Senior Health Care Support Worker

Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Oswald Ward as a Healthcare Support Worker.

Oswald Ward is dedicated to MSK oncology and orthopaedic patients. The ward specialises in the care of patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas and metastatic disease. It prides itself on the outstanding care delivered to patients throughout their entire journey from referral through to treatment, discharge and follow up care. It is one of five specialist centres within the United Kingdom, covering a large demographic area and has a strong multidisciplinary focus, both within and outside the Trust, working closely with other NHS organisations and services such as Macmillan.

On Oswald Ward, we are committed to supporting new members of staff to ensure they feel confident and enjoy working as part of our team.

You will be given the time and support to build your confidence whilst learning how to care for MSK and oncology patients.

Please note: due to the part-time hours and associated salary, this post does not meet the minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The Trust is therefore unable to provide sponsorship for this vacancy.

Main duties of the job
The postholder will deliver high-quality, safe and compassionate care under the supervision of registered staff, carrying out a range of clinical and personal care duties in line with NVQ Level 3 competencies.

Responsibilities include undertaking venepuncture, ECGs, clinical observations, height, weight and BMI measurements, and accurately documenting and reporting abnormal findings.

They will perform urinalysis, collect and prepare specimens, support with aseptic techniques for simple wound care, and safely manage and dispose of bodily fluids following infection control policies.

The role involves assisting patients with all aspects of daily living including toileting, moving and handling, maintaining dignity and safety at all times.

The postholder will help Registered Nurses in assessing patients and implementing care plans. They will recognise changes in condition, initiate basic life support, request support in emergencies, and transport blood products when required.

They will contribute to maintaining cleanliness of the department, support skin integrity care and liaise with MDT members regarding discharge needs.

About us
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic NHS Trust (RJAH) is one of the leading orthopaedic hospitals in the country, with some of the highest levels of staff and patient satisfaction, as well as a strong reputation for research and innovation.

In the National Staff Survey, 69% of our staff would recommend the Trust as a place to work and 91% would recommend the hospital to a friend or relative for treatment.

Joining RJAH is more than just a job - we want our people to have the best opportunities to thrive in their role. We have a range of fantastic staff benefits on offer to everyone who joins RJAH and you'll have access to outstanding professional development opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities.

RJAH has strong links with a range of universities including Staffordshire, Keele, Glyndwr, Chester and Birmingham. The hospital is located on a site outside Oswestry, just off the A5. The nearest train station is in Gobowen, approximately two miles from the hospital. The station is part of the Chester to Birmingham line.

We are based in North Shropshire, close to the border with North and Mid Wales. It is one of the most attractive parts of the country, with a rich historic culture and excellent transport links. It offers outstanding opportunities for anyone who enjoys an outdoor lifestyle or is looking to raise a family.

Details
Date posted: 21 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year pro rata per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 224-PA20260903917

Job responsibilities
As a Senior Health Care Support Worker (Band 3), you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care under the direction of registered practitioners. Your responsibilities will include:

• Patient Care & Support: Provide person-centred care that upholds dignity, respect, empathy, and compassion.
• Support patients, families and carers throughout their care journey, offering information and promoting health and wellbeing.
• Recognise changes in patient wellbeing and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Carry out routine delegated clinical tasks such as observations (BP, pulse, temperature), blood glucose monitoring, urinalysis, wound checks, simple dressings, venepuncture, and removal of peripheral cannula/catheters (where trained).
• Clinical Duties & Professional Practice: Work within defined procedures, protocols and care plans.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient records using written and digital systems.
• Safely use and maintain clinical equipment, ensuring appropriate demonstration and guidance for patients and carers.
• Recognise and respond to emergency situations within the limits of competence.
• Communication & Teamwork: Communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues using verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to coordinated care.
• Support new starters, apprentices, students and junior staff through supervision and demonstrating duties.
• Safety, Quality & Compliance: Maintain a safe, clean and inclusive environment, adhering to infection control, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection standards.
• Identify and report risks, incidents or concerns promptly.
• Uphold the Trust's values and NHS Constitution behaviours at all times.
• Service Improvement & Development: Participate in audits, service evaluation and quality improvement activities.
• Take responsibility for your own learning, development and wellbeing, including participation in appraisal and personal development planning.

Person Specification
Qualifications (Essential):

• Level 2 Functional Skills. Competency based development and other role specific local training. Nationally available online learning.

Qualifications (Desirable):

• Level 3 qualifications or demonstrated ability and commitment to achieve a relevant level 3 qualification.

Experience (Essential):

• Experience in health and/or social care settings, such as employment, work experience, volunteering or placement(s).

Skills and competence (Essential):

• Good interpersonal and communication skills. Written, oral and electronic.
• Able to work on own initiative and under pressure. Able to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Able to prioritise and organise work. Able to work under instruction.
• Physical ability to undertake demanding moving and handling tasks.
• Able to undertake a limited range of delegated clinical duties e.g. recording patient observations, including taking blood pressure, pulse, temperature, blood glucose monitoring, urinalysis.
• Observing patients for signs of agitation or distress, wound observation and simple wound dressings, venepuncture, removal of peripheral cannula and removal of catheter. [Specific delegated clinical duties relevant to department/service are agreed locally and training delivered as part of induction].

Knowledge (Essential):

• Knowledge of personal care and related procedures, vocational qualification or equivalent relevant experience.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details
Employer name: Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Robert Jones Agnes Hunt Orthopedic Hospital, Gobowen, Oswestry, SY10 7AG, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.rjah.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Oswald Ward Manager, Fiona Hughes, fiona.hughes21@nhs.net, 01691404285

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