Healthcare Support Worker

Ready to Make a Difference? Join UHS as a Healthcare Support Worker 

Stuck in a Job That Doesn’t Feel Meaningful? Does your current role leave you feeling like you aren’t making a real impact on others' lives? 

At UHS, you’ll have the chance to create real, meaningful change every day as a Healthcare Support Worker . Whether you’re new to healthcare or looking for a more fulfilling path, this is your opportunity to support patients, bring comfort, and be a vital part of their care journey — no prior experience needed.

Is a HCSW Role Right for You? 

  • Do you thrive in a team environment? 

  • Are you ready for a role where every day is different? 

  • Would you like to grow and develop? 

 

If you answered yes to these, then becoming a HCSW at UHS could be the perfect fit for you. We welcome applicants from non-clinical backgrounds who are motivated to make a positive change. 

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What Does a Healthcare Support Worker  (HCSW ) Do? 

A HCSW plays a vital role in ensuring patients receive compassionate care and support throughout their healthcare journey. Responsibilities include: 

  • Monitoring Vital Signs: Checking blood pressure, temperature, and other important health indicators. 

  • Providing Emotional Support: Offering comfort and emotional reassurance to patients and their families. 

  • Supporting Healthcare Teams: Assisting nurses and doctors in delivering efficient care, keeping everything running smoothly. 

HCSWs are the heart of patient care, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and respect. 

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Flexibility in Shifts 

At UHS, flexibility is key for HCSWs. You’ll be able to work a variety of shifts to suit both the needs of the hospital and your personal schedule. These shifts include: 

  • Morning Shifts: Typically starting at 7 am and ending around 3 pm. 

  • Short and Long Days: Shifts between 8 and 12 hours, offering flexibility depending on your availability. 

  • Evening Shifts: Ending around 8 pm, for those who prefer later working hours. 

  • Night Shifts: Running from 7 pm to 7 am, for those who enjoy working through the night. 

Why Day Shifts for Induction? - 

Although night shifts are an option, our one week foundation induction and training program takes place during day shifts. This ensures that you receive comprehensive, hands-on training alongside experienced team members in a fully supported environment. The focus is on helping you build confidence and master the skills needed before transitioning to any shift pattern, including nights. 

The Importance of Flexibility 

As a HCSW, we need you to be adaptable. Flexibility is important in healthcare, as patient needs can change quickly. We understand the importance of work-life balance, so we offer shift patterns that work for you, whether you're looking for part-time or full-time roles. 

Getting Started as a HCSW at UHS 

Transitioning into healthcare at UHS is straightforward: 

  • Apply Online: Complete our simple application process and showcase your transferable skills. 

  • Onboarding and Training: You’ll start with a one week foundation induction, including the Care Certificate, which gives you the basic skills needed to succeed as an HCSW. 

  • Ongoing Support: With access to our HCSW Hub, you’ll receive pastoral support, mentorship, and career guidance from the moment you join UHS. 

  • Career Growth: Whether you want to stay in an HCSW role or move into nursing or other healthcare specialties, UHS can offer development opportunities and apprenticeships to help you reach your goals. 

Roles Across Different Departments at UHS 

At UHS, Healthcare Support Worker  (HCSWs) work across a variety of departments, each offering unique experiences. Here’s a look at some of the different environments you can work in as an HCSW, depending on where your strengths and interests lie: 

Adult Care 

In this role, you’ll provide nursing support to adult patients at various stages of their healthcare journey. You’ll help with personal care, offering dignity and respect during vulnerable moments, even when it involves handling bodily fluids like blood, urine, or stool. Your empathy and professionalism can make all the difference in a patient’s recovery. You’ll also be a vital part of the nursing team, helping with patient care and responding to crises. 

Child Care 

At Southampton Children’s Hospital, one of the country’s leading children’s hospitals, you’ll care for children from across the region. Like in adult care, you’ll face difficult moments and work with bodily fluids, but your kindness and calmness will be essential. You may support families going through emotional times, and your ability to brighten a child’s day could become the most rewarding part of your work. 

 

Emergency Department (A&E) 

If you thrive in fast-paced, high-energy environments, working in the Emergency Department (ED) could be for you. With separate departments for children and adults, you’ll face emergency situations where emotions run high, and quick decisions are critical. You may not always get to follow a patient’s full journey, but your ability to remain calm under pressure will make you a key member of this elite team. 

 

Ophthalmology (Eye Hospital) 

If you have a compassionate nature and enjoy spending time talking to patients, the Ophthalmology Department could be the right fit. You’ll prepare patients for eye surgery, many of whom are elderly and feeling anxious. Your patience and ability to offer reassurance will help calm those who feel vulnerable, particularly when they’re dealing with the fear of losing their sight. 

Theatres (Surgical Department) 

For those with a natural curiosity about the human body, working in Theatres might be a perfect fit. You’ll be part of a team that performs life-saving procedures, supporting surgeons, anesthetists, and other specialists in preparing for surgery. You won’t often interact with patients, as most are under anesthesia, but your attention to detail and ability to work behind the scenes will ensure surgeries run smoothly. If you enjoy being part of a team that contributes to something greater, this could be the place for you. 

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Supportive Work Environment for Newcomers to Healthcare 

At UHS, we believe in nurturing talent from all backgrounds, including those new to the healthcare industry. We provide a welcoming and collaborative environment where your contributions are valued. You’ll be part of a friendly team that supports your transition into healthcare. 


The HCSW Hub: Your Path to Success 

The HCSW Hub is designed to help those transitioning into healthcare roles by offering: 

  • Comprehensive Onboarding: A structured one week foundation induction that includes all necessary training, even for those without clinical experience. 

  • Pastoral Support: Guidance and support throughout your career, helping you feel confident and supported in your new role. 

  • Career Development: Resources and mentoring to help you advance and explore further career opportunities in healthcare. 


Training and Development: No Experience Needed 

At UHS, we offer all the training required to make your transition into healthcare seamless. Starting with our in-depth induction program and Care Certificate, you’ll be equipped with the essential skills needed to thrive as a HCSW. Ongoing training ensures you can continue to grow in your role.

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Development

After you have completed your 1-week foundation induction you will attend an extended induction consisting of 1 study day per month for 5 months (total 5 study days). During this time, with the support of your line manager you will be learning the additional skills necessary to be a Senior Healthcare Support Worker such as:

· Taking physiological measurement

· Maintaining patients skin integrity

· Local specific skills such as cannulation, catheterisation and ecgs.

Upon successful completion of this training and its associated competency document containing the core HCSW competencies as well as the additional competencies required for a Band 3, you will progress into a Band 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker role.

 

Competitive Benefits for New Starters in Healthcare 

UHS offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you succeed: 

  • Guaranteed contracted hours and competitive pay 

  • Minimum 35 days paid holiday (pro-rata) 

  • Mentorship and emotional support from our dedicated team 

  • Flexible working options to support your work-life balance 

  • Pension schemes, life insurance, and access to NHS discounts 

  • Access to extra shifts if desired 

  • A welcoming environment with state-of-the-art facilities 

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State-of-the-Art Facilities for Your New Career 

At UHS, you’ll work in cutting-edge healthcare facilities that provide the best tools and technologies to ensure top-quality patient care. You don’t need clinical experience to work in an environment that fosters learning and growth. 

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Flexible Working to Suit Your Lifestyle 

Whether you’re transitioning from a 9-to-5 role or balancing family commitments, UHS offers flexible working options. Shift patterns can be adjusted to suit your schedule, making it easier to integrate into your new healthcare role. 

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