Band 3 Health Care Support Worker
At a glance
- Band
- Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Posted
- 16/09/2026
- Closes
- 22/09/2026
Sponsorship verdict
This advert explicitly states that sponsorship is not offered.
The source advert contains explicit wording ruling out sponsorship for this specific role. Consider other live roles at the same band from sponsorship-friendly trusts.
Role summary
This role is for a dynamic and motivated Band 3 Health Care Support Worker at Forest Lodge, a 22-bedded Low Secure Forensic Service. You will implement care plans, empower service users in decision-making, and involve them in activities, including community outings. The unit focuses on high-quality assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery for individuals with complex mental health needs within a secure environment. The role requires flexibility for shift rotation, including nights and weekends.
Key responsibilities
- Implement identified plans of care for service users under the direction/supervision of qualified staff.
- Document details of the patient's participation in the care plan.
- Empower service users in decision making and involve them in a wide range of appropriate activities using local facilities.
- Accompany service users on Section 17 leave in the community and other arranged visits.
- Report actions and/or observations on patient care or behaviour to a qualified nurse.
- Develop a group activity relevant to the area with patients, monitoring and evaluating its effectiveness under guidance.
Essential criteria
- 2 Years experience working as a HCA in an acute and or forensic setting
- Experience of working with people who have complex & enduring mental health issues
- Experience of managing discussion groups with patients, co-ordination of activities and social inclusion/escorts
- Maths and English GCSE or equivalent (e.g. functional skills; ENIC)
- Cavendish Care Certificate or vocational qualification in health and social care (e.g. care certificate; level 2/3 diploma)
- Willingness to attend training and development opportunities
- The ability to build and sustain therapeutic relationships with patients at a level appropriate to their needs.
- To have the ability to organise, facilitate and develop patients skills in group settings.
- The ability to produce a good standard of written work & have basic keyboard skills
- Effective communication and listening skills
- Demonstrate a good understanding of Person- Centred Approaches and Values
- Understand impact of stigma and discrimination & have a non-judgemental attitude
- To be able to conduct themselves with integrity
- Flexible and adaptable to changing needs with the ability to work shift patterns flexibly over a 24hr period
- A genuine passion and interest in working with people with complex mental health problems
Desirable criteria
- A basic awareness and understanding of psychosocial interventions, Mindfulness CBT DBT approaches anxiety management
- To recognise and report changes in individuals mental health state
- An understanding of trauma informed care & and practical knowledge of recovery
- Willingness to share own skills & knowledge
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 3 at £24,625 – £25,674 a year, across England.
This advert: £25,760 – £27,476 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 2d ago · Closes in 5d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Band 3 Health Care Support Worker
The closing date is 22 September 2026
Job summary
Forest Lodge is a 22 bedded Low Secure Forensic Service , which aims to deliver high quality, assessment, treatment, effective rehabilitation and recovery to individuals who require care in a secure environment . We are looking for a dynamic and motivated support worker to join the team. The focus of the unit will be on the treatment and care of people with major and complex mental health and physical health needs. We aim to
- Empower people to make informed choices regarding their individual process of recovery, within a structured secure environment.
- Provides personalised intensive optimistic therapeutic programs based on the principles of the Recovery model and trauma informed care.
- Actively encourages patients to self manage their own health needs as far as possible with appropriate help & support.
- Utilise Collaborative Care Planning.
- We are a 24-hour service and require a high degree of flexibility regarding rotation between day and night shifts, including weekends
- For the band 3 post you must have;Cavendish Care Certificate or Diploma in Health & Social CareMaths & English GCSE A - C or level 4 equivalent or both at functional skills level 22 years experience of working in a care setting.Proof of qualifica
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