Healthcare Support Worker

About Us
DrPA has been operating in secure environments since 2014, providing General Practitioner services. We are now growing to provide a complete healthcare service at Manston STHF & Western Jet Foil, delivered directly or through a range of specialist partners who are experts in their field. We deliver our services based on our ethos of CARE:

• Compassionate care that is trauma informed and supportive
• Assurance that care is evidence-based & demonstrates high quality outcomes for our patients
• Respectful of people's cultural and religious beliefs
• Empowerment: We centre each resident by co-creating holistic care plans that treat their needs and equip them to self-manage their wellbeing.

Job Summary
The Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) plays a vital role in supporting Registered Nurses and other clinicians to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care. The post-holder will work directly with a vulnerable population, assisting with physical and mental health needs, ensuring person-centred support, and helping maintain a safe clinical environment. The HCSW will be responsible for basic clinical tasks, patient care, wellbeing checks, documentation, chaperoning, and supporting the coordination of daily activities within the healthcare unit. This is a hands-on, patient-facing role, working within a multidisciplinary team in a secure environment.

Key Responsibilities
Patient Care & Support

• Provide compassionate, trauma-informed, person-centred care to all individuals.
• Support patients with daily health needs, including basic observations (BP, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation, NEWS scores).
• Assist with wound care, dressing changes, and basic clinical tasks under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Support individuals experiencing distress, mental health difficulties, or crisis with calm, respectful interaction.
• Assist patients with mobility, positioning, and basic physical wellbeing.
• Provide personal care when required in a respectful and dignified manner.
• Support the safe administration of medication (where appropriate and under supervision).
• Observe and promptly report any changes in patient condition to a Registered Nurse.
• Assist in managing long-term conditions by supporting nurses with monitoring or routine checks.

Operational & Clinical Support

• Assist in patient flow during clinics, assessments, and triage.
• Support the coordination of appointments, escorts, and movement of individuals to and from the healthcare unit.
• Ensure clinical rooms are clean, safe, stocked, and compliant with infection control standards.
• Support emergency response activity by assisting clinicians with equipment, documentation, or basic tasks.
• Monitor waiting areas and ensure individuals are supported, informed, and safe.
• Prepare clinical equipment and materials for nurses, paramedics, and GPs.
• Follow all security procedures and maintain awareness of environmental safety risks.

Safeguarding & Risk Management

• Recognise and report safeguarding concerns relating to vulnerable adults, children, exploitation, or self-harm.
• Participate in enhanced observations or constant supervision where required.
• Follow risk management instructions, including suicide prevention and wellbeing checks.
• Report incidents, near-misses, or unusual behaviour promptly to senior staff.
• Support de-escalation techniques (non-restrictive, non-confrontational) in difficult or emotionally charged situations.

Communication

• Communicate clearly and compassionately with individuals who may be distressed, traumatised, non-English speaking, or unfamiliar with UK healthcare.
• Use translation services or communication aids where required.
• Maintain professional communication with nurses, paramedics, GPs, mental health teams, security staff, and partner agencies.
• Accurately document interactions, observations, and care given.
• Ensure information is passed on promptly at handovers and briefings.

Documentation & Governance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in line with organisational requirements.
• Record observations, wellbeing checks, incidents, and any care given.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with Caldicott and data protection standards.
• Participate in audits, quality monitoring activities, and service improvement initiatives when required.
• Follow all policies relating to infection control, medication handling, and clinical safety.

Professionalism & Teamwork

• Work collaboratively within a multi-professional team including nurses, paramedics, GPs, mental health workers, and operational staff.
• Support new staff, agency workers, and students through positive modelling of correct procedures.
• Uphold the DrPA Secure CARE values in all interactions.
• Promote equality, non-discrimination, and inclusivity.
• Take responsibility for personal physical and mental wellbeing, recognising the emotional demands of the role.

Essential Criteria

• Experience working in a patient-facing health, social care, or support role.
• Ability to follow instructions, guidelines, and care plans provided by registered clinicians.
• Strong communication skills, including with vulnerable or distressed adults.
• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes challenging environment.
• Compassionate, respectful, and supportive approach to care.
• Basic IT and documentation skills.
• Ability to work flexibly including nights, weekends, and shifts.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working in a secure, custodial, immigration, or detention environment.
• Experience supporting individuals with mental health, substance misuse, or trauma backgrounds.
• Care Certificate or equivalent healthcare training.
• Experience carrying out basic clinical tasks such as observations, ECGs, wound care assistance, or clinical triage support.
• Experience with clinical governance, incident reporting, or audits.

General Information
The post holder may be required to perform other relevant and appropriate duties as reasonably needed. This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.

Benefits

• Pension salary scheme available
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential 24/7 support
• Access to perks at work

Disclosure and Barring Service Check & CTC Clearance
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
This post will require the holder to undertake and successfully complete the Counter Terrorism Clearance (CTC) process.

Please note: all applicants need to have been living in the United Kingdom (with residency in the UK, such as UK/Irish/EU Passport, or an Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa) for the last 5 years with no more than a 28-day break being outside of the UK and no gaps in employment during this time. Shortlisted candidates will be asked for RTW, DBS/CTC consent and references.