Job summary
We are looking to recruit Band 2 Healthcare Support Workers (HCSW) into many of our specialist areas across GOSH. You will be joining a multi-professional team committed to delivering high quality and compassionate care to our patients and families.
You must have:
- Previous experience in working with the public and within a team
- GCSE level 4-9 in English and Mathematics or Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent is essential - (these must be clearly stated in your application form and certificates must be provided prior to interview).
- Able to demonstrate you are caring, compassionate and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Please note:
This is an entry level healthcare role and as such is not suitable for candidates who possess prior healthcare experience in an acute setting either with or without a Care Certificate.
Should your experience include proficiency in any clinical skills (e.g. venepuncture, cannulation, recording vital signs, ECGs, wound dressings, catheter care, blood glucose monitoring, moving & handling or personal cares), this will likely render you not eligible (over-experienced) for this particular entry level apprenticeship.
If you already possess a Care Certificate (in employment, not online) then you are welcome to apply for any of our current Band 3 Healthcare Assistant vacancies which can be found via this link: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/working-here/working-us/current-jobs/
Main duties of the job
The Process:
Please read the Job Description carefully and all the supporting information.
We are offering a virtual information sessions where you can find out more about the role and the apprenticeship on the following dates/times:
- Thursday 12th February 2026 @ 13:00 - 14:00pm
- Tuesday 17th February @ 11:00am - 12:00pm
Please email nursing.jobs@gosh.nhs.uk to register your place and to be sent the online joining link!
If you are successfully shortlisted for this opportunity, you will be contacted by our apprenticeship training provider, Dynamic Training to vet your eligibility. If you are eligible, you will be invited to attend GOSH for an interview day onWednesday 11th March 2026.
Start Date:
To be confirmed at interview - estimated May or June 2026.
This vacancy will close earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.
About us
We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as the communities we serve, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage, people with a disability, and people from LGBTQ+ communities. By growing an ever more diverse workforce, we'll have a greater range of perspectives and knowledge, meaning that we can provide the children and young people at our hospital with even better care.
Our hospital is committed to creating an environment that is open and inclusive. Our staff are encouraged to engage with colleagues through the following networks: REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) ENABLED (Enhancing Abilities & Leveraging Disabilities Network), PRIDE and Women's networks; all of which are sponsored by a member of our Executive Management Team.
We want to ensure that all of our people, regardless of their background, are seen and heard. We want to attract applicants that share our commitment to inclusion and that understand diversity is a strength that is embraced and valued.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person Specification
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential
- GCSE Grade 4 - 9 or Functional Skills Level 2 pass in English and Mathematics or equivalent recognised qualification
Desirable
- Certificate in Basic Food Hygiene
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Has the ability to recognise situations that require reporting and demonstrates the ability to escalate to a senior person where appropriate
- Previous experience of dealing with the public
- Working within a team
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of the needs of the patient and their families. Including: oNutrition and hydration oDignity and respect oInfection control oSafeguarding vulnerable people oHealth promotion oConfidentiality
- Knowledge and understanding of the health service
- Knowledge and experience of giving care in a multi-cultural environment
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients, families and colleagues, verbally and in writing
- To have good IT skills
- Able to meet timekeeping and attendance requirements
- Able to follow instructions and completed assigned tasks
- Able to carry out administrative and clerical duties appropriate to their work area
- Demonstrate a caring and compassionate approach to patients, families and colleagues
- Work in a professional manner and in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers
- Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact and prioritise effectively
Desirable
- Able to provide essential care to patients as directed
- Able to organise and conduct own work
Culture and Values
Essential
- Our Always values
- Experience of working as part of a diverse team.
- Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.
Person Specification
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential
- GCSE Grade 4 - 9 or Functional Skills Level 2 pass in English and Mathematics or equivalent recognised qualification
Desirable
- Certificate in Basic Food Hygiene
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Has the ability to recognise situations that require reporting and demonstrates the ability to escalate to a senior person where appropriate
- Previous experience of dealing with the public
- Working within a team
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of the needs of the patient and their families. Including: oNutrition and hydration oDignity and respect oInfection control oSafeguarding vulnerable people oHealth promotion oConfidentiality
- Knowledge and understanding of the health service
- Knowledge and experience of giving care in a multi-cultural environment
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients, families and colleagues, verbally and in writing
- To have good IT skills
- Able to meet timekeeping and attendance requirements
- Able to follow instructions and completed assigned tasks
- Able to carry out administrative and clerical duties appropriate to their work area
- Demonstrate a caring and compassionate approach to patients, families and colleagues
- Work in a professional manner and in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers
- Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of the workload and individual patient contact and prioritise effectively
Desirable
- Able to provide essential care to patients as directed
- Able to organise and conduct own work
Culture and Values
Essential
- Our Always values
- Experience of working as part of a diverse team.
- Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.
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).
