Healthcare Support Workers

Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) is a broad term that describes a wide range of staff working in roles that support the delivery of care and services across Health and Social Care Organisations.

Within Nursing, Midwifery and the Allied Health Professions you might hear HCSWs described as assistants, auxiliaries, technicians or technical instructors.  HCSWs are employed within every area of the NHS and our wards, clinics, community services and primary care services rely on HCSWs as a core part of their teams.

HCSWs are not currently regulated by Professional Bodies such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and are not part of the registered workforce, but work alongside them and under their supervision.  Many HCSWs hold relevant qualifications that support them in doing their jobs such as SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) and HNC (Higher National Certificate) Level qualifications.

There are usually good opportunities to apply for a range of HCSW positions within NHS Grampian.  Some more senior HCSW roles may ask applicants to have previous experience of working within Health or Social Care and may ask for applicants to have a particular level of academic qualifications such as SVQ level 2 or SVQ level 3.  Entry level HCSW roles usually ask for applicants to have a good general education and will provide those with no previous experience of working in health with appropriate work based training and education to support them in doing their jobs.

Many managers would say that being a Caring and Compassionate person who is able to work well with others in a team are the most important qualities that they look for in appointing a Healthcare Support Worker.

What are the benefits of being a Healthcare Support Worker?

There are many benefits to working as a HCSW and lots of those working in the role say that the best part of their job is being able to make a difference for patients and their families.  Healthcare Support Workers also describe enjoying the variety that their job provides as well as the opportunity to learn vital skills and access training.

There are part-time, and full-time roles as well as opportunities to apply for a bank position which provides more flexible and 'as and when required' opportunities to work as a HCSW.