Trainee Senior Healthcare Support Worker - Apprenticeship

Job summary

Please note that we are unable to provide Sponsorship for our Healthcare Support Worker roles.

This is a great opportunity to begin a rewarding career in healthcare and take your first step towards becoming a registered nursing professional.

Our Trainee Senior Healthcare Support Worker (TSHCSW) programme has been specifically designed as an entry point into the nursing apprenticeship career pathway. You'll join us as a Band 2 Healthcare Support Worker, where you'll receive comprehensive training, support, and hands-on experience to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to progress into a Senior Healthcare Support Worker role.

As part of your development, you will undertake a Level 3 Apprenticeship Diploma in Health and Social Care, gaining a nationally recognised qualification while earning and learning in a supportive clinical environment.

If you're passionate about delivering outstanding patient care, eager to learn, and looking for a clear pathway to advance your healthcare career, we'd love to hear from you. This is an excellent opportunity to build your skills, make a real difference to patients' lives, and take the next step towards a future in nursing.

Main duties of the job

The Apprenticeship will be in partnership with EKC Group, and will last 2 years from the enrolment date onto the programme; this is expected to start in February 2027.

Under the Apprenticeship funding rules set by the ESFA you must meet the minimum eligibility criteria below to access Apprenticeship funding to support your training;

o Have the right to work in England. Study visa's will not be accepted as you will need to be employed throughout the duration of your Apprenticeship.o Have been ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for three years before the apprenticeship start date.o Spend at least 50% of your working hours in England over the duration of the apprenticeship.o Be in relevant employment and work for a minimum of 30 hours per week, with employment contract covering the entire duration of the apprenticeship.

Please note: Any visa would need to be valid at the start of the programme and for the full duration of the programme. If the visa is due to be renewed part-way through the programme, you will not be able to enrol onto the apprenticeship, as per the UK Government Apprenticeship Funding rules.

About us

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 695,000 people.

Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'.

We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

Job responsibilities

Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in 'supporting documents'.

Person specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• Holds GCSE grade A-C /4-9 or level 2 functional skills in both Maths and English and can provide evidence of achievement
• Fully Completed the National Care Certificate and can provide evidence of completion
• Willing to complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care

Desirable

• Knowledge of care and related procedures, skill in clinical observations, knowledge of relevant legislation; short courses to undertake patient and clinical care duties, completion of a competency-based workbook

Clinical Skills and Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with people ideally in front line patient care
• Basic computer/keyboard skills

Desirable

• Previous experience as an HCSW in an acute hospital

Governance

Essential

• Adheres to Trust policies
• Will comply with the Data Protection Act, CNORIS, Caldicott Guidelines and local policies regarding confidentiality and access to medical records.
• Act on the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and employees.

Personal & Professional Attributes

Essential

• Effective communication and organisational skills
• Kind, compassionate and caring
• Ability to deliver high quality care
• Demonstrates patient focused approach
• Professional approach demonstrating: ability to work as part of a team; honesty and integrity; respecting equality and diversity
• Keen to develop knowledge and skills for personal and professional fulfilment