Senior Health Care Support Worker


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£28,392 - £31,157
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Woodford Green, IG8 9LB
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	15 Aug 2026
Closing date:	27 Aug 2026

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Summary

Job Summary The Senior Healthcare Support Worker will work as part of the Integrated Care Team, delivering high-quality, compassionate and family-centred care to babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions at the hospice or in their own home. The post is contracted at 22.5 hours per week, worked flexibly in accordance with a rota agreed with the Nursing Service Lead. Shifts run 9:00am5:00pm across all care settings. In term time, the post holder will primarily be rostered at weekends; during school holidays, shifts may fall on any day of the week, in order to meet service requirements. Working under the direction of Registered Nurses and as part of the multidisciplinary team, the Senior Healthcare Support Worker will deliver person-centred care in accordance with individual care plans, delegated responsibilities and assessed competencies, escalating clinical concerns promptly to the Registered Nurse or Nurse in Charge. As a senior member of the Healthcare Support Worker team, the post holder will also act as a role model for less experienced colleagues, supporting their development and contributing to a high standard of care across the team.Key Responsibilities Clinical Care Deliver high-quality, compassionate care to babies, children and young people with complex, life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Provide care within the Hospice at Home service, primarily during weekend shifts in term time and on any day of the week during school holidays, enabling children and young people to remain at home wherever possible. Support the delivery of care within the in-house Day Care service during school holidays, providing continuity of care across both community and hospice settings. Deliver person-centred care in accordance with individual care plans, delegated responsibilities and assessed competencies. Assist with personal care, moving and handling, nutrition, hydration, continence care and mobility where required. Deliver delegated clinical interventions only once assessed as competent to do so, following training, competency assessment and organisational policy, including: Deep suctioning. Tracheostomy care, including routine care and emergency tracheostomy management. Care of children requiring invasive ventilation via tracheostomy. Care of children receiving non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP/CPAP). Oxygen therapy. Gastrostomy care, including enteral feeding and water flushes. Nasogastric (NG) tube care, including enteral feeding and water flushes. Stoma care, ensuring the stoma site is monitored and cared for in accordance with the individual care plan. Follow the Hospice's lone working policy at all times when working within the Hospice at Home service, including agreed check-in procedures and access to on-call clinical support for advice or escalation. Recognise and appropriately manage clinical emergencies when working alone, including initiating emergency tracheostomy management where required, and escalating promptly to on-call clinical support or emergency services. Monitor the effectiveness of delegated clinical interventions and any changes in a child's condition, promptly escalating concerns to the Registered Nurse, Nurse in Charge, or on-call clinical support as appropriate. Promote play, communication, emotional wellbeing and meaningful activities appropriate to each child's age, developmental stage and abilities. Maintain accurate and timely electronic documentation following every episode of care. Ensure equipment is used safely and maintained in accordance with organisational policies. Family Support Build positive, therapeutic relationships with babies, children, young people and their families. Provide emotional support and reassurance to parents, carers and siblings. Respect each family's culture, beliefs, wishes and preferences. Promote family involvement in care whilst maintaining professional boundaries. Act as an advocate for the child or young person, ensuring dignity, privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times. Team Working Work collaboratively with Registered Nurses and fellow Healthcare Support Workers to deliver safe, effective and compassionate care. Communicate effectively with colleagues to ensure continuity of care through clear verbal and written handovers. Provide support, guidance and informal mentoring to Healthcare Support Workers, students and new starters, acting as a role model for best practice. Contribute to the induction, orientation and ongoing development of less experienced colleagues. Participate in team meetings, supervision and reflective practice. Escalate clinical concerns, safeguarding concerns and environmental risks promptly to the Registered Nurse or Nurse in Charge. Contribute to a positive, respectful and supportive team culture. Safeguarding and Governance Ensure safeguarding is embedded within all aspects of practice and report concerns in accordance with Haven House safeguarding policies and procedures. Maintain accurate, contemporaneous records using the electronic patient record system. Report incidents, accidents, near misses and equipment concerns promptly in line with organisational procedures. Adhere to infection prevention and control, moving and handling, lone working and health and safety policies. Use equipment safely and report maintenance issues promptly. Maintain confidentiality and comply with information governance and data protection requirements. Professional Development and Professional Boundaries Maintain clear professional boundaries at all times. Work within the scope of the Senior Healthcare Support Worker role, recognising own limitations and escalating concerns appropriately. Participate in mandatory training, clinical supervision, appraisal and competency assessments. Take responsibility for maintaining and developing the knowledge, skills and competencies required for the role. Support the induction and competency sign-off of junior colleagues, where required. Participate in reflective practice and contribute to a culture of continuous learning. Support service evaluation and quality improvement by sharing feedback from children, young people and families and participating in audits and service developments where appropriate. Other duties 1. To promote and live the Haven House values of Compassionate, Professional, Respectful and Safe. 2. To work with colleagues across the hospice as part of the Haven House One Team approach. 3. To conduct yourself in line with the Haven House cultures and behaviours at all times, acting as an ambassador for the hospice. 4. To contribute towards a culture of continuous improvement to help drive our service to Outstanding. 5. To offer flexible support for the work of the organisation, with a flexible approach to new duties and responsibilities as needed to support our vision, mission and values. This job description is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder. The specific objectives of the post holder will be subject to review as part of the individual performance process. Haven House is committed to Equal Opportunities in Employment and therefore it is our aim to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on grounds of gender, disability, religion, race, colour, sexual orientation, and nationality, ethnic or national origins or is placed at a disadvantage by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Haven House is responsible under the existing equality and diversity legislation to ensure equality issues are promoted and you are expected to work with Haven House to fulfil these obligations, policies and codes of good practice. Employees must take reasonable care and be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) and to ensure that agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors. Haven House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

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