Employer: Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Job Title: Healthcare Support Worker
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Salary: £25,760 – £27,476 per annum
Job Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 25/06/2026 23:59

Job Overview

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives?

Join our dedicated team at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust as a Health Care Support Worker in our Inpatient Services.

As a Health Care Support Worker, you will be an essential part of our team, providing compassionate care and support to our patients. You’ll work closely with our qualified nursing staff to deliver high-quality care and help establish care plans.

This role is perfect for someone who is empathetic, dedicated, and eager to contribute to the well-being of our patients.

You’ll be working alongside dedicated multidisciplinary teams, using your skills to deliver person-centred care in line with our values of kindness, fairness, ingenuity and determination.

Whether you’re early in your career or looking to grow, this is your chance to shape the future of mental health care in Greater Manchester – and experience the difference of working in a Trust that puts staff and patients first.

What Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust Offers

• Career development
• Mentoring and coaching opportunities to support your growth
• Flexible working options to support your work-life balance
• Comprehensive staff wellbeing service
• Generous NHS pension scheme and staff benefits package
• A Trust-wide commitment to diversity, inclusion and psychological safety

Main Duties of the Job

Engage with Patients

Build meaningful relationships with patients and their carers, providing emotional support and effective communication.

Document Care

Accurately record observations and nursing care in line with Trust policies.

Promote Safety

Ensure the safety, well-being, and interests of clients, staff, and visitors.

Assist with Personal Care

Help patients with personal hygiene, bathing, toileting, and dressing, always respecting their privacy and dignity.

Support at Mealtimes

Assist patients with their meals, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition and hydration.

Mentor New Staff

Act as a role model and mentor for new Health Care Support Workers, supporting them in completing their Care Certificate.

Clinical Observations

Undertake and report clinical observations, therapeutic observation.

Maintain Cleanliness

Participate in maintaining a clean, tidy, and safe ward environment, adhering to infection control policies.

Professional Development

Engage in mandatory training and take responsibility for your personal development.

Why Choose Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust?

• Top mental health trust to work for in the North of England – NHS Staff Survey 2024
• A culture that supports professional autonomy and values nursing leadership
• A clear commitment to safe staffing levels and quality patient care
• A forward-thinking Trust focused on creating the conditions for great nursing care to thrive
• A genuinely supportive environment where your skills and compassion are recognised

You might currently be in another NHS Trust, the private sector, or working through an agency. You might be based in Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, or the wider North West. Wherever you are in your career – if you’re looking for safer staffing, better support, and meaningful development, Pennine Care is ready to welcome you.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• GCSE (or equivalent level of education) with grade D/E (2/3) or above in English and Maths or functional skills level 1.
• Vocational (or equivalent) Qualification at level 3 in Care or demonstrable equivalent relevant experience to this level.
• Completion of Care Certificate or commitment to complete.
• PMVA training or willingness and ability to complete upon appointment.
• Short courses to undertake patient and clinical care duties.

Desirable Criteria

• Assessor in CC.

Experience

Essential Criteria

• Experience of working with diverse groups of people developing a range of basic care skills.
• Previous experience of working in a care setting as a nursing assistant/healthcare support worker developing competencies in basic clinical care.
• Experience of being able to plan and prioritise own work under the direction of a qualified member of staff.
• Experience of how to build up trust and rapport with people.
• Previous experience with people with Mental Health or Learning Disabilities or experience in a clinical setting related to mental heath.
• Experience of carrying out clinical observations.
• Range of work procedures and practices, base level of theoretical knowledge.

Knowledge

Essential Criteria

• Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.
• Awareness of Mental Health and Mental Illness, its effects on the individual, family and friends. Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act with willingness to learn.
• Awareness of the effects of illicit drug use.
• Some awareness of early prevention of violence and aggression using least restrictive interventions and practices with willingness to undertake & complete PMVA training and engage in techniques as required.
• Willing and able to undertake and complete the required PMVA training and engage in techniques as required, with a commitment to maintain skills in practice and attend regular update training.
• Able to recognise changes in a patient’s mental and physical condition and act appropriately by alerting the qualified practitioner or nurse in charge.
• An awareness of stigma and discrimination of people with mental health issues.
• Awareness of ward procedures and clinical observations.

Skills and Abilities

Essential Criteria

• Basic IT skills – ability to use MS outlook, word, and willing and able to be trained to use Trust IT systems and applications such as Electronic Patient Records or PARIS.
• Able to impart knowledge, supervise and direct the work of others under supervision.
• Can demonstrate good interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
• Good command of the English language both written and in spoken word.
• Ability to engage with people who are experiencing mental ill health and communication barriers.
• Able to respond sensitively to emotional distress and utilise communication skills to deescalate people who are angry or distressed.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations displaying patience and empathy.
• Ability to keep confidential information, and awareness of Data Protection and GDPR.

Desirable Criteria

• Good organisational skills.

Sponsorship Information

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust is an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the government website.

Application Support

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust recommends tailoring your application to each role you apply for, particularly your supporting information. This gives you the best chance of success. Your supporting information should clearly explain, with examples, how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust is aware of the increase in AI being used for job applications. AI can be a useful tool to assist in writing your application, but these tools may not understand the context or requirements of the job you are applying for and using for all your application will not be a true reflection of your skills and experience.

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust also offers virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form.

Recruitment Process

After You Apply

Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification.

If You’re Offered the Role

If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. You’ll then receive a formal conditional offer via email.

Pre-Employment Checks

The following checks will be carried out:

• Identity verification
• Right to work check
• Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
• Professional registration and/or qualification check
• Occupational health assessment
• Employment history and reference validation

Additional Information

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and strives to ensure the workforce reflects the communities served.

If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Please Note

• Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust does not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies.
• Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
• Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust may close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

How to Apply

If this opportunity interests you, head to the company’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.