Job requirements
Essential
23 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Knowledge
Good level of nursing care
- Knowledge
Knowledge of dying or bereavement.
- Knowledge
Basic understanding of the emotional needs of patients and their families
- Experience
Life Experience
- Experience
Previous experience of caring for people.
- Qualifications
Good standard of general education
- Personal Attributes
Ability to show initiative + prioritize work efficiently Motivated
- Personal Attributes
Ability to work as a part of the team.
- Personal Attributes
Ability to travel within the geographical areas as required by the service/requirements of the post.
- Personal Attributes
Ability to work flexible hours.
- Interpersonal skills
Good interpersonal skills including empathy and open minded approach to patients
- Interpersonal skills
Sensitivity to the needs of others
- Interpersonal skills
Emotionally able to work within the field of palliative care
- Technical Skills Competencies
Basic Nursing skills & Good communication skills
- Technical Skills Competencies
Ability to complete paperwork accurately with required information.
- Technical Skills Competencies
Ability to establish & maintain effective communication with people
- Technical Skills Competencies
Good interpersonal skills
- Technical Skills Competencies
Able to work within a stressful environment
- Technical Skills Competencies
Participate within the learning environment
- Technical Skills Competencies
Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
- Technical Skills Competencies
Drive and have access to a car for work
- Other requirements specific to
Willingness to and interest in acquiring new skills
- Other requirements specific to
Ability to work in a demanding environment
Desirable
5 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Experience
Previous experience of looking after cancer or terminally ill patients.
- Experience
Previous experience in nursing in the NHS
- Qualifications
NVQ2/NVQ3
- Interpersonal skills
Able to understand the importance of boundaries in relationships with patients and their families
- Technical Skills Competencies
Computer literate
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Health Care Assistant to join the specialist palliative care team working both within the community under hospice at home and the inpatient ward at the Macmillan Unit and Forest Holme. We provide palliative and End of Life Care to patients with life limiting disease. The successful candidate would need to be compassionate and demonstrate a keen interest in Palliative care. They would also demonstrate the ability to provide a high standard of quality care to our patients. The candidate needs to have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work flexible hours. Previous NHS experience of working in a care environment is essential.
You will need to drive and have access to a car for this role.
The role covers shift work 7 days a week 24 hours a day.
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
New starters to the trust will have to undertake a numeracy and literacy test.
This post is being advertised as a Band 3, however applicants that do not meet the required care certificate competencies will initially be employed as a Band 2. Applicants who hold a care certificate accreditation will start in post at Band 3
Base Location: Christchurch Hospital / Forest Holme
Interview Date: Week commencing on 28-SEP-2026
This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly.
Main duties of the job
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Healthcare Support Worker - Palliative Care with University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust in Poole, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 pa/pr. The contract type is 12 months (This is a fixed term role). The application deadline is 24 Sep 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (15 Sep 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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