University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Senior Healthcare Support Worker (SHCSW)

The closing date is 11 February 2026

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen to join the Chestnut Unit as a permanent Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW). A SCHSW is part of the multidisciplinary team delivering direct care to patients and supporting Registered Practitioners to deliver high quality, compassionate health care to people in accordance with assessed needs and a care plan.

You will carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical healthcare, or therapeutic tasks, under the direct or indirect supervision of the Registered Practitioner, in accordance with the 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 3 HCSW in your area of work.

***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.***

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

Assisting clinicians with procedures such as cystoscopies, biopsies, Botox, urodynamics', one stop clinics and more. Chestnut Unit also sees patients on a urology 2WW pathway. Chestnut Unit also runs an SDEC (Same day emergency care) where we take patients from ED or community. As a HCA you will be able to catheterise and perform venepuncture on patients. You will be expected to learn the various clinics that we run, however full training will be given. There will be some manual handling and personal care of patients included in the role. We run a lot of clinics involving sensitive areas of a patient, we must ensure privacy and dignity is maintained at all times. Some conversations are also sensitive and we must be mindful of this when running and assisting in the clinics.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details

Date posted

29 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year £24,937 - £26,598 per annum pro rota

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

216-GT-DD7681263-B

Job locations

Chestnut Unit, Derriford Hospital

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY1. Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.2. Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.3. Ability to use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and an understanding totake decisions within your area of responsibility.4. To carry out a range of (limited) clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including for example, bloodpressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate,glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples / faecal samples / sputum samples andwound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustiveand will vary depending on area of work.5. Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concernsabout patients to other clinical staff.6. Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able toconcentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.7. Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies andprocedures.8. Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.9. Utilising skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.10. Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.11. maintain effective record keeping and communication with patients, relatives, and members of theMultidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a range of appropriate communicationskills, where there may be barriers to understanding.12. Ensuring equipment and stores are well maintained, taking appropriate action if the equipment is faulty.This may include ordering supplies.13. Work effectively as part of a team.14. The SHCSW is responsible for inputting information into the electronic patient record where applicableand also into patients written records. Comply with all relevant legislation and local policies regardingconfidentiality and access to medical records.15. Assisting doctors with procedures such as cystoscopies, biopsies, Botox, urodynamics', one stop clinicsand more.Professional16. Demonstrate ability to access Trust policies and procedures and comply with those relevant to role.17. Act, at all times, in a manner which demonstrates respect for privacy, dignity and confidentiality.18. Embrace the Trust values and work in an inclusive way.19. Act within limits of competence, ensuring actions support care, protection, and wellbeing.20. Responsible for maintaining own skills, knowledge, and competence for the role.21. Participate in team discussions / meetings as an integral member of the team.22. You are accountable for your workload in accordance with care plans and for reviewing the effectivenessof care provided. Adapting, or escalating as required.23. To support or guide the healthcare support worker.Administration24. Competent in the use of IT systems within the workplace environment.25. Participate in the induction and orientation of newly appointed staff, learners and other visitors to thedepartment.

For further details please see the attached JD & PS

Job description

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY1. Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.2. Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.3. Ability to use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and an understanding totake decisions within your area of responsibility.4. To carry out a range of (limited) clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including for example, bloodpressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate,glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples / faecal samples / sputum samples andwound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustiveand will vary depending on area of work.5. Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concernsabout patients to other clinical staff.6. Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able toconcentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.7. Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies andprocedures.8. Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.9. Utilising skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.10. Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.11. maintain effective record keeping and communication with patients, relatives, and members of theMultidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a range of appropriate communicationskills, where there may be barriers to understanding.12. Ensuring equipment and stores are well maintained, taking appropriate action if the equipment is faulty.This may include ordering supplies.13. Work effectively as part of a team.14. The SHCSW is responsible for inputting information into the electronic patient record where applicableand also into patients written records. Comply with all relevant legislation and local policies regardingconfidentiality and access to medical records.15. Assisting doctors with procedures such as cystoscopies, biopsies, Botox, urodynamics', one stop clinicsand more.Professional16. Demonstrate ability to access Trust policies and procedures and comply with those relevant to role.17. Act, at all times, in a manner which demonstrates respect for privacy, dignity and confidentiality.18. Embrace the Trust values and work in an inclusive way.19. Act within limits of competence, ensuring actions support care, protection, and wellbeing.20. Responsible for maintaining own skills, knowledge, and competence for the role.21. Participate in team discussions / meetings as an integral member of the team.22. You are accountable for your workload in accordance with care plans and for reviewing the effectivenessof care provided. Adapting, or escalating as required.23. To support or guide the healthcare support worker.Administration24. Competent in the use of IT systems within the workplace environment.25. Participate in the induction and orientation of newly appointed staff, learners and other visitors to thedepartment.

For further details please see the attached JD & PS

Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • oDemonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
  • oBe able to work as a member of a team
  • oDemonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

  • oOne of the following oAccredited Level 3 (SCQF - 6): - City and Guilds 3 oNVQ 3 oAccredited BTEC National Diploma oExperience equivalent to the above qualifications
  • oLevel 2 Functional skills in English and Math's, or equivalent
  • oCompletion of accredited Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker)
  • oEquivalent demonstrable experience

APTITUDE & ABILITIES

Essential

  • oEffective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
  • oAble to complete appropriate documentation accurately
  • oDemonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures
Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • oDemonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
  • oBe able to work as a member of a team
  • oDemonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

  • oOne of the following oAccredited Level 3 (SCQF - 6): - City and Guilds 3 oNVQ 3 oAccredited BTEC National Diploma oExperience equivalent to the above qualifications
  • oLevel 2 Functional skills in English and Math's, or equivalent
  • oCompletion of accredited Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker)
  • oEquivalent demonstrable experience

APTITUDE & ABILITIES

Essential

  • oEffective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
  • oAble to complete appropriate documentation accurately
  • oDemonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Chestnut Unit, Derriford Hospital

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Chestnut Unit, Derriford Hospital

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Department Manager

Kerry-Anne Kelley

kerry-anne.kelley@nhs.net

01752430754

Details

Date posted

29 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year £24,937 - £26,598 per annum pro rota

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

216-GT-DD7681263-B

Job locations

Chestnut Unit, Derriford Hospital

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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