Clinical Support Worker Job summary
We are looking for a highly motivated Clinical Support Worker to join our Team.
The Hawthorn Recovery Unit is based at Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield and provides assessment and treatment for Older Adults experiencing mental health problems.
This role is all about engagement with service users and promoting independence and recovery.
You will lead group sessions as well as provide support to service users on an individual basis
Clinical Support Worker Main Duties
The main duties of the job are:
- Planning and running group sessions
- Supporting nutritional and hydration needs during the lunch sessions
- welcoming and orientating service users, family members and visitors
- carrying out physical health monitoring eg vital signs and ECG
- recording clinical progress notes in patient electronic records
- making triage telephone calls to service users or family members
- assisting service users with mobilising and personal care when needed
- accompanying service users to appointments
- administrative duties eg processing transport bookings
- environmental and safety checks
About us
North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people.
Our Five-Year Strategy:
- We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home.
- With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all
- We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care
Why NLFT?
- We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities.
- We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.
- NHS Discounts, generous annual leave and NHS pension scheme
- Excellent internal staff network
- We Are Proudly Diverse
In order to meet the needs of the Trust you may be required from time to time to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that fall under Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington. The Trust reserves the right to require staff to work at such other places or locations as it considers reasonable and necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.
1. Understand the Role Fully Clinical Support Workers typically:
- Assist nurses and doctors with patient care
- Help with personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
- Take and record vital signs (BP, pulse, temperature, oxygen sats)
- Assist with mobility and transfers
- Perform basic observations, ECGs, venepuncture, cannulation (if trained)
- Support infection prevention, stocking trolleys, chaperoning
- Work under supervision but show initiative
Familiarise yourself with the exact job description and person specification of the role you’re applying for.
2. Most Common Interview Questions & Strong Example AnswersGeneral / Motivational
- Why do you want to be a Clinical Support Worker?
→ Show genuine motivation, patient-centered values, and realistic expectations.
“I’m passionate about direct patient care and making a tangible difference to someone’s hospital experience, especially when they’re vulnerable. I enjoy working in a team but also taking responsibility for tasks like observations and personal care. Having volunteered/shadowed in healthcare, I’ve seen how much small acts of kindness and competence matter to patients.” - What relevant experience do you have?
→ Include care certificates, previous HCA/bank work, volunteering, transferrable skills from retail/hospitality (communication, staying calm under pressure).
Clinical Knowledge & Skills
- How would you take a set of observations? What would you do if they were abnormal?
→ Use NEWS2 framework (National Early Warning Score).
“I’d use the ABCDE approach, ensure the patient is comfortable, explain what I’m doing, and use calibrated equipment. I’d record respiratory rate, SpO2, BP, heart rate, temperature, and level of consciousness. If the NEWS2 score was 5 or above, or a single parameter was red (e.g., systolic BP <90), I’d immediately inform the nurse in charge and escalate according to local policy.” - How do you maintain infection prevention and control?
→ Mention hand hygiene (WHO 5 moments), bare below the elbows, PPE (aprons, gloves, masks), sharps safety, cleaning equipment between patients. - A patient refuses personal care. What do you do?
→ Respect dignity, assess capacity, explore reasons (fear, cultural, past trauma), involve nurse/safeguarding if needed.
“I’d respect their right to refuse, ensure they understand any risks, and privately ask if there’s a reason (e.g., prefer same-gender carer). I’d document it and inform the nurse.”
Values-Based & Behavioural (NHS Constitution / 6Cs)
- Give an example of when you showed compassion / care / respect.
Use STAR method (Situation – Task – Action – Result). - How do you handle stress or a very busy shift?
“I prioritise tasks using SBAR handover info, ask for help early rather than struggling, and use short breaks to reset. After shifts I debrief with colleagues or go for a walk.” - What does confidentiality mean to you?
→ Caldicott principles, Data Protection Act, never discuss patients in public areas or on social media.
Safeguarding & Safety
- You notice a bruise on a patient’s arm that wasn’t there yesterday. What do you do?
→ Document, report to nurse in charge immediately, complete a Datix/clinical incident form, escalate to safeguarding lead if suspicion of abuse. - A confused patient tries to get out of bed repeatedly and is at high risk of falling.
→ Use least restrictive practice first: low bed, bed rails (if risk-assessed), sensor mats, one-to-one if needed, reassess Waterlow score.
3. Questions to Ask Them (shows interest)
- What does a typical shift look like on this ward/department?
- What training and development opportunities are there (e.g., Care Certificate, apprenticeship, venepuncture course)?
- How does the team support new starters?
- What are the biggest challenges the team is facing at the moment?
4. Preparation Tips
- Revise basic physiology (normal ranges for vital signs, what hypotension/hypertension means)
- Know the 6Cs: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, Commitment
- NHS Constitution values (respect & dignity, compassion, working together, improving lives)
- Practise answers out loud (record yourself)
- Prepare examples using STAR for: teamwork, communication, dealing with difficult situations, compassion
5. Presentation on the Day
- Smart, professional (many trusts say no false nails, visible tattoos covered, minimal jewellery)
- Bring: photo ID, certificates (Care Certificate, mandatory training), portfolio if you have one
- Arrive 15 minutes early
To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.