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Job summary

Main area
Outpatients
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Permanent: Monday - Friday 8 - 6pm (No weekends no Bank Holidays)
Hours
  • Full time
  • Part time
37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday 8 - 6pm (No weekends no Bank Holidays))
Job ref
279-7788140-FEB26
Employer
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Main OPD RSCH
Town
Brighton
Salary
£24,937 - £26,598 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
16/03/2026 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust logo

Senior Health Care Assistant

Band 3

 About our Trust

Candidate Information Pack

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme  for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

 

Job overview

The post holder will work as part of the outpatient team delivering a high standard of
direct patient care utilising your own skills and knowledge.
As Senior Health Care Assistant you will undertake specialist clinical procedures
where you have received appropriate training and assessment & supervise less
experienced staff
Work with the Practice Educator and department Manager to lead on the training &
induction of all HCA staff
You will be familiar with, and work to, the protocols & policies, of the Trust &
Outpatient department.
The role requires close liaison with other disciplines and the provision of a courteous,
reliable & quality service to patients, relatives & carers, healthcare professional,
internal departments and external organisations.
To ensure that all necessary information is available for clinics to operate effectively
and to record clinical activity using the appropriate hospital system
To facilitate the operation of the department clinics by managing flow of patients
whilst maintaining the health and safety of the department including cleanliness,
information governance & fire safety.
Be able to prioritise both your own clinical workload & coordinate junior HCA’s under
your direct supervision

Main duties of the job

·        Utilise advanced communication skills to meet and greet patients arriving for 
clinic and perform diagnostic tests as required such as urine testing, BP, 
spirometry, and BMIs. 
Ensure patient notes are checked prior to appointments and appropriate 
results are available 
Keep patients informed at every stage of their journey, providing explanation, 
advice & support where appropriate escalating complex queries to senior staff 
Monitor wellbeing of patients within the department and report any changes in 
patients' condition 
Arrange interpreters and transport for patients 
Ensure equipment is in working order and patient safety is maintained at all 
times. Knowledge of incident reporting and emergency procedures 
Chaperone patients undergoing intimate examinations or as requested 
Maintain consulting rooms by stocking up equipment and documentation 
Ensure patients information and notice boards are kept up to date 
Maintain the smooth running of clinics without direct supervision. Support 
qualified nurses in the organisation and running of clinics 
Be aware of limitations and know when to seek advice 
Maintain high standards of record keeping ensuring entries are accurate and 
legible 
Act as a role model by implementing and ensuring good practice and 
demonstrating evidence-based practice. 
Asses & support junior staff in their role, delegating tasks and responsibilities 
appropriately 
Uses initiative to manage own workload 
Ability to manage flow of clinics independently 

Working for our organisation

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack 

For this role it is essential that you have previous NHS or NHS primary care experience with a Care Certificate from an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation. Or that you are an internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor who has worked in an acute hospital setting within recent years with evidence of your degree verified by an ENIC report.

Please ensure to attach your Care Certificate and/or ENIC report to your application as this will be required for interview.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see Job Description and Personal Specification Documents for detailed job description and main responsibilities

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.

 

If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Person specification

Qualifications/ Experience

Essential criteria
  • NHS experience or NHS primary care experience is required or an internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor who has worked in an acute hospital setting within recent years.
  • Care Certificate from a Ofqual regulated awarding organisation.
  • Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills acquisition, working at a higher-level standard of care delivery, equivalent to vocational qualification level 3. This is evidenced via a portfolio of practice and/or a professional discussion.
  • Maths GCSE (grade C or above or grade 4 to 9) or Maths Level 2 functional skills
  • English GCSE (grade C or above or grade 4 to 9) or English Level 2 Functional skills
Desirable criteria
  • OPD Experience

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential criteria
  • Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
  • Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyDisability confident leaderArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardCare Leaver CovenantStep into healthHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Julia Cummiskey-Austin
Job title
Main Nurse Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01273 696955
Additional information

Informal visits encouraged