Job overview
Do you want to be part of a team who have an excellent reputation for delivering a high standard of care with innovative working in a rapidly changing environment?
We are currently recruiting for Senior Healthcare Support Workers across Ipswich Hospital. Including Surgical, Medical and Care of the Elderly wards.
We welcome applications from individuals with prior NHS healthcare experience.
As a Senior Healthcare Support Worker, you are required to work a rota pattern. You must be able to work a variety of shifts, including days, nights and weekends including Bank Holidays such as Christmas Day.
If you like a challenge, are able to work at a very fast pace, enjoy working with a multi-disciplinary team and can give our patients the dignified care they deserve then this could be the job for you.
Previous NHS Experience & NHS Care Certificate is required for this role.
Main duties of the job
- To assist the Registered Nurses to care for the patient to ensure their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs are met
- To assist the patient to perform activities of daily living in accordance with their plan of care, e.g. personal hygiene, dressing, toileting, feeding, oral hydration, positioning, mouth-care etc
- To perform and accurately record clinical observations as required and report changes to the Registered Nurse immediately
- To be responsible for ensuring own infection control practice is in line with Trust Infection Control policies, including approved hand-washing technique.
- To challenge those not following recognise infection control procedures when witnessed.
- To ensure that all communication and care provision maintains the dignity and respect of all patients and their carers/relatives
- To welcome patients and visitors to the ward, ensuring they are orientated and aware of hospital routines and facilities
- To communicate effectively with patients, carers, visitors and other staff members at all times
- To promote high standards of hygiene, cleanliness and safety within the ward/department environment
- To maintain equipment ensuring that it is clean and ready for use & report if not in good working order
- To clean and prepare areas for new admissions/transfers
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Awareness of physical, psychological and spiritual needs of patient's relatives and carers.
- Awareness of the nature of the carers role in assisting patients to fulfil basic human needs
- Knowledge of clinical procedures and observations
- Knowledge of relevant legislation
Desirable
- Understanding of risk management, health and safety issues, including safe manual handling.
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in an healthcare setting
Desirable
- Experience within an acute care setting
Qualifications
Essential
- Care certificate achieved
- Evidence of completed competencies as part of a professional portfolio
- NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Desirable
- Evidence of functional skills or willingness to undertake
- Willingness to undertake further study
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Senior Healthcare Support Worker - Ipswich with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust in Colchester, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 pro rata, per annum + unsocial hours payments. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 25 Jun 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 (17 Jun 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job 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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