Scotland NHS Band 3 Health Care Support Worker Role: Visa Sponsorship

Are you a Health care Support Worker or looking for a new challenge and development opportunity? Ward 1/HDU is a busy surgical unit that admits both adults and children that require surgery whether it’s planned surgery or emergency care. We strive to provide our patients with a patient centred approach to their care on an individual basis which includes a holistic methodology. The care provided is to an excellent standard in an extremely busy environment that is both challenging and rewarding. You will learn many new skills and enable patients to have the best possible standard of care.

Experience in the care sector is desirable but not essential. You will have effective written and verbal communication skills, numeracy and an interest in developing your skills in preventing healthcare associated infections (HAI).

• Band 2 (new starters & apprentices): £24,710 – £26,805
• Band 3 (Senior HCSW with SVQ Level 3): £28,011 – £30,230
• Unsocial hours enhancements (nights, weekends, bank holidays) + NHS pension
  (Source: NHS Scotland Pay Circular 2025)

3. Qualifications Needed to Become an HCSW in Scotland (2025)

• No formal qualifications required for Band 2 entry
• Must complete Mandatory Induction Standards (3–6 months)
• Achieve SVQ Level 2 Healthcare Support (SCQF Level 6) within 2–3 years
• Social care roles require full SSSC registration as a Support Worker (Care Homes & Housing Support) within 3 years of starting

4. Do I Need Experience to Get an HCSW Job in Scotland?

1. Why do you want to work as a Healthcare Support Worker in NHS Scotland?
   “I’m passionate about delivering person-centred care and want to contribute to Scotland’s vision of Realistic Medicine while developing my skills through NES training pathways.”
2. What are the 6 principles of the HCSW Code of Conduct?
   Put people first • Work in partnership • Manage risk responsibly • Contribute to improvement • Communicate well • Develop yourself and others.
3. How soon must you complete the Mandatory Induction Standards?
   Within 3 months of starting (pro-rata for part-time).
4. Describe a time you showed compassion.
   Use STAR: “During volunteering at a dementia unit, a resident became agitated. I sat with them, used gentle touch and reminiscence – they calmed within minutes.”
5. What observations would you take and how often?
   Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, SpO₂, pain score. Frequency follows local policy or RESTORE2 / NEWS2 scoring.
6. How do you escalate a deteriorating patient?
   Immediate verbal alert to registered nurse → SBAR handover → document on TrakCare or paper chart → call 2222 if cardiac arrest.
7. Can HCSWs give medications in Scotland?
   Only after completing NES-accredited medicines administration training (Level 3–4) and local competency sign-off.
8. What is PVG and do I need it?
   Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme membership via Disclosure Scotland – mandatory for every HCSW role.
9. What’s the difference between Band 2 and Band 3 HCSW?
   Band 3 requires SVQ Level 3, more responsibility (e.g., venepuncture, ECGs, catheter care) and higher pay.
10. How do you maintain confidentiality?
    Follow Caldicott Principles & GDPR: password-protected systems, locked notes, never discuss patients in public areas or on social media.
11. Give an example of good teamwork.
    “During a busy night shift we were short-staffed. I coordinated with the nurse in charge to prioritise turns and observations – no pressure damage incidents occurred.”
12. What are the Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland)?
    5 core principles: Dignity & respect, Compassion, Be included, Responsive care, Wellbeing.
13. How do you support someone with dementia?
    Use validation, person-centred approaches (e.g., This Is Me leaflet), reduce environmental triggers, involve family.
14. What is SBAR and when do you use it?
    Situation – Background – Assessment – Recommendation. Used for clear, structured handovers and escalation.
15. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    “Progressing to Senior HCSW (Band 3), then either Nursing Associate or a full nursing degree via the Open University route.”

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