Job overview
Healthcare Support Worker – Band 3
Applicants must either hold a valid Care Certificate or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience. Please make sure you include these details in your application.
Healthcare Support Worker (HCSWs) deliver high quality nursing care to patients, as part of a multi-professional team and work under the direct supervision and direction of a Registered Nurse who delegates the care provision. The post holder is responsible for their own practice, working within the defined limits of competence and within the scope of the role. The registered nurse retains accountability for the care delivered by the HCA.
Successful candidates will have a genuine desire to become a part of our amazing team and provide outstanding care for our patients. You will need to demonstrate the ability to work well within a team and to be hardworking, compassionate and have a passion to care for the client group.
Please note, subject to any offers of employment, work placements will be in line with our vacancy pipeline. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate specific work area requests.
Hours of work are full time 37.5 hours per week, please note part-time working hour requests will not be considered. Should you be interested in working flexibly/part time please contact our ‘Bank Partners’ at recruitment.sthelier@bankpartners.co.uk
Proposed Webinar Date: 5th December
Proposed Assessment Date: 8th December
Main duties of the job
We are looking for enthusiastic, dynamic and caring Healthcare Assistants, who have a passion for working on a medical ward to join our supportive and friendly team.
You will be able to demonstrate excellent communication and inter-personal skills; It is preferred to have previous experience in the role.
You will be provided a clinical training to learn the role and will have daily supervision by a trained staff to perform safely, confidently and competently the clinical skills required. The Trust are giving opportunities and support for your future career pathway and development.
So if you’re the kind of person who cares about getting things right and wants to make a difference in a forward thinking team we would love to meet you.
Working for our organisation
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached supporting document which contains more information about the Healthcare Assistant role.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working within a team
- Experience of working within a ward/hospital in a caring role
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology
- Demonstrates an insight into personal care needs
Skills
Essential criteria
- Good written communication skills
Personal attributes
Essential criteria
- Demonstrates a sense of commitment to working in a caring environment with people of all ages
Education
Essential criteria
- Care Certificate or willingness to complete the Care Certificate within 6-12 weeks
How to Prepare for a Healthcare Support Worker Interview in 2025: Ace Your NHS or Private Care Role
- Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
- Monitoring vital signs and basic observations
- Assisting with mobility and rehabilitation
- Infection prevention and control
- Supporting registered nurses and therapists
- Accurate documentation (paper or electronic)
Familiarise yourself with:
- The Care Certificate (15 standards – mandatory for new starters)
- NHS Constitution and 6Cs (Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, Commitment)
- CQC Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) – Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well-led
2. Research the Employer ThoroughlyBefore the interview:
- Read their latest CQC report (England) or equivalent (HIW in Wales, HIS in Scotland, RQIA in NI)
- Check recent news, values, and any “Outstanding” or “Requires Improvement” ratings
- Look at their website sections: “Our Vision”, “Patient Stories”, “Staff Testimonials”
- Note any specialist services (e.g., dementia care, stroke rehab, learning disabilities)
3. Master Values-Based Interview Questions70–80% of questions are now values-based rather than clinical knowledge.Common questions & strong sample answers:Q: “Why do you want to be a Healthcare Support Worker?” ✱ Example answer:
“I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can make a tangible difference to someone’s day. Last year I volunteered at a local dementia café and saw how small acts — sitting with someone who was anxious, helping them eat with dignity — completely changed their experience. I want to bring that compassion and patience into a professional setting while developing clinical skills alongside experienced nurses.”Q: “What does compassion mean to you?” ✱ Example answer:
“To me, compassion is seeing the person behind the patient — understanding that a gentleman who refuses personal care might feel embarrassed rather than difficult, and finding ways to preserve his dignity. It’s going the extra mile, even when you’re busy.”Q: “Tell us about a time you worked in a team.” Use the STARR method (Situation – Task – Action – Result – Reflection).4. Prepare for Common Scenario QuestionsPractise these out loud:
- “A patient becomes aggressive towards you. What do you do?”
- “You notice a colleague has not washed their hands between patients.”
- “A patient tells you they want to end their life.”
- “You’re asked to do something outside your role/competence.”
- “A patient with dementia keeps trying to leave the ward.”
Key phrases interviewers love:
- “I would stay calm and use de-escalation techniques…”
- “I would prioritise patient and staff safety…”
- “I would follow local safeguarding procedures…”
- “I would raise it privately and professionally with my colleague, then escalate to my supervisor if needed…”
5. Brush Up on Essential Clinical KnowledgeYou’re not expected to be a nurse, but basic knowledge shows commitment.Must-know topics:
- Infection prevention (hand hygiene, PPE sequence, chain of infection)
- Basic observations (normal ranges for pulse, BP, temperature, respirations, oxygen sats)
- NEWS2 scoring (National Early Warning Score)
- Pressure ulcer prevention and WATERLOW scoring
- Dignity, privacy, and consent
- Chaperoning policy
- Basic food hygiene and protected mealtimes
- Falls prevention
6. Prepare Your Own QuestionsGood questions to ask:
- “What does a typical shift look like on this ward/unit?”
- “How are new healthcare support workers supported in completing the Care Certificate?”
- “What opportunities are there for progression to nursing associate or registered nurse apprenticeships?”
- “How does the team debrief after difficult situations?”
7. Practical Interview Tips
- Dress code: Smart scrubs (navy or bottle green) or smart trousers and plain top. No strong perfume.
- Bring: Photo ID, certificates, updated CV, examples of previous training.
- Many interviews now include a short written test (basic maths for fluid balance, literacy, values questions).
- Some trusts use “Multiple Mini Interviews” (MMIs) with 6–8 stations (hand washing, observations, role play, etc.).
8. Last-Minute Checklist (24 Hours Before)
- Re-read the job description and person specification
- Practise hand-hygiene technique in front of a mirror (7 steps, 20–30 seconds)
- Prepare a 2-minute “Tell me about yourself” answer
- Plan your journey and aim to arrive 15 minutes early
- Get a good night’s sleep!
Final ThoughtEmployers can teach skills, but they can’t teach compassion, reliability, and a positive attitude. Let your genuine passion for helping people shine through — that’s what gets candidates hired.