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Healthcare Support Worker

Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) are an essential part of a health or social care team, providing high quality and compassionate care to individuals.

They carry out well-defined routine clinical duties and essential fundamentals of care. HCSWs work in a range of healthcare settings and work with others from both health and social care, reporting to a registered healthcare practitioner. 

The role

Duties and responsibilities will vary slightly depending on the role, sector or industry, but a general outline of the role can be found here. 

HCAs and APs: Subject guide

Pay

In the NHS, Healthcare Support Workers are paid at Band 2 of the . 

Frameworks

Training

Competences

  • Skills for Care: 
first steps signpost image

First steps

First Steps is the RCNÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™s most popular free e-learning tool for Healthcare Assistants. ItÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™s a perfect resource to dip in and out of, whether youÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥™re new to the post or looking to refresh your knowledge and skills.

Your responsibilities as a level 2 HCA

  • You will be able to work effectively as part of a team.
  • You will always act within the limits of your competence, knowing who to ask for help and support if you are not sure.
  • You will work within agreed ways of working, following the relevant standards, policies and protocols used in your workplace including the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England.
  • First Steps 
  • Understanding the
  • Accountability and Delegation 
  • Understanding Governance 
HCA uniform closeup

Nursing Support Workers

Career resources for Healthcare Assistants, Assistant Practitioners, Nursing Associates and Support Workers.

Where it could lead...

After a period of working and gaining experience, you may be able to work towards a Senior Healthcare Assistant post.


Senior Healthcare Support Worker

Find out more about the Senior Healthcare Support Worker role, including entry requirements, pay and educational standards.