Healthcare Support Worker


< Click here for the family support worker role. 

what is a healthcare support worker?

Healthcare support workers work across a variety of settings, from mental health to children’s services. The choice is yours. As a healthcare support worker, you’ll work under the supervision of a healthcare professional, supporting them and helping patients on their journey back to full health.


The opportunities to progress are endless; you can choose to specialise in a particular setting, or train to qualify as a healthcare professional, such as a nurse or midwife. In some trusts, healthcare support workers have slightly different job titles such as healthcare assistant (or HCA), nursing assistant or midwifery assistant, depending on your chosen setting and the healthcare professionals you support.



What are the different types of support professionals in healthcare?

Healthcare support workers typically work in one of seven settings.


Mental health support assistants work primarily on the care, treatment and recovery of patients suffering from mental health conditions. This could include various mental illnesses and conditions, with duties varying according to the nature and severity of the illness.


Community support specialists typically work with GPs and community nursing teams, delivering care and helping to manage patients. This could take place in patients' own homes, in care homes or in a community setting such as a village hall or leisure centre.


Primary care services are the first point of contact for patients in the healthcare system. This usually means working in a GP surgery to help assess patients and provide support to GPs and nurses in a variety of duties.


Acute support work tends to be in hospitals and can mean working with patients with various severe conditions and illnesses. The role involves helping patients to manage their daily activities and recording information and observations for nurses, doctors and other healthcare colleagues.


Midwifery support involves working in a maternity unit, supporting midwives and nurses and taking responsibility for caring for new babies and their parents.

For more info :https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-support-worker/roles-healthcare-support-worker/maternity-support-worker


Assisting with children's services includes differing types of support work across healthcare provision for children and young people. This could include attending clinics in schools and outpatient services for children while also caring for children who are receiving inpatient treatment at a hospital.


Learning disability support work involves working with people with learning disabilities such as autism, helping them to learn new skills and develop a level of independence.

QualificATIONS

There are no set requirements for becoming a support professional or assistant in healthcare. In an entry-level role, you may be able to gain a position without prior work experience in healthcare or without any formal qualifications. Some roles require candidates to achieve GCSEs in English and maths, while other positions might seek candidates with basic healthcare qualifications, such as a BTEC or NVQ.


Although healthcare experience is rarely essential, it can be beneficial to your application if you have some experience in a health or care setting. You might seek paid work or work on a voluntary basis in your leisure time. You may also have previous work experience that helps you demonstrate some of the qualities you're required to display in healthcare support work. This could include working with children or older people. Some employers may consider your personality and soft skills above any formal qualifications and experience.

Career Videos 

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