Location: Worthing, Brighton, Haywards Heath, BN2 5BE
Job Type: Full-Time or Part-Time (Minimum 23 hours per week) – Permanent
Salary: Competitive (Details available upon request)
About University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex) is one of the largest and most innovative NHS trusts in the UK, providing a range of general and specialist healthcare services. UHSussex is dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care across its multiple sites and prides itself on being an inclusive, welcoming, and progressive organisation. The Trust is committed to providing high standards of care, as demonstrated by its Outstanding for Caring rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Diversity is at the heart of UHSussex’s ethos, and the Trust strives to create an environment where every individual is valued and empowered to contribute. As a Disability Confident Employer and a Veteran Aware Trust, UHSussex offers a supportive work culture with extensive staff networks and wellbeing programmes aimed at fostering a positive and inclusive workplace.
Job Summary
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join their maternity team as Maternity Support Workers. The successful candidates will play a key role in supporting women, birthing people, and families throughout their pregnancy and postnatal journey. Maternity Support Workers work closely with midwives and the wider multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to provide compassionate and high-quality care.
This role is perfect for individuals looking to develop their knowledge, gain new qualifications, and build a rewarding career in maternity services. UHSussex offers excellent development opportunities, ensuring that every member of the team can grow and contribute to the Trust’s mission of providing the best possible care to families across Sussex.
The role involves shift work across a 24/7 service, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays. Typical shifts are 12.5 hours (07:30-20:00 or 20:00-07:30), and part-time applications are welcomed with a minimum of 23 hours per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in implementing agreed care plans alongside midwives and the wider team, working closely with service users.
- Help set up and assist in performing clinical procedures, ensuring the clinical area remains clean, tidy, and well-stocked.
- Following appropriate training, carry out clinical tasks including monitoring and recording vital signs, venepuncture, taking swabs, and removing catheters and cannulas.
- Support and teach parents the skills required to establish and maintain infant feeding, including providing breastfeeding advice in line with Trust policies.
- Promote health and informed choice by delivering high-quality, compassionate care under the supervision of a registered midwife or other healthcare professional.
- Ensure accurate documentation of clinical care using digital platforms in accordance with Trust policies and guidelines.
- Communicate effectively and compassionately with service users, particularly during times of distress, bereavement, or complex care situations.
- Support the wellbeing and hygiene of babies, assisting parents with infant care while they are in the hospital.
Benefits
- Opportunity for professional development, including completion of the National Care Certificate within three months of starting.
- Comprehensive training, including venepuncture training within four months of starting.
- Access to the Trust’s extensive Wellbeing Programme designed to support staff mental and physical health.
- Flexible working options to suit individual needs, with opportunities to work part-time or full-time.
- A supportive and inclusive workplace with a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Requirements
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent healthcare experience.
- GCSE Maths and English at grades A-C or equivalent qualifications (e.g., Functional Skills Level 2).
- Passion for the role of a Maternity Support Worker and a commitment to providing excellent care.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage compassionately with service users and colleagues.
- Demonstrates the ability to work flexibly and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience as a Maternity Support Worker (MSW).
- Completion of the National Care Certificate.
- Experience championing diversity and inclusion in a previous role.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. As such, a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications are welcome from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK. For more information on eligibility and the application process, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. Applicants applying for UK entry clearance may be required to present a criminal record certificate from any country in which they have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Equal Opportunity Statement
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. The Trust welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those from underrepresented communities. UHSussex is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Application Process
To apply for this position, click the “Apply Now” button. The closing date for applications is 29 October 2024. UHSussex may close the advertisement early if a high number of applications are received, so early applications are encouraged.
Reference Number: 279-6711172-OCT24
