Patient Support Worker Job Summary
An exciting Patient Support Worker opportunity has arisen for a band 4 post-diagnostic support worker. The Wandsworth Memory Assessment Service is a well-established team, within a wider service, providing timely assessment, diagnosis and treatment for people with memory problems. The support worker will support the team to facilitate group sessions, care-plan directly with patients, liaise with family/carers, liaise with third sector organisations, and carry out audits. This is a fantastic chance to develop transferable skills and experience in cognitive disorders and older people’s mental health in a supportive multidisciplinary environment.
Patient Support Worker Main Duties
This Patient Support Worker role requires someone with drive, energy and a commitment to high performance standards and the delivery of patient centred care. The post holder will ideally have experience working with older adults and have a passion for improving outcomes for older adults experiencing memory problems. The Patient Support Worker will need to have excellent communication skills, be pro-active and able to work autonomously. You will have experience facilitating groups or a wish to develop this skill, and experience working with family and carers. You will have excellent documentation skills and have an understanding of audits.
The role involves agile working, and the applicant will be expected to work from the team base as well as a variety of locations, depending on service need.
Interview Questions for Patient Support Worker Positions
Preparing for a Patient Support Worker (PSW) interview—also known as a Personal Support Worker or Healthcare Support Worker—focuses on your empathy, practical caregiving skills, ability to handle stress, and commitment to patient-centered care.
These roles involve assisting with daily living activities, emotional support, and basic health tasks in settings like hospitals, home care, or long-term facilities. Drawing from common industry practices, here are 15 key interview questions, categorized for ease. I’ve included sample answers based on real-world scenarios to showcase compassion, professionalism, and problem-solving—adapt them to your background.General Questions (Assessing Motivation and Fit)
- Why do you want to be a Patient Support Worker?
Sample Answer: “I’ve always been drawn to caregiving after volunteering at a community center where I helped elderly residents with meals and conversations, seeing how small acts restored their dignity. This role aligns with my passion for improving quality of life, and I’m eager to contribute to your team’s holistic approach in home health.” - Tell me about yourself.
Sample Answer: “I’m a certified PSW with two years of experience in long-term care, specializing in mobility assistance and emotional support for dementia patients. Outside work, I enjoy hiking, which keeps me physically fit for demanding shifts. I’m excited about this opportunity to bring my patient-focused skills to your facility.” - What inspired your interest in patient support work?
Sample Answer: “A family member’s recovery from surgery showed me the impact of compassionate support beyond medical treatment. It motivated me to complete my PSW certification, where I learned to tailor care plans to individual needs.” - What do you enjoy most about this role?
Sample Answer: “Building trust with patients and witnessing their progress—like helping someone regain confidence in daily tasks—is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me why I chose this path.” - Where do you see your career in five years?
Sample Answer: “I aim to advance to a supervisory role, mentoring new PSWs while specializing in palliative care. I’d love to grow with your organization through ongoing training opportunities.”
Experience and Skills Questions (Assessing Practical Knowledge)
- Describe your experience working with patients in a healthcare setting.
Sample Answer: “In my previous role at a rehab clinic, I supported 8-10 patients daily with ADLs like bathing and meal prep, while documenting progress in EMR systems. This honed my ability to adapt to diverse needs, from physical disabilities to cognitive challenges.” - How do you evaluate a patient’s needs?
Sample Answer: “I start with active listening and open-ended questions about their routines and goals, followed by a gentle assessment of physical and emotional factors. For example, I’d use tools like the COPM to prioritize interventions collaboratively.” - What are the key skills for a Patient Support Worker?
Sample Answer: “Empathy and communication top the list for building rapport, alongside practical skills like safe transfers and infection control. My CPR certification and experience with Hoyer lifts ensure I’m prepared for emergencies.” - How do you stay current with developments in patient care?
Sample Answer: “I complete annual CEUs on topics like dementia care and attend webinars from organizations like the Canadian Support Worker Association. Recently, I integrated telehealth best practices from a course to enhance remote check-ins.” - Do you have experience with patients who have disabilities or elderly care?
Sample Answer: “Yes, I’ve worked with stroke survivors and Alzheimer’s patients, focusing on adaptive strategies like memory aids. One case involved customizing exercises to improve mobility while respecting their independence.”
Behavioral and Situational Questions (Assessing Problem-Solving)
- Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult or non-cooperative patient.
Sample Answer: “An anxious resident refused medication due to past side effects. I empathized, explained benefits simply, and offered alternatives like flavored options, turning resistance into compliance without force.” - Describe a challenging case and how you handled it.
Sample Answer: “With a fall-risk patient post-hip surgery, I conducted a home safety audit, installed grab bars, and taught family transfer techniques. This reduced incidents and boosted their confidence in weeks.” - How do you handle a high caseload or stressful situations?
Sample Answer: “I prioritize by urgency—vital signs first—using time-blocking for tasks. During a busy shift, deep breathing and quick team huddles keep me focused, ensuring no patient feels overlooked.” - How would you manage a medical emergency, like a patient falling?
Sample Answer: “I’d ensure scene safety, assess for injuries (e.g., check ABCs), call for help, and provide comfort while documenting. In training, I practiced this for a simulated fall, emphasizing calm reassurance.” - Tell me about a time you worked in a team to support a patient.
Sample Answer: “Collaborating with nurses on a discharge plan for a diabetic patient, I shared insights from daily interactions, leading to tailored meal plans. This teamwork prevented readmission and strengthened family involvement.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Patient Support Worker Careers
These FAQs cover entry requirements, job realities, and growth, based on current industry standards. They’re essential for new or transitioning PSWs.
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FAQ
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Answer
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What qualifications do I need?
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A high school diploma plus a PSW certificate (typically 6-12 months) is required; CPR/First Aid certification and a vulnerable sector check are standard. Experience in healthcare volunteering helps.
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What’s the job outlook?
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Excellent growth (15-20% by 2030) due to aging populations; average salary ~$40,000-$50,000 USD, varying by location and shifts.
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What settings do PSWs work in?
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Hospitals, long-term care homes, home health, hospices—focusing on ADLs, companionship, and light medical tasks like vitals.
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How do you manage burnout?
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Set boundaries, practice self-care (e.g., exercise), seek peer support groups, and use debriefings; many agencies offer EAPs for mental health.
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What questions should I ask the interviewer?
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Inquire about caseload ratios, shift patterns, team training, or patient demographics to demonstrate engagement.
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Tips for Success:
Research the employer (e.g., their focus on elderly vs. pediatric care), practice STAR responses (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and dress in comfortable, professional attire (scrubs if specified). Follow up with a thank-you email recapping your enthusiasm. Emphasize your genuine compassion—it’s the hallmark of great PSWs. Good luck!
To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.