Job Description

The closing date is 29th Apr 2025

Job summary

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Caring for others may be the most rewarding job you could ever do.

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we are looking for a compassionate and proactive Maternity Support Worker to join our Maternity team at Musgrove Park Hospital. You will work across our Labour Ward and Maternity Theatre, playing a vital role in providing high-quality, safe, and compassionate care to women and their families.


This is a hands-on, people-focused role where your kindness and calm presence will make a real difference. You'll be working closely with registered midwives, supporting a range of clinical and practical duties. From helping with personal care to supporting newborn feeding, your role will be varied and rewarding.


Experience in a healthcare or maternity setting is desirable but not essential-we will provide all necessary training. If you're not already qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Healthcare, you must be willing to undertake and complete this within 12 months of appointment.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" -Maya Angelou


If this sounds like the kind of role where you'll thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

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As a Maternity Support Worker, you will support the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care to women and their babies within the hospital maternity setting. Working under the direction of registered midwives, your main duties will include:

Supporting women and birthing people throughout their maternity journey Assisting in Maternity Theatres and on the Labour Ward Undertaking clinical tasks such as maternal observations, urinalysis, venepuncture, and supporting infant feeding Supporting parents with newborn care, including baby baths, changing, and weighing Helping maintain a clean, well-equipped, and organised clinical environment Supporting communication with families and the wider multidisciplinary team Maintaining accurate clinical records and assisting with data input as required

This is a flexible post that requires a commitment to work a full range of shifts including nights, weekends, and participation in the on-call rota once training is complete.


Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.

About us

------------


At

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options

to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme

for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance

to recharge and relax A strong focus on

career development

to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our

Blue Light Card

, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.


We are proud to foster a

diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce

, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset?

Somerset offers the perfect blend of

idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty

, and

breathtaking coastlines

, with vibrant cities like

Bristol

,

Bath

, and

Exeter

just a short drive away - and only two hours to

London

.


The region is home to excellent

educational facilities

, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all

- the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

-------------------

Clinical Duties & Patient Care

Assist midwives with the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care for women and babies Perform maternal observations: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and urinalysis Support with wound care, admission/discharge processes, and medication administration (under supervision) Provide support during theatre procedures and post-operative recovery Provide emotional reassurance and practical help during challenging or distressing moments Promote breastfeeding and infant feeding through direct support and education Perform newborn care including weighing, blood spot tests, baby checks, and supporting with bathing and nappy changing Escort women and babies for investigations or transfers within the hospital

Communication & Relationships

Build trusting relationships with women, families, and the multidisciplinary team Act as a compassionate presence and advocate, respecting the individuality and choices of all service users Participate in handovers, ward meetings, and team briefings to ensure continuity of care

Training, Development & Support

Undertake all mandatory and role-specific training including basic life support and safeguarding Receive full support to complete NVQ Level 3 in Healthcare (if not already held) Support and mentor junior support workers and student midwives where appropriate

Organisation, Environment & Record Keeping

Maintain clean and safe ward areas; ensure equipment is available and fit for use Support stock control and ordering of supplies Maintain accurate documentation, input data onto maternity systems, and assist with audits/statistics Answer telephone queries professionally and direct appropriately

Person specification

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Qualifications

####

Essential

GCSE Maths and English or Functional Skills Maths and English, level 1 or equivalent Access to a Means of travel to work



####

Desirable

NVQ3 in Healthcare,

OR

, prepared to undertake a level 3 NVQ in Healthcare and complete within 1 year (to achieve KSF Foundation Gateway) Basic life support training

###

Experience

####

Essential

Understands the need for strict confidentiality.



####

Desirable

Previous experience in Maternity care environment Able to demonstrate a caring nature / life experience. Previous experience in a healthcare environment Willingness to undertake new skills.



###

Additional Criteria

####

Essential

Compassionate- exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, carers and relatives (as appropriate) remain sensitive and empathetic. Listens to others views respecting and valuing individual needs. Professional and patient focussed approach with inspirational skills, acting as a role model to colleagues and junior staff members. Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time and plan timed activities. Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner. Able to take instruction and direction and work effectively as part of a team. Ability to record and retrieve information on paper/electronic records as appropriate. High standards of written communication skills with the ability to use email and internet. Ability to function in a clerical role as well as clinical. Evidence of a good standard of Literacy/English language skills Polite and coherent in both face-to-face encounters, and in telephone/online conversations. Able to prioritise and organise work. Able to work under instruction and as part of a team. Able to work under pressure. Understanding of the importance of record keeping. Understanding of the boundaries of the role and responsibilities. Able to use the equipment provided by the Trust with appropriate adaptations if required. Able to transport and move essential equipment / people with appropriate adaptations if required. Must be able to work unsocial hours, including night duty and have a flexible approach to working hours. Clinically competent and evidence of completed training in phlebotomy, Manual BPs, urinalysis. Works well in a busy environment. Adaptable/ flexible. Good time keeping. Ability to work as part of a team but also be able to work alone- effective time management. Works well in a busy environment. Adaptable/ flexible. Good time keeping. Ability to work as part of a team but also be able to work alone- effective time management. Well organised.

###

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.


###

For help with your application, contact:

Lisa Chaplin


lisa.chaplin@somersetft.nhs.uk


01823344746


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Pay scheme

Agenda for Change


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Band

Band 3


###

Salary

24071.00 to 25674.00 Yearly
###

Contract

Fixed Term


###

Duration

1 Year(s)


###

Working pattern

Full-Time


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Reference number

184-OL-GR-2395


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Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA