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Job summary

Main area
Nursing
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 2
Contract
Permanent: Development post
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
358-7775611-COR
Employer
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
All
Town
Leicester
Salary
£24,465 Per Annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
11/03/2026 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust logo

Band 2 Healthcare Assistant Development post

NHS AfC: Band 2

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Job overview

This is an opportunity for internal staff development into nursing support worker roles through an Internal Band 2 to 3, 6 month education and development programme. Successful applicants will commence in a Band 2 post and on successful completion of all competencies, progress into a Band 3 position.

Under current UK immigration rules Band 2 Health Care Support Worker roles do NOT meet the salary or skills requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship by the Trust.

Applicants MUST already have the right to work in the UK at the time of starting their employment with a minimum of 12 months remaining on their visa. 

Main duties of the job

  • The Health Care Assistant will be an integral member of the ward / department team working under the direct supervision of a registered practitioner.

  • The Health Care Assistant is responsible for providing personal care to patients as delegated by the registered practitioner.

  • The Health Care Assistant will ensure that their practice is guided by standard operating procedures and established policies and guidelines. They will recognise their own limitations, and work within the scope of their role.

  • The Health Care Assistant will act in a manner that upholds privacy, dignity, respect and confidentiality for patients and colleagues.

Working for our organisation

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals: 

  • high-quality care for all, 
  • being a great place to work, 
  • partnerships for impact, and 
  • research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

  • we are compassionate,
  • we are proud, 
  • we are inclusive, and 
  • we are one team 

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Personal Care Duties:

·         Welcome and orientate patients, carers, relatives and other visitors to the ward/department demonstrating care and compassion at all times.

·         Report any observed changes in the patient’s physical or psychological needs to the registered practitioner.

·         Provide support to the registered practitioner, and where appropriate, other members of the ward / department clinical team as required.

·         Initiate a response to and participate with emergencies i.e. cardiac arrest, patient falls and patients with a rapidly deteriorating condition

·         Undertake transfer/escort of patients from one area to another within their scope of practice and after appropriate delegation from the registered practitioner.

·         Assist in the Last Offices for deceased patients ensuring that all religious and cultural wishes are adhered with.

·         Perform area specific clinical competencies to enhance the delivery of patient care. (List of Specific Personal Care Interventions can be found in Appendix 1).

Nutrition and Hydration:                                                           

·         Assist in the preparation of patients prior to meals and beverages providing assistance in feeding / drinking where appropriate.

·         Correctly record and monitor dietary intake of patients, informing registered practitioners of progress and / or any difficulties relating to dietary / fluid intake experienced by the patient.

Communication:

·         Communicate effectively and maintain good relationships with patients, relatives, and healthcare practitioners.

·         Undertake clerical duties as directed by the registered practitioner in relation to all verbal and written communications, ensuring messages and communications are passed to other team members, as required.

·         Listen to and value the views of patients and their relatives and / or on their experience and discuss this with registered practitioners in order to improve care and patient experience.

 

·         Actively support and assist in alleviating distress and anxiety for patients and carers in line with their personal beliefs and preferences whilst in hospital, seeking support from a registered practitioner when required.

Infection Prevention and Control:

·         In accordance with training, ensure safe and effective infection prevention and control (including waste management), handwashing and wearing of Personal Protective Equipment are adhered to at all times.

·   Maintain cleanliness in the work environment in line with UHL Health and Safety and Infection Prevention policies and guidelines.

·         Prepare and maintain environments for clinical procedures under the direction of a registered practitioner.

General Ward / Department Duties:

·   Under the direction of a registered practitioner, organise the supply and maintenance of materials and ward or department equipment, ensuring they are placed in the correct area and present no hazards to staff, patients, or visitors.

·         Assist in the transfer of materials and equipment as requested.

·     Clean and return equipment utilised in procedures and treatments to the Decontamination Unit or dispose of as appropriate.

·         Assist with the checking and recording of deliveries to the clinical areas against original orders.

·         Assist with stock rotation, minimising the risk of equipment being out of date.

·        Use IT systems where appropriate and trained to do so, to record patient information.

Education and Training:

·         Recognise and consistently works within boundaries of the role.

·   Maintain responsibility for their own continuing professional development needs and take part in the annual appraisal process to help identify future development requirements.

·    Assist in the orientation of new staff / learners to the ward or department.

 Please see job description and person specification for full details on the role.

Person specification

Training and Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Level 2 qualification in health care OR equivalent knowledge and skill.
  • Holds National Care Certificate or be willing to undertake and complete within 12 weeks of starting.
  • Holds Functional Skills Level 1 Maths and English or education equivalent.
  • Depending on the role requirements, on completion of the Care Certificate demonstrating evidence of clinical knowledge, skill and competence plus further experience/competence equivalent to a level 3 qualification, the worker will move to a Senior Healthcare Assistant role at band 3 AfC.

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience working in a healthcare, social care organisation/setting or service industry requiring people contact.
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of working within a health care environment.

Communication and relationship skills

Essential criteria
  • Good communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Able to work as a team.
  • Able to relate well with patients/relatives/visitors/ Colleagues/the multi-disciplinary team and wider Trust staff.

Analytical and judgement skills

Essential criteria
  • Able to work on own initiative, following direction/supervision by a Registered Practitioner

Skills

Essential criteria
  • Able to carry out well defined routine tasks.
  • Committed to delivering high standards of patient care.
  • Friendly, open, empathetic, and compassionate.
  • Professional outlook and positive attitude.
Desirable criteria
  • Computer skills

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria
  • Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s Values and Behaviours

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoCare quality commission - Goodhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident committedHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Anna Kendrick
Job title
Education Lead, Healthcare Support Worker Faculty
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
07929838363
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