Band 2/3 - Healthcare Support Worker, Emergency Medicine

Job overview

Are you passionate about helping others and looking to develop your career in healthcare? This could be your opportunity to join a dedicated and supportive team at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

We are looking for compassionate, motivated and enthusiastic Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) to join our busy Emergency Department at Watford General Hospital.

Previous experience in NHS/ UK healthcare provider is essential for this role.

As part of our team, you will play an important role in supporting patients during some of their most challenging moments, working alongside experienced nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliver safe, high-quality and compassionate care.

You will be required to work 12.5 hour shifts, covering days, nights and weekends (further details below).

As part of the interview process, you will be required to complete a written assessment on the 9th November, and if successful, you will be invited to and an interview on the 16th November 2026.

To find out more about the role of a Healthcare Support Worker, please watch the YouTube video below:

https://youtu.be/1VmQLPrTNQU

Please visit the following website for information about the role of a Healthcare Support Worker:

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-support-worker/roles-healthcare-support-worker/healthcare-assistant

Important Information – Visa Sponsorship

Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship, and the Trust is unable to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to maintain their immigration permission independently, without requiring sponsorship from the Trust, throughout their employment.

Main duties of the job

As a Healthcare Support Worker, you will play a vital role within the nursing team, delivering high-quality care and support to patients and their families.

This role requires someone who consistently puts patients at the heart of everything they do, ensuring compassionate, person-centred care every day.

You will provide hands-on personal care while actively encouraging and supporting patients to maintain their independence wherever possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are recruiting for full time positions covering a 24 hour, 7 day a week shift pattern (rotational shifts, with enhanced pay for weekends and nights).

Posts involve working 3 long days/nights per week with 1 week in 4 working a 4 day/night week.

Shifts are 12.5 hours long (this includes an hour allocated for breaks). Shifts start at 7:15am - 7:45pm or 7:15pm - 7:45am. Shifts will cover 7 days per week, days, nights and Bank Holidays.

We cannot accommodate set shift patterns, day or night only shifts. If you are unable to commit to the working pattern, as detailed above, we would suggest that you apply to join NHS Professionals.

We offer an excellent pension scheme, annual leave allowance and family friendly policies, NHS Staff Discounts and salary sacrifice schemes.

You will be required to complete the ‘Care Certificate’ qualification as part of your on-going training.

The Care Certificate is an agreed set of standards that define the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of specific job roles in the health and social care sectors. The qualification is made up of the 15 minimum standards that should be covered if you are 'new to care' and will form part of a robust induction programme.

Ready for the challenge?

Once you’ve gained experience in the role, there are excellent development opportunities available within the Trust. These include fully supported and funded pathways such as the Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship and the Nursing Associate Programme.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.