when-required basis, providing flexibility to suit a wide range of personal circumstances.
We welcome applications from individuals who:o Are committed to delivering high-quality patient careo Have a minimum of two years' acute healthcare experience and are ready to hit the ground runningo Hold a nationally approved HEE Care Certificate obtained in a healthcare settingo If you are interested in working within the Outpatients Department then venepuncture is desirable or a willingness to undertake.
As a Healthcare Support Worker, you will play a vital role in providing exceptional patient care, supporting our nursing teams, and making a real difference to the lives of those we care for.
Whether you are looking to return to the workplace, cut back on commuting, or gradually reduce your hours, our bank roles offer flexible working to suit a wide range of personal circumstances.
The Trust is consistently recognised for its positive workplace culture, having been ranked in the Top 10 NHS Employers in the UK, based on the 2023 and 2024 NHS National Staff Survey. We are proud of our commitment to staff wellbeing, professional development, and flexible working.
Main duties of the job
Healthcare Support Workers play a vital role in delivering frontline patient care. Key responsibilities include:o Assisting with essential patient care, ensuring comfort and dignityo Monitoring and recording vital signso Providing urinary catheter care and specimen collectiono 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 our Staff Bank?o Be part of a supportive, inclusive, and diverse team that upholds the Trust's core PRIDE values.o Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic healthcare environmento Cost of DBS and uniform covered by the Trusto Weekly payrollo Support with development and revalidationo Online shift booking systemo Dedicated team to support with any querieso Access to NHS Pension
The Trust is consistently recognised for its positive workplace culture, ranked among the Top 10 NHS Employers in the UK in both the 2023 and 2024 NHS National Staff Surveys.
Application GuidanceTo apply, please ensure your supporting statement includes:o Your understanding of the importance of Healthcare Support Workers in delivering patient careo The personal qualities and skills you bring to the roleo A full employment and education history
About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is proud to be ranked among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide, and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in both the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Surveys.
We are a large acute hospital trust based in South East England, providing high-quality general and specialist hospital services to around 600,000 residents across West Kent and East Sussex. Our dedicated and diverse workforce of over 8,000 staff also delivers specialist cancer services through the Kent Oncology Centre.
In October 2024, Fordcombe Hospital near Tunbridge Wells joined the Trust. This planned care facility offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, a full range of diagnostic services, and consultation and treatment suites.
Our Staff Bank plays a vital role in supporting our services by providing flexible, skilled cover for temporary staffing needs across all specialties. It offers a rewarding and adaptable way to work, giving you the opportunity to broaden your experience, explore different specialties, and potentially move into a permanent role within the Trust.
Benefits include:o Competitive payo Flexible, 'as and when' working patternso Free DBS check and uniformo Priority access to shifts over agency staffo Weekly payrollo Support for ongoing development and revalidationo Easy-to-use online shift booking system - Loopo Access to the NHS Pension Schemeo Blue light card eligibility
Job description Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
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.
This role is not eligible for sponsorship in accordance with UK VISAs and immigration legislation.Please note:You must hold a nationally approved HEE Care Certificate, which must have been obtained in a healthcare setting.If you are passionate about delivering high-quality care and making a difference in the lives of patients, we would love to hear from you.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Hold a nationally approved Care Certificate - this must have been obtained in a healthcare setting
Desirable
Hold an NVQ/ Diploma level 3 in Healthcare/ or level 3 Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship or equivalent experience. Functional skills English and maths level 2 or GCSE English and maths grades A*/9 - C/4.
Experience Essential
Experience of dealing with the public Experience of working in a caring environment, either in health, social or voluntary services
Skills Essential
Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients and colleagues, verbally and in writing. Can understand and communicate factual information accurately. Good interpersonal skills. Basic information and communications technology (ICT) skills. Can demonstrate practical skills to others. Able to deliver patient care under the indirect supervision of the Registered Nurse Able to deal with the public in person and on the telephone Able to support and reassure patients and their families/carers. Able to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Address Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells Hospitals
Hermitage Lane
Maidstone
ME16 9QQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)