NHS Band 3 Health Care Support Worker (Visa Sponsorship Available)

ARE YOU an experienced Health Care Support Worker with NHS venepuncture experience and competence?

ARE YOU looking for an exciting new challenge?

The Community Treatment and Care (CTAC) Service within Aberdeenshire is seeking to recruit an experienced Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) to work at Skene Medical Practice .

The CTAC team work within Primary Care, working closely with the wider General Practice multidisciplinary team.

We want to hear from candidates who have a caring nature, are adaptable and forward thinking. Experience is essential in venepuncture, BPs, heights, weights, urinalysis and the use of Vision GP IT systems and the successful candidate requires to be confident to run independent clinics. Must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a vehicle. Working days Monday 10:00-17:30, Wednesday 10:00-17:30 and Friday 07:30-11:30, this is non- negotiable due to practice service need.

Posts close at midnight on the indicated date unless the advert states otherwise. Post may close early due to volume of applications.

For more information, please contact gram.ctacsleadsaberdeenshire@nhs.scot

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

1. What is a Healthcare Support Worker in Scotland?
   • A Healthcare Support Worker assists registered nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals in providing patient care. Roles include personal care, supporting daily living activities, and administrative tasks, often in hospitals, community settings, or care homes.
2. What qualifications are required?
   • No formal qualifications are mandatory, but a good standard of education (e.g., SVQ Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care) is preferred. Training is provided on the job, and registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) may be required for certain roles.
3. What does a Healthcare Support Worker do in NHS Scotland?
   • Duties include assisting with personal hygiene, feeding, mobility support, observing patient conditions, reporting changes to nurses, and maintaining a clean environment. They work under supervision and follow NHS Scotland protocols.
4. What settings do HCSWs work in?
   • Hospitals, community health centers, care homes, mental health units, or patients’ homes, depending on the role (e.g., HCSW – Acute, HCSW – Community).
5. What is the salary for an HCSW in Scotland?
   • Starting salaries are typically around £23,000–£25,000 per year (NHS Band 2), with potential increases based on experience or progression to Band 3.
6. What are the challenges of the role?
   • Physical demands (e.g., lifting patients), emotional stress from patient care, and working irregular shifts (e.g., nights, weekends).
7. What skills are needed?
   • Compassion, communication, teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions. Basic literacy and numeracy are also essential.
8. Is training provided?
   • Yes, NHS Scotland offers induction programs, mandatory training (e.g., moving and handling, infection control), and opportunities to work toward SVQ qualifications.
9. What is the SSSC, and why is it relevant?
   • The Scottish Social Services Council regulates HCSWs in social care settings, ensuring standards of conduct and practice. Registration may be required for some roles.
10. What career progression is available?
    • HCSWs can progress to senior support worker roles, train as registered nurses, or specialize in areas like dementia care with further qualifications.

1. Why do you want to work as a Healthcare Support Worker in NHS Scotland?
   • Sample Answer: “I want to support patients and contribute to NHS Scotland’s mission of delivering compassionate care. I’m eager to gain hands-on experience and grow within a respected healthcare system.”
2. What experience do you have in healthcare or supporting others?
   • Sample Answer: “I’ve cared for a family member with mobility issues, helping with daily tasks, which taught me patience and empathy. I also volunteered at a local care home, assisting with meal support.”
3. How would you assist a patient with personal care?
   • Sample Answer: “I’d ensure privacy and dignity, explaining each step, assisting with washing or dressing as needed, and using proper moving and handling techniques to ensure safety.”
4. What would you do if a patient becomes aggressive?
   • Sample Answer: “I’d stay calm, avoid confrontation, and use de-escalation techniques like speaking softly. I’d alert a supervisor or nurse immediately if the situation escalates.”
5. How do you handle working under pressure?
   • Sample Answer: “I prioritize tasks, stay organized, and ask for help if needed. During a busy shift, I focus on patient safety while managing my workload effectively.”
6. How do you ensure patient confidentiality?
   • Sample Answer: “I follow NHS Scotland and GDPR guidelines, only discussing patient information with authorized staff and ensuring conversations occur in private settings.”
7. Describe a time you worked as part of a team.
   • Sample Answer: “In a retail job, I collaborated with colleagues to manage a busy period, sharing tasks to meet customer needs, which improved efficiency and teamwork.”
8. What would you do if you noticed a change in a patient’s condition?
   • Sample Answer: “I’d observe the change, note details like symptoms or behavior, and report it immediately to a nurse or supervisor for further action.”
9. How do you maintain a clean and safe environment?
   • Sample Answer: “I follow infection control protocols, dispose of waste correctly, and keep work areas tidy, ensuring equipment is sanitized to protect patients and staff.”
10. Why should we hire you?
    • Sample Answer: “I bring compassion, a willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic. My experience supporting others and my commitment to NHS values make me a good fit for this role.”
11. How do you handle repetitive tasks?
    • Sample Answer: “I stay focused by maintaining a routine and finding purpose in the tasks, knowing they contribute to patient well-being.”
12. What do you know about NHS Scotland’s values?
    • Sample Answer: “NHS Scotland values care, compassion, dignity, and teamwork. I aim to embody these by treating patients respectfully and collaborating with my team.”
13. How do you manage your time during a shift?
    • Sample Answer: “I plan my tasks, check in with patients regularly, and adapt to changes, ensuring I complete duties like documentation and care support on time.”
14. Have you had to deal with a difficult situation? How did you handle it?
    • Sample Answer: “Once, a patient was upset about a delay. I listened, apologized, and explained the situation, which calmed them and showed I cared about their concerns.”
15. Do you have any questions for us?
    • Sample Answer: “What training opportunities are available for new HCSWs? How does the team support each other during busy periods?”

• Research NHS Scotland: Understand its values and the specific Health Board (e.g., NHS Highland, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde).
• Highlight Soft Skills: Emphasize empathy, reliability, and teamwork, as these are critical for the role.
• Use the STAR Method: Structure answers with Situation, Task, Action, and Result for behavioral questions.
• Show Willingness to Learn: Employers value candidates eager to undertake training and develop.
• Dress Professionally: Wear smart attire to reflect your seriousness about the role.