Job Description

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust are excited to announce that we will be holding a Band 2 and Band 3 Healthcare Assistant Interview Day on Friday 17th October 2025.
Band 2 Opportunities
No previous experience of care work? No problem...For those without a level 2 qualification in health care a period of training will need to be undertaken as either an apprentice or by completing the Support Worker Development Programme.
Band 3 Opportunities
Vacancies available for candidates who meet the full person specification, which are visible in the Band 3 job description attached.
In return we will offer you:

• A friendly supportive working environment
• Regular team meetings
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• A chance to enhance your knowledge of your chosen area of work

Please note that this role is not eligible for sponsorship.
We are happy to support part time or full time work but candidates must be available to work on a rota that includes days, nights and all days of the week.
If you have a particular speciality interest within the medical care group, please let us know in your personal statement. If you are shortlisted and invited for an interview, you will receive a detailed confirmation of the schedule a few days in advance.
Please note that interviews will only be scheduled through a TRAC invitation following your application, and walk-in applicants will not be accepted.
Main duties of the job
The Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) is part of the multidisciplinary team delivering personal care to patients and supporting Registered Practitioners to deliver high quality, compassionate care. Support and supervision is provided by Registered Practitioners.
You will carry out a range of non-clinical healthcare tasks, under the direct supervision of the Registered Practitioner. To achieve this the HCSW will competently perform the necessary aspects of care for patients, to agreed quality standards and in accordance with Trust values.
There will be opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills, specific to your needs. Training will be provided to ensure you have the required core skills for a Band 2 HCSW in your area of work. You will also be supported to obtain a Care Certificate if not already achieved.
About us
We as a teamwork alongside each other to provide a high standard of care and give the best experience to our patients.
All staff upholds to the core values of Nursing Profession. The values were care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment.
***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.***
Details
Date posted
24 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 2
Salary
24,465 to 26,598 a year 24,465 - 26,598 Per Annum Pro Rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Compressed hours
Reference number
216-HCAOPENDAY-4716215-AAA
Job locations
Derriford Hospital
Derriford Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Job description
Job responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY * Develop the skills to obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.

• Under supervision follow individual patient care plans and report any changes immediately to the Registered Practitioner.
• Demonstrate care and compassion to patients, carers, and relatives to help ensure high-quality person-centred patient care is delivered at all times.
• Undertake basic patient assessment whilst providing personal care and feeding back to the Registered Practitioner to ensure high standards of care, in particular relating to skin integrity and the alertness of the patient.
• Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.
• Ensure care is given in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the patients bed space is clean, tidy, and accessible and that the person has what they need within easy reach.
• Develop the skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.
• Undertake personal care duties.
• Supporting with toileting, bathing, dressing, and feeding. Recording oral fluid balance and nutrition.
• Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.
• Develop the skills to maintain effective record keeping and communication with patients, relatives, and members of the Multidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a range of appropriate communicationskills, where there may be barriers to understanding.
• Ensuring equipment and stores are well maintained, taking appropriate action if the equipment is faulty.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• The HCSW is responsible for inputting information into the electronic patient record where applicable and also into patients written records. Comply with all relevant legislation and local policies regarding confidentiality and access to medical records.

Job description
Job responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY * Develop the skills to obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.

• Under supervision follow individual patient care plans and report any changes immediately to the Registered Practitioner.
• Demonstrate care and compassion to patients, carers, and relatives to help ensure high-quality person-centred patient care is delivered at all times.
• Undertake basic patient assessment whilst providing personal care and feeding back to the Registered Practitioner to ensure high standards of care, in particular relating to skin integrity and the alertness of the patient.
• Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.
• Ensure care is given in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the patients bed space is clean, tidy, and accessible and that the person has what they need within easy reach.
• Develop the skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.
• Undertake personal care duties.
• Supporting with toileting, bathing, dressing, and feeding. Recording oral fluid balance and nutrition.
• Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.
• Develop the skills to maintain effective record keeping and communication with patients, relatives, and members of the Multidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a range of appropriate communicationskills, where there may be barriers to understanding.
• Ensuring equipment and stores are well maintained, taking appropriate action if the equipment is faulty.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• The HCSW is responsible for inputting information into the electronic patient record where applicable and also into patients written records. Comply with all relevant legislation and local policies regarding confidentiality and access to medical records.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• oTraining and qualifications are provided to enable the HCSW to comply with mandatory HCSW standards where you will obtain either: Vocational Qualification at Level 2 or equivalent relevant demonstrable experience. Note that if you are new to care, training will be provided to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
• oLevel 2 QCF Diploma in Clinical Healthcare support oor oLevel 2 NVQ in Healthcare Health & Social Care oOr oLevel 2 in Health & Social Care (NVQ, QCF, RQF) oGCSE A*- D in English Language, or equivalent (e.g. Certificate in Adult Literacy at Level 1) oGCSE A* - D, or equivalent in Mathematics (e.g. Certificate in Adult Numeracy at Level 1)

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• oDemonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work
• oUnderstands and committed to a caring approach to patients & relatives

Desirable

• oDemonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting

Aptitude & Abilities
Essential

• oEffective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
• oAble to complete appropriate documentation accurately

Desirable

• oDemonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• oTraining and qualifications are provided to enable the HCSW to comply with mandatory HCSW standards where you will obtain either: Vocational Qualification at Level 2 or equivalent relevant demonstrable experience. Note that if you are new to care, training will be provided to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
• oLevel 2 QCF Diploma in Clinical Healthcare support oor oLevel 2 NVQ in Healthcare Health & Social Care oOr oLevel 2 in Health & Social Care (NVQ, QCF, RQF) oGCSE A*- D in English Language, or equivalent (e.g. Certificate in Adult Literacy at Level 1) oGCSE A* - D, or equivalent in Mathematics (e.g. Certificate in Adult Numeracy at Level 1)

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• oDemonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work
• oUnderstands and committed to a caring approach to patients & relatives

Desirable

• oDemonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting

Aptitude & Abilities
Essential

• oEffective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
• oAble to complete appropriate documentation accurately

Desirable

• oDemonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures.

Skills Required