County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Apprentice Healthcare Assistant

The closing date is 30 June 2025

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Healthcare Assistant Apprentice to work within the outpatients Department County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. The post is to provide healthcare support to a dedicated team in Orthopaedic Outpatients/ Fracture Clinic and Plaster room in accordance with the Trusts policies and procedures whilst studying a Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship. This post is based within outpatients at University Hospital North Durham. Formal training sessions will be part of the Apprenticeship programme delivered in partnership with New College Durham.Training will take place at New College Durham or at one of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust premises. There is the possibility for progression to the permanent post of Health Care Assistant within CDDFT

Due to the nature of the training role, applicants must be over 18 years old to apply.

This opportunity is an apprenticeship and in order to access an apprenticeship applicants must be a UK Resident. A non-UK national is eligible to apply if they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of their employment.

Main duties of the job

Healthcare Assistant Apprentices will receive appropriate training and guidance to undertake the full range of duties which will include:

Understanding the role of HCSW and willingness to learn and develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Contribute to the department by working under the supervision of the qualified nursing team and Plaster Technicians in activities and tasks in providing high quality, compassionate care.

To chaperone in clinics and act as the patients advocate.

To be able to contribute and to independently run general routine clinics. Following training and when deemed to have the clinical competence, the opportunity progress to assist with specialised clinics Orthopaedics and Plaster room.

The ability to be able to plan and prioritise own delegated work tasks and activities.

To undertake delegated, repetitive, routine and familiar tasks, such as patient observations to include; manual b/ps, pulse oximetry, temperature, spirometry, ECGs, blood glucose monitoring and venepuncture. The post holder will also support the team with the application of Plaster of paris and splints under the direct supervision This list is not exhaustive.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months)

Date posted

16 June 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience £7.55 per hour, increasing to national minimum wage

Contract

Apprenticeship

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9439-2526-0093

Job locations

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW

Job description

Job responsibilities

To have an awareness of the normal parameters concerning a patients well-being and the ability to report those that are out of normal parameters to the registered professional.

To be able to work within the Multi-disciplinary Team framework of nursing which may include Nurse Specialists, Support Therapy Teams, liaising with other services and departments aiming to achieve the best outcome for the patient.

To fully engage and participate in in service improvement and development initiatives.

General duties- keeping all areas of the department clean and tidy adhering to the Trusts policy for infection control for safe disposal of waste and sharps etc.

The ability to navigate around the Trusts I.T systems and complete all relevant training.

To maintain professional standards with reference to appearance , manner and punctuality

To attend all Trust mandatory and statutory training programmes.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To have an awareness of the normal parameters concerning a patients well-being and the ability to report those that are out of normal parameters to the registered professional.

To fully engage and participate in in service improvement and development initiatives.

General duties- keeping all areas of the department clean and tidy adhering to the Trusts policy for infection control for safe disposal of waste and sharps etc.

The ability to navigate around the Trusts I.T systems and complete all relevant training.

To maintain professional standards with reference to appearance , manner and punctuality

To attend all Trust mandatory and statutory training programmes.

Person Specification

Special Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Good interpersonal skills and organisational skills.
The ability to remain calm under pressure.
Good communication skills both verbal and written.
I.T skills and the ability and willingness to learn new skills.
Ability to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
Ability to work autonomously and as part of the immediate team and/or wider team.
Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality and to abide by this at all times.
To abide by all trust policies and procedures.
To maintain professional standard with reference to appearance, manner and punctuality.
To demonstrate commitment towards healthcare and be committed to completing and attaining the qualifications of the apprenticeship

Special Requirements

Essential

Health care related awareness

Qualifications

Essential

4 GCSEs at C / Grade 4 or above to include Maths, English and IT or equivalent qualifications
If not williningness to work towards

Person Specification

Special Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Good interpersonal skills and organisational skills.
The ability to remain calm under pressure.
Good communication skills both verbal and written.
I.T skills and the ability and willingness to learn new skills.
Ability to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
Ability to work autonomously and as part of the immediate team and/or wider team.
Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality and to abide by this at all times.
To abide by all trust policies and procedures.
To maintain professional standard with reference to appearance, manner and punctuality.
To demonstrate commitment towards healthcare and be committed to completing and attaining the qualifications of the apprenticeship

Special Requirements

Essential

Health care related awareness

Qualifications

Essential

4 GCSEs at C / Grade 4 or above to include Maths, English and IT or equivalent qualifications
If not williningness to work towards

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

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW

Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW

Employer's website

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