Senior Health Care Support Worker

NHS Scotland NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. Who We Are NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland. In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way. To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website - NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Home (nhsaaa.net) Position An exciting opportunity has arisen for Senior Health Care Support Workers Older Adult Mental Health Inpatient unit based at Woodland View Hospital in Irvine and Ailsa Hospital in Ayr. Clonbeith Ward is a 12 bedded Hospital Based Complex Clinical Care ward caring for patients with advanced Dementia who experience stress and distress. Dunure ward is a 14 bedded Hospital Based Complex Clinical Care ward for individuals over age 65 with functional mental health problems. This opportunity is available to individuals who have a genuine interest in working with older people with a wide range of mental health problems. Previous experience with this patients group is desirable but not essential as training will be provided. The successful candidates will be responsible for delivering person centred care, evidence based, recovery-focused interventions and will also promote collaborative working within a multi-disciplinary team and across multi agency services. Applications are welcomed from individuals who will work as a key component of a multidisciplinary team and as such should have excellent communication, interpersonal and time management skills along with a positive attitude and proven ability to work as part of a team. Applicants must be willing to undertake training to develop skills and competencies as required. Vacancies as follows:- Dunure ward 1 x full-time posts - 72 hours per fortnight 2 x part-time posts – 64.32 per fortnight Clonbeith ward 1 x full-time post – 72 hours per fortnight 2 x part-time posts – 64.32 per fortnight Hours And Shift Pattern 12 hours shifts - 0700-1930 across 7 days to meet the needs of the ward and including some nightshift working These posts are offered on a permanent basis From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings. UK Driving Licence Full UK driving licence is not required. What You Will Do The Senior HCSW works as part of the multidisciplinary team carrying out a range of personal care activities, clinical care tasks and other duties as delegated by and in support of a Registered Nurse. In partnership with the Registered Nurse, the Senior HCSW will be responsible for delivering person centred care, evidence based, recovery-focused interventions and will also promote collaborative working within a multi-disciplinary team and across multi agency services. Support and supervision is provided by the Registered Nurse. For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description. Knowledge, Training And/or Experience Required For This Post Applicants are required to have a genuine interest in working with older people with mental health problems. Previous experience in working with this patient group is desirable but not essential as training will be provided. Applications are welcomed from individuals who will work as a key component of a multidisciplinary team and as such should have excellent communication, interpersonal and time management skills along with a positive attitude and proven ability to work as part of a team. Willingness to undertake training to develop skills and competencies as required. For further information on the requirements for the role please click the link below to view the person specification. If you want to find out more about the role, please contact Senior Charge Nurse Liz Dempster (Clonbeith ward, Ailsa Hospital) on 01292 513093, Senior Charge Nurse Christine McNamara (Dunure ward, Ailsa Hospital) on 01292 513107, Right to Work / Certificates of Sponsorship To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack. It is essential that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application form. NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks. Please visit here for further information. We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts. Additional Information For Candidates You should apply for this post by completing the application process on NHS Jobs Scotland.DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.Posts close at midnight on the indicated date. Late applications will not be accepted.For help to complete an application on NHS Jobs Scotland, please follow this link: https://www.careers.nhs.scot/how-to-apply/application-process/To view our accessibility statement, please follow this link: https://www.eess.nhs.scot/jobtrain-accessibility-statement/Please note that our correspondence method is by email, therefore please ensure you enter your email address accurately.Please check your email regularly (including junk folders) and your NHS Jobs Scotland account for updates.Please contact JobTrain Candidate Support Hub: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home - for advice and support with any system issues.We recommend using the Internet Browser “Google Chrome” or “Microsoft Edge” when using JobTrain.Once you have submitted your application form you will be unable to make any amendments.Some of our vacancies are for internal candidates only. If you are a staff member, please ensure you update your NHS Jobs Scotland account profile to reflect that you are employed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran.Please note, for all vacancies where a driving licence is required this must be a full UK/EU/EEA licence.