Healthcare Support Worker

Learn more about becoming a Healthcare Support Worker

Are you looking for a rewarding career in mental health? Whether you’re starting out or changing careers, becoming a healthcare support worker at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust could be your next step.

We’re recruiting support workers in Leeds and York to work across our inpatient and community mental health services. These roles are ideal for anyone interested in mental health support worker jobs, even if you have no prior healthcare experience.

Join Our Healthcare Support Worker Webinar at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Are you passionate about making a difference in mental health care? Interested in working in a supportive, values‑driven NHS Trust? Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting Healthcare Support Workers across a range of our services, and we want to meet you!

We currently have vacancies across Leeds, with a member of the Team from our expanding Mother and Baby Unit joining the webinar to share what it’s like to work there.

Webinar Dates and Times

Tuesday 23 June – 11:45 – 1:15pm – Register online
Thursday 25 June – 11:45 – 1:15pm – Register online
Location: Online (link provided upon registration)

This free information webinar is your opportunity to:

• Learn about the vital role of Healthcare Support Workers in our services
• Hear directly from our teams about what it’s like to work at LYPFT
• Discover tips on how to make a strong application
• Get expert advice on how to succeed at interview
• Ask questions and find out what support is available for new starters

This session will give you the insight and confidence to take the next step in your Healthcare Support Worker career.

“Working at LYPFT has been life-changing – the support, the team spirit, and the opportunity to grow are second to none.” – Current HCSW

Register now by completing this quick and confidential form to secure your place and begin your journey with LYPFT.

If you have any problems registering or wish to speak to a member of the registration team please email lmh-tr.recruitmentevents@nhs.net

Applicants should be aware that individuals requiring a visa to work in the UK, the Trust only provides sponsorship for registered healthcare practitioner roles (this does not include Healthcare Support Workers). This is an essential requirement, and the Trust is unable to offer you a role if you do not meet Trust requirements for sponsorship and Home Office requirements for a visa.

What You’ll Do

As a mental health support worker, you’ll work under the supervision of qualified professionals to support people with their mental health and wellbeing. Your responsibilities may include:

• Providing day-to-day care and emotional support
• Assisting with daily activities such as eating and drinking
• Taking vital measurements and monitoring physical and mental health
• Supporting patients through safe observations, sometimes on a 1:1 basis
• Contributing to personalised care plans as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Keeping accurate records and communicating effectively with colleagues and families

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need previous healthcare experience to apply. We welcome people from all backgrounds who are:

• Caring and compassionate
• Good communicators
• Calm under pressure
• Problem solvers with sound judgement
• Observant and empathetic

If you’ve worked in customer service, education, care, or raised a family, you may already have many of the transferable skills we value in a care support worker.

Read  Christopher’s story: From Creativity to Care: Christopher’s Journey into the NHS

Training and Development

We’re committed to supporting your growth from day one.

Induction and Care Certificate

All new NHS support workers complete a structured induction and the Care Certificate – a nationally recognised qualification covering 15 essential standards, including:

• Duty of care
• Communication
• Safeguarding
• Mental health awareness
• Infection prevention and control

Care certificate training should be completed in the initial 12 weeks in post, however, there is some flexibility and where needed this can be extended. All health care support workers who have not previously completed NVQ level 2 training or above are required to complete this training.

Find out more, read Ozioma’s experience of working as a health support worker at the Trust in our older people inpatient service. 

Supervision and Support

We offer regular supervision and access to a pastoral support network to help you thrive. This includes:

• Normative supervision – focusing on training and career progression
• Formative supervision – helping you reflect and grow in your role
• Restorative supervision – supporting your wellbeing and preventing burnout
• Supervision can be one-to-one or in peer groups, and helps you feel supported, confident, and connected.

Career Pathways

Being a clinical support worker or bank support worker is a great starting point in the NHS. You can:

• Specialise in a particular area of mental health
• Train to become a Nursing Associate, Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or other healthcare professional
• Apply for support worker apprenticeships and further study

Learn about working in our Specialised Supported Living Service: Apprentice and Support Worker roles.

We’ll support you every step of the way.

A job at LYPFT offers fantastic benefits and support for staff.