NHS Scotland Health Care Assistant Recruitment – Visa Sponsorship Opportunity

An opportunity has arisen for a Health Care Assistants at Foxgrove, Ayrshire Central Hospital.

What you will do:

NHS Ayrshire and Arran were successful in the bid to host the National Secure Adolescent Inpatient services for young people aged between 12 and their 18th birthday who present a level of risk and we are now moving towards the finalisation of the build and the clinical model with the expectation that the service will accepting the first young people into the service in 2025.

You will be expected to work both supervised and unsupervised and exercise initiative when providing care to our young people, however a registered nurse will be available for advice, guidance and supervision at all times.
You will be based at Foxgrove (National Secure Adolescent Inpatient Service) within Ayrshire Central Hospital and will join and work alongside the nursing and clinical team whilst having the opportunity to build the culture and ethos of the service prior to its opening in 2025.

For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description

Knowledge, training and/or experience required to do the job:

• SVQ 3 Health and Social Care (Children and Young people) or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of CAMHS and/or Forensic issues and associated management considerations.
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to fulfil main duties and responsibilities as outlined in the job description.

Hours: 11x positions at 37 hours per week & 1x position at 32 hours per week

This role compromises of shift work including nightshift rotation.

The post also attracts a Recruitment and retention premia.

Health Care Assistants (HCAs), also known as Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) or Nursing Support Workers in Scotland, play a vital role in supporting registered healthcare professionals, such as nurses, midwives, and doctors, to deliver high-quality, person-centered care. They work across various settings, including hospitals, community care, GP surgeries, mental health units, and patients’ homes, assisting with patient care and ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience.

Key Responsibilities

The day-to-day duties of an HCA in Scotland vary depending on the setting but may include:

• Personal Care: Assisting patients with washing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
• Clinical Support: Monitoring patients’ conditions (e.g., taking temperature, pulse, respiration, weight), updating health records, and reporting concerns to registered professionals.
• Emotional Support: Providing compassionate care, listening to patients, and using techniques like grounding in mental health settings to reduce distress.
• Ward/Clinic Maintenance: Changing bed linen, ensuring cleanliness, and following infection prevention protocols.
• Specialized Tasks: In mental health settings, building relationships with patients, supporting diversionary activities (e.g., art therapy, community outings), or assisting with medication rounds. In maternity settings, HCAs may support new parents and babies.
  HCAs work under the supervision of registered professionals and are integral to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring patient-centered care. They must adhere to the NHS Scotland Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers.

Entry Requirements

• Education: No set academic qualifications are required, but employers expect good literacy and numeracy skills, often equivalent to GCSEs in English and Maths (or Scottish National 5 qualifications). Subjects like biology, health, or social care are useful.
• Experience: Some healthcare or care work experience (paid or voluntary) is preferred. Volunteering or work placements can help build relevant experience.
• Qualifications: A healthcare qualification like a BTEC, NVQ, or the Care Certificate (completed within 3-6 months of employment) is often desirable. Some roles may require a QCF/NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.
• Personal Attributes: Compassion, communication skills, teamwork, and a proactive attitude are essential. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with NHS values, such as respect, dignity, and compassion.
• Visa for International Applicants: Non-UK residents need a Health and Care Worker Visa to work as an HCA in NHS Scotland. This requires a certificate of sponsorship from an employer, a minimum salary (dependent on the role), and proof of English language proficiency. Note that some Band 2 HCA posts may not meet visa sponsorship requirements.

Training and Development

• Initial Training: New HCAs complete the Mandatory Induction Standards within 3-6 months, covering essential skills for safe practice. They also work toward the Care Certificate, which includes basic nursing skills.
• Ongoing Development: NHS Scotland offers world-class training, including apprenticeships, functional skills qualifications, and opportunities to progress to roles like Senior Healthcare Support Worker, Nursing Associate, or Registered Nurse.
• Career Progression: With experience and further qualifications, HCAs can advance to senior roles, specialize in areas like mental health or maternity, or pursue degree-level training to become nurses, midwives, or allied health professionals (e.g., podiatrists, occupational therapists). The Open University offers degree routes for HCAs without formal qualifications, provided they remain employed.

Work Environment and Shift Schedules

• Settings: HCAs work in diverse environments, including acute hospital wards, community care, mental health units, GP surgeries, or neuro-rehabilitation facilities.
• Hours: A standard working week is approximately 37.5 hours, often involving a mix of shifts (days, nights, evenings, weekends). Part-time and flexible options are available through NHS Professionals Bank, allowing control over shift preferences.
• Work Environment: The role is hands-on and can be physically and emotionally demanding but rewarding. HCAs work in collaborative teams, with supportive management in many cases, though some report stress due to high expectations and workload.

Salary and Benefits

• Pay: HCAs are typically paid on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, starting at Band 2 (£23,362–£25,368 per year, as of 2025). Band 3 roles (for senior HCAs) offer higher pay. Salaries in NHS Scotland may be slightly higher than in NHS England for equivalent roles (approximately £1,000–£3,000 more annually for Band 2).
• Benefits: Include competitive pay, paid annual leave, access to shifts before agency workers, career development opportunities, and a supportive mentoring system. NHS Professionals Bank offers weekly payments and flexible working.

Application Process

• How to Apply: Vacancies are listed on the NHS Scotland National Recruitment portal (jobs.scot.nhs.uk) or through approved recruitment agencies. Applications require an online form, not a CV, and candidates must demonstrate how they meet essential criteria and NHS values.
• Process Duration: The application process can take 3–12 months, depending on the role and visa requirements for international applicants.
• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, often requiring proof of skills, experience, and alignment with NHS values.

FAQs

1. Do I need prior experience to become an HCA in NHS Scotland?
   • No formal experience is required, but some healthcare or care work experience (paid or voluntary) is preferred. Volunteering or work placements can help.
2. What qualifications are needed?
   • There are no set requirements, but good literacy and numeracy skills are expected. A healthcare qualification (e.g., BTEC, NVQ, or Care Certificate) is advantageous.
3. Can international applicants apply?
   • Yes, but a Health and Care Worker Visa is required, along with a certificate of sponsorship, minimum salary, and English proficiency. Some Band 2 roles may not qualify for visa sponsorship.
4. What is the Care Certificate?
   • The Care Certificate is a set of standards that HCAs complete within 3-6 months of employment, covering essential skills like basic nursing, patient safety, and infection control.
5. What career opportunities are available?
   • HCAs can progress to senior roles, specialize in areas like mental health or maternity, or train to become nursing associates, registered nurses, or allied health professionals. Apprenticeships and degree routes (e.g., via the Open University) are available.
6. What are the working hours like?
   • Typically 37.5 hours per week, with a mix of day, night, evening, and weekend shifts. Flexible and part-time options are available through NHS Professionals Bank.
7. Is the role stressful?
   • The role can be demanding due to long hours and emotional/physical demands, but many find it rewarding. Supportive teams and management can mitigate stress.
8. How do I find HCA vacancies in Scotland?
   • Check the NHS Scotland recruitment website (jobs.scot.nhs.uk) or contact approved recruitment agencies. NHS Professionals and agencies like MedGen also advertise roles.
9. Can I work flexibly?
   • Yes, NHS Professionals Bank offers flexible shift options, allowing HCAs to choose when and where they work.

     What support is available for new HCAs?

     • New HCAs receive induction training, a buddy system, and ongoing mentorship. They also have access to learning tools and career development resources via Support Worker Central

APPLY HERE