Job Summary
An exciting Support Worker opportunity has arisen for a self-motivated and compassionate individual to join our dedicated Epilepsy Team at Poole Hospital. This is a unique chance to make a difference in the lives of people living with epilepsy by providing high-quality support, helping them achieve their full potential, and working within a patient-focused environment.
If you are looking to contribute to a team that is committed to improving the health and well-being of our patients, this is the role for you!
Support Worker Main Duties
The support worker post involves you working alongside the Epilepsy Specialist Nurses based at Poole Hospital but providing a Dorset wide service. The successful applicant will need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to work with people with epilepsy and associated disabilities in an inclusive and positive way.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. To work without direct supervision with individual patients as delegated by the qualified Nurse to ensure that treatment plans have been implemented and to monitor the impact of medication changes including looking at seizure recording. To also help implement lifestyle changes which may impact on seizure control.
2. To work using a holistic approach to identify patients goals for care and agree a personalised care and support plan.
3. Emailing as appropriate – referrals to other teams and agencies e.g. Steps to wellbeing, social services, Community Learning Disability Team and Homestart.
4. Monitoring patient attendance at appointments and following up vulnerable patients who do not attend as appropriate. Work closely with the frequent attender team based in the emergency department and the ambulance service.
5. Following up patients who present to the emergency department with seizures and ensuring that a pathway is in place for future nurse or consultant appointments as appropriate and signposting to advice for patients waiting to be seen.
6. Reviewing and typing updated protocols, policies, patient information leaflets and other documents as required.
7. Setting up a webpage for the service and monitoring its use and update as required.
8. Assist in running patient wellbeing groups, and training as required under the direction of the Qualified Nurse.
9. Help patients to access self-management education courses, peer support or other interventions that support them in managing their long term condition and improving their health and wellbeing.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE in English, Maths or equivalent e.g. NVQ III
Desirable
- A Level education
- Foundation Degree in Health Studies
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience with dealing with members of the public or voluntary group activities
- Previous experience in an NHS / Primary care / Local Authority / Voluntary role
Desirable
- Previous experience of working under own direction
- Previous experience in working with people with long term conditions
- Evidence of supporting service improvement
Technical skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (to understand and be understood)
- Ability to follow clear instruction and feed back to senior staff.
- Ability to work as part of a team, as well as on own initiative.
Desirable
- Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
Knowledge
Essential
- Basic knowledge and understanding of the role of the profession(s) in the healthcare setting
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to prioritise workload
- Evidence of working with IT systems
Personal attributes
Essential
- To work unsupervised and understand own clinical limitations and seek support when appropriate.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills with patients, colleagues and carers
- Ability to motivate and negotiate
- Understanding of patient confidentiality
- To hold a driving licence and able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business (Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 06 July 2025
