Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £23,615 to £25,674 per year
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available
Closing Date: 28 February 2025
Job Summary
Are you passionate about working in a hospital environment? Do you want to make a difference by helping patients maintain their independence? Are you looking for a role that offers continuous learning and career development?
The Independence Support Worker (ISW) position is a hybrid role that combines skills from Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy to support patients in maintaining their mobility, function, and overall well-being.
As an ISW, you will assist patients in essential activities such as:
- Mobility and transfers
- Toileting and personal hygiene
- Eating and drinking support
- Cognitive engagement and reminiscence therapy
This is a developmental role, with successful candidates starting at Band 2 and progressing to Band 3 upon completion of necessary training and competencies within 6-12 months. Candidates without GCSE (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent qualifications must pass a functional skills assessment before proceeding to an interview.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Support
- Assist qualified therapists and nurses in patient assessments and rehabilitation activities.
- Support patients in daily activities to simulate a typical functional day (e.g., washing, dressing, and mobility tasks).
- Extract and record relevant information from medical notes and patient histories.
- Provide accurate and timely reports to the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT).
- Maintain strict patient confidentiality.
- Facilitate stair assessments and rehabilitation exercises under supervision.
Patient Care & Well-being
- Promote a reablement approach, encouraging patients to regain independence.
- Ensure a holistic approach to care, respecting cultural, religious, and personal needs.
- Motivate and engage patients using effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques.
- Adapt communication methods for patients with speech or cognitive impairments.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records.
- Follow NHS Trust policies and protocols to ensure high standards of care.
- Adhere to legal frameworks, particularly in cases where patients lack capacity to consent.
- Participate in data collection for audits and research projects.
Qualifications & Requirements
Essential:
- GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) in English or equivalent.
- Experience working in healthcare, social care, or a related setting.
- Strong teamwork and independent working abilities.
- Understanding of patient confidentiality and professional ethics.
Desirable:
- NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent.
- Care Certificate.
- Experience as a therapy assistant or healthcare assistant.
- Ability to communicate using alternative methods for patients with barriers to understanding.
Career Development & Training
- Comprehensive induction program and Care Certificate training.
- Participation in NHS in-service training sessions.
- Regular appraisals and career progression opportunities.
- Support to gain Band 3 competencies within 6-12 months.
- Ongoing professional development with access to specialized NHS training programs.
About Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a growing population of 700,000+ people across its two hospital sites: Luton and Dunstable Hospital and Bedford Hospital. The Trust is dedicated to delivering top-tier healthcare services with state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centered approach.
Why Join Us?
- Work in a high-performing, supportive NHS Trust.
- Access to a wide range of training and career development programs.
- Competitive NHS salary and comprehensive benefits.
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge medical technologies.
Additional Information
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check
This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)
Skilled worker applicants requiring sponsorship are welcome to apply. For details, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, applicants must provide a criminal record certificate for any country they have resided in for 12 months or more within the last 10 years.
How to Apply
- Click the Apply button to access the online application portal.
- Upload your CV and cover letter, detailing how your skills match the ISW role.
- Complete the mandatory assessments (math and English test if required).
- Submit your application before the deadline (28 February 2025).
Don’t wait! Apply today and take the next step in your healthcare career.