Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Clinical Support Worker (Elizabeth Ward)

The closing date is 23 February 2026

Job summary

We are inviting applications from motivated individuals to join our dedicated team of Clinical Support Workers across a range of specialties at Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

We currently have multiple vacancies across the site, with successful candidates allocated to departments following assessment and interview. The roles require flexibility, including day, night, and weekend shift working.

All newly appointed Clinical Support Workers will complete a comprehensive induction programme and receive ongoing pastoral and technical support from our dedicated Recruitment and Education Support Assistants (RESA). You will be supported to achieve the Care Certificate, equipping you with the skills and knowledge required to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care.

Following completion of the induction and a six-month probationary period, you will be enrolled in our structured development programme to support your continued growth and success in the role.

Support and training provided includes:

A six-day induction programme
A two-week supernumerary period, working alongside experienced colleagues while becoming familiar with your department and role
Local departmental induction covering relevant procedures and practices
Ongoing support from RESAs during your initial weeks to ensure a smooth transition into your new role

Main duties of the job

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Nursing Associate, the post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality patient care. Duties will include providing personal care and undertaking a limited range of delegated clinical tasks, while contributing to a safe, clean, and compassionate care environment.

Development and TrainingClinical Support Workers are automatically enrolled in structured development programmes between 6-12 months in post. This includes the ACE Programme, a three-day course aligned with the Trust's THRIVE values, focusing on teamwork, patient experience, resilience, wellbeing, and quality improvement, and the BEACH Programme, which supports effective escalation of care for critically unwell patients.

All non-registered Clinical Support Workers are required to complete the Care Certificate, in line with Health Education England standards. This includes completion of the Practice Assessment Document (PAD) and 15 ESR Care Certificate modules, with full support provided throughout.

Disability Awareness Training is also provided, covering areas such as sensory impairment, frailty, hidden disabilities, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities.

Support and InductionYou will receive a two-week supernumerary period, local induction, competency-based training, regular one-to-one support from a Recruitment and Education Support Assistant (RESA), and access to the Clinical Support Worker Forum.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Date posted

09 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-CSW8617-CW

Job locations

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please find the full job description attached.

You will work at all times under the supervision of the Registered Nurse in charge of the shift and will be accountable to the Registered Nurse you are working with, as well as the Senior Sister or Charge Nurse of the ward or department.

You are expected to practise within the scope of your experience, assessed competence, and skills acquired within the role.

Immediate and direct supervision will be required when undertaking unfamiliar tasks, and you must not carry out any duties for which you have not received appropriate training or supervision.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please find the full job description attached.

You are expected to practise within the scope of your experience, assessed competence, and skills acquired within the role.

Immediate and direct supervision will be required when undertaking unfamiliar tasks, and you must not carry out any duties for which you have not received appropriate training or supervision.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Has undertaken the Care Certificate
GCSE Maths and English (Grades A* to G) or equivalent

Desirable

L3 Health and Social Care Qualification or equivalent experience (minimum or 12 months)
GCSE Maths and English (Grades A*-C) or equivalent

Experience and Skills

Essential

Demonstrable experience in dealing with people who are sick and distressed or equivalent customer focused employment
Experience of team working
Experience of working under pressure and dealing with competing demands
Experience of communicating with people from different backgrounds
Basic digital skills

Desirable

Previous experience in a healthcare role at Band 2 or equivalent e.g. carer for family member
Experience of working in a range of healthcare settings

Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge or understanding of the role which includes care related procedures, clinical observations, limited clinical duties and relevant legislation
An understanding of the fundamentals of patient care, sucj as washing, toileting, feeding and communication

Personal Skills

Essential

Kind and compassionate
Clear, concise and honest communication
Behaviour which is aligned to the Trust THRIVE values

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Has undertaken the Care Certificate
GCSE Maths and English (Grades A* to G) or equivalent

Desirable

L3 Health and Social Care Qualification or equivalent experience (minimum or 12 months)
GCSE Maths and English (Grades A*-C) or equivalent

Experience and Skills

Essential

Demonstrable experience in dealing with people who are sick and distressed or equivalent customer focused employment
Experience of team working
Experience of working under pressure and dealing with competing demands
Experience of communicating with people from different backgrounds
Basic digital skills

Desirable

Previous experience in a healthcare role at Band 2 or equivalent e.g. carer for family member
Experience of working in a range of healthcare settings

Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge or understanding of the role which includes care related procedures, clinical observations, limited clinical duties and relevant legislation
An understanding of the fundamentals of patient care, sucj as washing, toileting, feeding and communication

Personal Skills

Essential

Kind and compassionate
Clear, concise and honest communication
Behaviour which is aligned to the Trust THRIVE values

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

Certificate of Sponsorship

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)