Senior Health Care Support Worker

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within the REI outpatient department. This role is to support patients requiring ophthalmology tests and treatment and to carry out ophthalmic related investigations. Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as those with ‘Priority’ or ‘At Risk’ status, including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who can demonstrate recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is a people business where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Working in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure, the Trust offers great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

• Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
• Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.
• Use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and to take decisions within your area of responsibility.
• Carry out a range of limited clinical duties with minimal or no supervision, including blood pressure, oxygen saturation, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate monitoring, glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine, faecal, sputum samples and wound swabs, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care at all times.
• Participate in patient assessment, providing high-quality holistic patient care and escalating concerns about patients to other clinical staff.
• Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies, concentrating for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.
• Provide clinical care in accordance with infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.
• Utilise skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.
• Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.

Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrable experience of providing care in a health‑care or social setting.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Demonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work.

Qualifications

• One of the following Level 3 (SCQF
  6) qualifications:
  City and Guilds 3, NVQ 3, BTEC National Diploma, or equivalent experience.
• Level 2 Functional skills in English and Mathematics, or equivalent.
• Completion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (mapping to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker).

Aptitude & Abilities

• Effective and appropriate communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to complete appropriate documentation accurately.
• Demonstrate an awareness of health‑care work and policies and procedures.

Date posted: 12 February 2026

Pay scheme:
Agenda for change

Band:
Band 3

Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year (£24,071 – £25,674 per annum)

Contract:

Permanent

Working pattern:
Full‑time (5 shifts a week)

Reference number: 216‑GT‑DD7787734

Job location:

REI outpatients, Alpha Way, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to confirm no criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require skilled‑worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Recruitment team:

Employer’s website: