Healthcare Support Worker - UHD

Job overview

There is an opportunity to join our Adult Inpatient wards across surgery and Medicine within University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) as a HCSW, full time or part time.

The role of the HCSW is to demonstrate care, compassion and UHD Values. The post holder will support the trained nurse and other healthcare professionals in the delivery of the highest standard of patient centred care.

This role is a Band 3 and a recognised Care Certificate is required. If candidates do not hold one they will start as a Band 2 and be support in achieving the care certificate and moving to the Band 3 within their probationary period.

We are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week therefore the role will require  candidates to be fully flexible across all shift patterns which include nights, weekdays, weekends and bank holidays.

Please ensure you have the right to work in the UK without restrictions on availability, hours or shift patterns.

Interview date: 15th-17th June 2026

PLEASE NOTE WE ARE UNABLE TO OFFER SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS POSITION.

Main duties of the job

As a Healthcare Support Worker at UHD, you'll be at the heart of patient care — helping people feel safe, supported, and treated with dignity during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Working alongside registered nurses and healthcare professionals across our busy inpatient wards, your day-to-day work will include: the following – depending on the ward and area you are successfully placed in -

• Helping patients with personal hygiene, mobility, eating and drinking
• Promoting independence and encouraging patients to do what they can for themselves
• Supporting patients and families during end of life care
• Providing enhanced therapeutic observation (1:1, cohort/Baywatch care)
• Maintaining high standards of documentation
• Working with patients of all ages — from young people through to older adults

Every shift, you'll embody the values of UHD: compassion, care, and commitment to the people in our wards.

Please see job description for more detail.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

As a Healthcare Support Worker at UHD, you'll play a vital role in the daily care of our patients — working as a trusted and valued member of the ward team under the guidance of registered healthcare professionals.

Your responsibilities will include delivering kind, dignified and safe care that puts patients first, while keeping accurate and thorough records to support the wider clinical team.

No two days will look the same. Depending on the ward or speciality you're working in, you may care for patients across a wide range of ages and needs — from children and young people through to older adults — adapting your approach to meet each person where they are.

You'll also be trained to provide Enhanced Therapeutic Observation Care, which may include 1:1 arm's-length support or cohort/Baywatch monitoring — playing a critical role in keeping our most vulnerable patients safe.