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Job summary

Main area
Maternity
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Fixed term: 18 months (18 months from start date)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
390-W&C-SO-7357
Employer
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Southend
Town
Westcliff on Sea
Salary
£24,937 Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
22/10/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust logo

Complex Care Maternity Support Worker

Band 3

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital provider in the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS), which is a system of health and care partners working together for our local population.

Within Mid and South Essex there are 149 GP practices, operating from over 200 sites, forming 27 Primary Care Networks and one Ambulance Trust. There are also three main community and mental health service providers who work together through a community collaborative.

We collaborate with other valuable partners, including three Healthwatch organisations, nine voluntary and community sector organisations and three top tier local authorities, with seven district, borough and city councils, as well as our local universities.

 

Job overview

Maternity Support Worker

We have an exciting opportunity for a Maternity Support Worker (MSW) to join our maternity unit and work closely with our dedicated community midwifery teams. In this rewarding role, you will support the care of women with identified vulnerabilities, including those with safeguarding needs, helping us to provide safe, personalised, and compassionate care.

Working under the supervision of registered midwives, you will play a vital part in the maternity journey by offering practical assistance, emotional reassurance, and administrative support. From pregnancy through to the postnatal period, your contribution will ensure women and their families receive holistic and individualised care that truly meets their needs.

As part of our team, you will also benefit from training and development opportunities to help you build new skills, grow your confidence, and progress your career within maternity services.

This role offers you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day, building strong, supportive relationships with women and their families while working as part of a committed, professional team. If you are caring, motivated, and passionate about supporting women through their maternity journey, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

Assist midwives and healthcare professionals in delivering care and education during antenatal appointments.

Provide emotional reassurance, support, and practical assistance to pregnant women with complex social, mental health, or safeguarding needs.

Support mothers with newborn care.

Monitor and report changes in mother and baby’s condition or behaviour to midwives and health professionals.

Assist with safe discharge planning and ensure women understand postnatal care instructions.

Build trusting, non-judgmental relationships with vulnerable service users including but not exhaustive of patients who may have experienced trauma, abuse, homelessness, or social isolation.

Help service users understand and navigate maternity pathways and community support services.

Maintain accurate, confidential records of interactions and interventions in line with professional standards.

Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including midwives, social workers, mental health professionals, and safeguarding leads.

Remain vigilant to safeguarding concerns and follow local safeguarding protocols promptly and appropriately.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of child protection procedures, confidentiality rules, and local reporting channels.

Working for our organisation

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For more information on this varied and rewarding role, please see the attached job description.

We look forward to your application!

Please be aware that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a high number of applications be received.

Unfortunately, there is no Visa Sponsorship available for this role.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Literacy and Numeracy Level 3 or Equivalent
  • NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Health or Health and Social Care or Equivalent
Desirable criteria
  • Advanced Diploma Apprenticeship in Health

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience undertaking clinical activities
  • Experience of working in an environment with changing demands and priorities
  • Experience of working on a post-natal ward
  • Working within a team

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Understanding of data protection and patient confidentiality
Desirable criteria
  • Knowledge of procedures and practices related to the speciality

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDNHS Employers Diversity and Inclusion PartnersApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyMenopause Friendly EmployerArmed Forces Covenant Gold Awardhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesStonewall Silver 2022Disability confident employerNHS Rainbow badgeNHS Pastoral CareNHS 75th Birthday

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Marie Whipps
Job title
Maternity Matron
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0300 443 6099
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