Healthcare Support Worker Job Overview
Are you looking for a healthcare support worker job that can make a real difference to people’s lives?
We are looking for enthusiastic, compassionate, and hard-working individuals that also believe in our Trust Values, ‘Supportive, Respectful, Innovative & Collaborative’
University Hospital Bristol and Weston (UHBW) are looking for Band 3 Senior Healthcare Support Workers (SHCSW) in a variety of Wards and Theatre opportunities.
You will be required to be fully flexible across all shift patterns, including weekdays, weekends, nights and bank holidays. 23hours per week is the minimum for a part-time role.
Previous hospital healthcare experience is essential.
Good academic qualifications are required for this role, please see job description.
We currently have positions within
Theatres
- Emergency Department & ICU
- Outpatients & Day Surgery
- Surgical & Medical Wards
Working as a Healthcare Support Worker on the adult inpatient wards and Theatres you will be involved with direct patient care whilst maintaining the privacy and dignity of patients. You will be working alongside a registered Nurse to provide essential; nursing care for adult patients. You will be helping your patients (both male and female) with daily living tasks, including such washing and going to the toilet (hygiene & continence) or helping with their meals (nutrition).
Helping with mobility needs and providing pressure area care.
Providing patients and their families with emotional support.
Undertaking “one to one observation” for patients who present a high risk due to their clinical condition.
Helping to maintain a ward environment is clean and safe preventing infection and falls.
Healthcare Support Worker Detailed job description
Working Hours: 37.5hrs per week (full time) or 24hrs per week (part time)
You will be working on an inpatient ward, and you will be required to work long shifts (12hours) which include days/nights, weekend and Bank Holidays.
This is physically demanding role and you will be on your feet for long periods.
This is an emotionally demanding role and requires you to adapt quickly to the constantly changing clinical demands on an acute inpatient ward.
“I’ve always been the person friends and family turn to when they need care or support. Last year I completed my Care Certificate and gained hands-on experience volunteering at a local nursing home for 6 months. I love being able to make a real difference in someone’s day — whether it’s helping them eat with dignity, keeping them comfortable, or just listening. I’m calm under pressure, very patient, and I want a career where I can work directly with people who need me.”
“I’ve heard really positive things about how this hospital supports its support workers with regular training and supervisions. I was also impressed that your Trust was rated “Outstanding” by CQC for caring. I want to work somewhere that values compassion as much as I do.”
“Safeguarding means protecting vulnerable people from harm, abuse, or neglect. It’s about noticing changes — bruises that don’t match the story, someone suddenly becoming withdrawn, or not getting the care they need — and reporting it properly through the correct channels, even if it’s difficult. The person’s safety always comes first.”
“I always knock and wait for permission before entering a room, close curtains properly during personal care, and only uncover the part of the body I’m washing. I speak respectfully, never talk about patients where others can overhear, and ask how they’d like to be addressed. Even if someone has dementia, I still explain what I’m doing in a gentle way.”
“While volunteering, a gentleman with dementia became agitated and tried to hit me during personal care. I stayed calm, lowered my voice, stepped back to give him space, and used distraction — I started talking about his favorite football team. He calmed down within a couple of minutes. Afterwards I told the nurse and we updated his care plan so everyone knew that approach worked for him.”
“It’s part of the job. I wear the correct PPE, follow infection control procedures, and focus on the person rather than the task. Everyone needs help sometimes, and I’d want to be treated with respect if it was me or my family.”
“I would intervene immediately if the patient was at risk — for example, by calmly saying, ‘Let me help with that.’ Afterwards, I would report it to my supervisor or use the whistleblowing policy if needed. Patient safety and dignity come before everything else.”
“I communicate clearly, ask for help when I need it, and offer help to others. I know nurses rely on me to report changes in a patient’s condition, so I always pass on information accurately during handovers.”9. What would you do if a patient refused personal care or medication?Sample Answer:
“I’d stay calm and ask why — sometimes it’s fear or they’re having a bad day. I’d explain gently why it’s important and give them choices (e.g., ‘Would you prefer me to come back in 10 minutes?’). If they still refuse and have capacity, I respect their decision but document it clearly and inform the nurse.”10. How do you look after your own wellbeing when the job is emotionally and physically demanding?
“I make sure I eat properly, stay hydrated, and use my breaks. Outside work I walk my dog and practice mindfulness. I also talk to my supervisor if I’ve had a tough shift — debriefing helps.”11. What do you understand by the 6 Cs of care? (Common in UK interviews)Sample Answer:
“Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment. I try to show all of them every shift — especially compassion and good communication.”Questions YOU should ask them
- What does a typical shift pattern look like here?
- Is there a preceptorship or extra training for new healthcare assistants?
- How are HCAs supported with mandatory training and appraisals?
- What is the staff-to-patient ratio on this ward?
Quick Tips for the Interview
- Wear smart, clean clothes (many places expect you to interview in uniform colors — navy or burgundy trousers and a plain top).
- Show compassion in every answer.
- Use real examples where possible, even from volunteering or caring for family.
- Emphasize patient safety, dignity, infection control, and teamwork.
To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.