Job overview Are you an existing Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) on the MTW Staff Bank looking to move into a permanent role?
We are pleased to offer opportunities across both our Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospital sites.
We are looking for compassionate, motivated, and skilled individuals to join our dedicated nursing teams as permanent Healthcare Support Workers. This is a chance to build on your experience, contribute to high‑quality patient care, and continue your development within a supportive and inclusive environment.
We welcome applications from individuals who: Are committed to delivering safe, high‑quality, person‑centred care
Hold a nationally approved HEE Care Certificate achieved within a healthcare setting
Are enthusiastic team players who uphold the Trust’s PRIDE values Main duties of the job This role also provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to progress into Registered Nursing, Nursing Associate, or Allied Health Professional roles within the NHS.
Why Join MTW? Be part of a supportive, inclusive, and diverse team
Access professional development, training, and clear career progression pathways
Work in dynamic, rewarding clinical environments where your contribution truly matters Your supporting statement must include: Your understanding of the importance of the HCSW role in delivering patient care
The personal qualities, values, and skills you bring to the role
A complete employment and education history If you are committed to delivering high‑quality care and wish to join our substantive workforce, we look forward to receiving your application.
Important Information Applicants requiring sponsorship must ensure they meet the full eligibility criteria before applying
Only existing Band 3 HCSW bank staff at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust will be considered for this vacancy. Working for our organisation Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package: At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits
Blue Light card eligibility
And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below Detailed job description and main responsibilities We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
The induction programme is full time for one week, with an additional 1–2 days depending on your previous experience. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory, and training days will run from 9:00am to 5:00pm and may be at either Maidstone Hospital or Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Following induction, you will complete a two-week supernumerary period within your clinical area, during which you will be supported by members of the education team. Ongoing support will also be provided to help you complete the Care Certificate (if not already achieved) and the required competencies relevant to your clinical area.
If you do not currently hold a nationally recognised Care Certificate obtained in a healthcare setting from a registered provider, you will need to apply via the band 2 New to care Healthcare support worker advert. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust will assist you with on-the-job training to complete your Care Certificate within the 6-month probationary period, with a minimum completion time being 3 months. Upon successful completion of the Care Certificate, you will progress to a Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker. Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria Nationally approved Care Certificate (completed in the healthcare setting) Desirable criteria Hold an NVQ/ Diploma level 3 in Healthcare/ or level 3 Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship or equivalent experience
Functional skills English and maths level 2 or GCSE English and maths grades A*/9 – C/4 Experience Essential criteria Experience of dealing with the public
Experience of working in a caring environment, either in health, social or voluntary services Desirable criteria Previous experience of team work Skills Essential criteria Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients and colleagues, verbally and in writing
Can understand and communicate factual information accurately.
Good interpersonal skills
Basic information and communications technology (ICT) skills
Able to deal with the public in person and on the telephone
Able to support and reassure patients and their families/carers
Able to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks
Able to deliver patient care under the indirect supervision of the Registered Nurse
Can demonstrate practical skills to others
Read Less