Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 3 Maternity Support Worker to support new families with their infant feeding journey. As part of the NHS Long Term Plan and ongoing vision to improve postnatal care it made a commitment that all Maternity Services will deliver an accredited, evidence based infant feeding programme.
We are proud at UHS to already have a specialist infant feeding team to support families on their infant feeding journey. The successful candidate will be joining the team to give enhanced infant feeding support within the Princess Anne Hospital. The new team member will benefit from a comprehensive induction programme. The hours available will include sociable and unsociable hours, working flexibly to cover a seven day service. We are looking for a passionate, motivated and enthusiastic Maternity Support Worker who has experience with infant feeding knowledge to work within our infant feeding specialist team.
About us
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Job description
Job responsibilities
WHAT YOULL DO
You will join our specialist infant feeding team to help support families within our Maternity Service to get the best start for their infant feeding journeys. You will work with new families at the bedside in the birthing and postnatal wards, working with the multi-disciplinary team to provide enhanced support. You will be supporting families who are outpatients requiring additional infant feeding support. You will also gain experience in booking appointments for, and assisting in, our tongue tie clinic. You will be required to cover weekdays, weekends and twilight shifts. All shifts are 5.5hrs long.
You will help and support with the implementation and maintenance of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Standards within our Maternity Service.
The Maternity Service provides Maternity Support Workers with a privileged opportunity to work with midwives caring for women and families. The service provides a comprehensive induction, bespoke competency programme and training and education to enable Support Workers to be an essential and valued member of the maternity team. The Maternity Service is keen to invest in and support career progression for Support Workers making this an opportunity not to be missed!
WHAT WERE LOOKING FORWe are seeking enthusiastic, motivated and flexible individuals who have a passion for supporting new families with feeding their baby. The successful candidate will aspire to make the experience for families a positive and memorable occasion. In addition, they will be proud to work as part of the wider maternity team.
A testimony statement from one of our current Band 3 Maternity Support Workers:
Joining UHS straight from college was the best decision Ive ever made. My initial plan was to stay for a year and get some experience in the industry, then apply to university. Four and a half years down the line I am still here, after being offered an amazing opportunity to progress my career; working part time and being funded to attend university. The whole team has been so supportive of my career progression and Im excited to see where this opportunity takes me.
Job description
Job responsibilities
WHAT YOULL DO
You will join our specialist infant feeding team to help support families within our Maternity Service to get the best start for their infant feeding journeys. You will work with new families at the bedside in the birthing and postnatal wards, working with the multi-disciplinary team to provide enhanced support. You will be supporting families who are outpatients requiring additional infant feeding support. You will also gain experience in booking appointments for, and assisting in, our tongue tie clinic. You will be required to cover weekdays, weekends and twilight shifts. All shifts are 5.5hrs long.
You will help and support with the implementation and maintenance of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Standards within our Maternity Service.
The Maternity Service provides Maternity Support Workers with a privileged opportunity to work with midwives caring for women and families. The service provides a comprehensive induction, bespoke competency programme and training and education to enable Support Workers to be an essential and valued member of the maternity team. The Maternity Service is keen to invest in and support career progression for Support Workers making this an opportunity not to be missed!
WHAT WERE LOOKING FORWe are seeking enthusiastic, motivated and flexible individuals who have a passion for supporting new families with feeding their baby. The successful candidate will aspire to make the experience for families a positive and memorable occasion. In addition, they will be proud to work as part of the wider maternity team.
A testimony statement from one of our current Band 3 Maternity Support Workers:
Joining UHS straight from college was the best decision Ive ever made. My initial plan was to stay for a year and get some experience in the industry, then apply to university. Four and a half years down the line I am still here, after being offered an amazing opportunity to progress my career; working part time and being funded to attend university. The whole team has been so supportive of my career progression and Im excited to see where this opportunity takes me.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Recent experience as a carer in a healthcare setting
- Level 3 qualification in healthcare, e.g. NVQ, Diploma or equivalent
- Numeracy and literacy skills at level 2 (GCSE grade C/4 or above) or equivalent as a minimum standard
- Previous experience in a hospital or community medical setting
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection
- Self-motivated and conscientious
- Aware of personal limitations
- Willing to engage with and learn from peers
Desirable
- Proficient in phlebotomy with recent experience
- Care Certificate qualification or commitment to undertaking
- Commitment to undertaking additional training corresponding to speciality
- Experience of a maternity service or similar
- Evidence of continuous professional development
Values & Behaviours
Essential
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Person Specification
Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Recent experience as a carer in a healthcare setting
- Level 3 qualification in healthcare, e.g. NVQ, Diploma or equivalent
- Numeracy and literacy skills at level 2 (GCSE grade C/4 or above) or equivalent as a minimum standard
- Previous experience in a hospital or community medical setting
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection
- Self-motivated and conscientious
- Aware of personal limitations
- Willing to engage with and learn from peers
Desirable
- Proficient in phlebotomy with recent experience
- Care Certificate qualification or commitment to undertaking
- Commitment to undertaking additional training corresponding to speciality
- Experience of a maternity service or similar
- Evidence of continuous professional development
Values & Behaviours
Essential
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
