Support Worker
| Posting date: | 22 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £25,760.00 to £27,476.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £25760.00 - £27476.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 June 2026 |
| Location: | Plymouth, PL1 4JZ |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | B9832-2026-NM-10271 |
Summary
To work under the direction of a registered member of nursing staff, but at times will not have direct supervision. To work within a team supporting and assisting qualified staff in the implementation of patient care, that includes personal hygiene, toileting, undressing and dressing of patients, moving and handling and assisting with mobilisation. To undertake a range of competencies which may include service specific training appropriate to the role/service. To undertake a range of observations and ensure they are communicated and recorded appropriately. To use clinical decision-making tools to inform care, such as, Waterlow, MUST etc and be able to highlight significant results to senior staff Once assessed as competent, perform simple wound care, blood sugar monitoring, venipuncture, temperature, blood pressures, pulse oximetry and other clinical responsibilities as delegated by the registered nursing staff. To provide self-directed, individual activities for specified patients both in all healthcare settings working within risk management guidelines, as this may include working alone in the unit for periods of time under the guidance of a registered nurse To be able to identify when there may be a safeguarding risk for any patient or carer and know the process to follow Participate in the unit wide response team which responds to any untoward incident to ensure safety in the wards and to be fully trained in breakaway training (which will be in date). To carry out efficiently and effectively task and instructions assigned by the registered nurse To undertake only those tasks for which she / he has had instruction and is competent to fulfil as a healthcare assistant. To provide mentorship and support to junior staff or students To engage with audits, quality improvement projects and service changes as directed by the ward manager. To provide a high standard of care under the direction and supervision of more senior staff To assist the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery and evaluation of patient care. To liaise across inpatient and community colleagues in the statutory and non-statutory services as appropriate. To provide professional influence, direction, clarification and support for new and existing staff, nursing, occupational therapy, students, volunteers, and carers as appropriate as part of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). To ensure the adherence to Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control guidelines at all times. To be involved in the continued development of the Health Care Assistant role and other Health Care AssistantsTo be involved in the continued development of the Health Care Assistant role and other Health Care Assistants To provide guidance and support to junior staff or students To provide line management to Health Care Assistants To receive line management support and supervision The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finances; however they will adhere to the relevant trust policies on financial issues The post holder will use Livewell Southwest resources responsibly To ensure competencies in record keeping Report any changes in the patients condition or care needs to the supervising trained nurse and / or relevant therapist and document accordingly. Maintain accurate and complete patient records in accordance with organisational guidelines. Maintain confidentiality of information being aware of Livewells policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes To access email and other information through Livewell Southwest intranet Support peoples care through provision of key skills including emotional and spiritual care, positioning, communication, tissue viability, oral and personal hygiene, and nutritional awareness. Assist people to achieve their optimal level in their physical health care maintaining their comfort and dignity at all times. To support patients to identify and overcome fears within a relationship of empathy and trust. To monitor mental health of service users and report changes to qualified staff so that the care plan can be kept fully up to date. Be aware of fluctuations in mental health. To work with patients and carers to work towards recovery The post holder will promote better mental health by acting as a suitable role model The post holder is required to comply with all infection prevention and control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate to Director of Operations/Chief Executive Office. Be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns. To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life. To record contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic record systems. Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating care to patients. This to include participation in case review and assessment for admission / discharge process Escort patients to other wards / departments or other areas designated by trained staff, which may include the community settings. Record and manage patients property.