Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Support Worker - Ainslie ward

The closing date is 01 January 2026

Job summary

Ainslie Ward at Torbay Hospital is seeking a full-time Healthcare Support Worker to join our dynamic Trauma and Orthopaedic team. We are a fast-paced ward committed to delivering the highest possible standards of care in line with each patient's assessed needs.

Our 26-bedded trauma ward provides an excellent opportunity to work alongside a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, caring for patients who often require surgery for a wide range of injuries. You will work effectively and, where appropriate, independently alongside Registered Nurses and Practitioners as part of the daily running of the ward.

In this role, you will be fully supported in your professional development through a combination of in-house training, external courses, regular supervision, and appraisals. We are committed to helping you achieve your full potential and progress in your career.

Our people are caring, committed, inclusive and focussed on quality. We focus on solutions and people's strengths, encourage outside the box thinking and embrace innovation and change wherever it can drive improvement. If you share our values and vision and are passionate about working with people on what matters to them, you could be a real asset to our Torbay and South Devon Team. #CareToJoinUsTSD

Main duties of the job

  • Working clinically to ensure the safety and quality of the care given to your designated patients, under the indirect supervision of a registered nurse/practitioner
  • Undertaking the following, but not restricted to, clinical tasks competently and efficiently:
  • Cannulation and Venepuncture
  • Wound Care
  • Performing ECGs
  • Competently taking and interpreting Vital signs on adults
  • Able to make appropriate referrals to Adult and Child Safeguarding teams
  • Supporting and working with colleagues during the shift
  • Liaising with the wider MDT to maintain safety
  • Helping to facilitate the development of the service as part of the wider team
  • To participate in discussions and projects that will benefit the team, the patients and the ward as a whole
  • Working under guidance and in conjunction with the senior nursing team and the Matron
  • Following the Trust's Policies and Protocols to ensure the safety of the department

About us

Why work with us- The team is flexible and promotes a healthy work/home life balance therefore, your package with us includes a lot more than just your pay.

Listed are a few of the additional benefits that are available to you as an employee:

  • NHS Pension Scheme
  • Childcare at our day nursery
  • Generous Holiday Entitlement, starting at 27 days a year (for full time workers) plus bank/public holidays
  • Staff Discounts
  • Career development and training opportunities
  • Employee Support - Staff have access to a 24-hour helpline

Details

Date posted

18 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

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

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

388-7653290-PC&S

Job locations

Ainslie Ward, Torbay Hospital

Lawes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Full vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification.

Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Full vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification.

Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification/experience

Desirable

  • Care certificate
  • English & Mathematics at GSCE grade A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills

Knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience
  • Understands the need for strict confidentiality

Desirable

  • Working knowledge of complex care needs of some individuals/families including Safeguarding Children & Adults, Domestic Abuse and Mental Health

Specific Skills

Essential

  • Basic computer/keyboard skills
  • Fine motor skills - for venepuncture, phlebotomy and other clinical tasks
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Able to prioritise and organise work
  • Able to work under instruction, under pressure and as part of a team
  • Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records
  • Able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and to adapt communication style to circumstances
  • Able to manage stress in themselves and others
  • Able to offer support at times of emotional distress
  • Willingness to undertake new skills and training
  • Able to work as a team member or independently
  • Ability to adapt behaviour to changing and challenging situations
  • To be flexible, adaptable, reliable and punctual
  • The post holder must demonstrate a positive commitment to uphold diversity and equality policies approved by the Trust

Desirable

  • Healthcare competencies appropriate to area of work
Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification/experience

Desirable

  • Care certificate
  • English & Mathematics at GSCE grade A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills

Knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience
  • Understands the need for strict confidentiality

Desirable

  • Working knowledge of complex care needs of some individuals/families including Safeguarding Children & Adults, Domestic Abuse and Mental Health

Specific Skills

Essential

  • Basic computer/keyboard skills
  • Fine motor skills - for venepuncture, phlebotomy and other clinical tasks
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Able to prioritise and organise work
  • Able to work under instruction, under pressure and as part of a team
  • Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records
  • Able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and to adapt communication style to circumstances
  • Able to manage stress in themselves and others
  • Able to offer support at times of emotional distress
  • Willingness to undertake new skills and training
  • Able to work as a team member or independently
  • Ability to adapt behaviour to changing and challenging situations
  • To be flexible, adaptable, reliable and punctual
  • The post holder must demonstrate a positive commitment to uphold diversity and equality policies approved by the Trust

Desirable

  • Healthcare competencies appropriate to area of work

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Ainslie Ward, Torbay Hospital

Lawes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Ainslie Ward, Torbay Hospital

Lawes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward Manager

Rebecca Needs

rebecca.needs@nhs.net

01803655540

Details

Date posted

18 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

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

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

388-7653290-PC&S

Job locations

Ainslie Ward, Torbay Hospital

Lawes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Supporting documents

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