Healthcare Support Worker - Home First

About the Role

NHS Borders is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) to join the Home First team in the Tweeddale locality on a fixed-term basis. This is an internal vacancy exclusively open to current NHS Scotland staff, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and integrated health and social care service. The position is available from 01/10/2026 to 30/04/2027, covering maternity leave, and provides a platform for professional growth within a supportive and values-driven environment.

Our Values in Action

At NHS Borders, we uphold the following core values that guide our work and shape our culture:

• Compassion: Demonstrating empathy and understanding in every interaction with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Kindness: Fostering a caring and supportive atmosphere that promotes well-being and trust.
• Integrity: Maintaining honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all professional activities.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver seamless and high-quality care.
• Excellence: Striving for continuous improvement and delivering services to the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities

The Home First service is designed to support individuals in their own homes or homely settings, working collaboratively with acute and community teams to promote reablement, prevention, and supported self-management. As a Healthcare Support Worker, you will play a pivotal role in this integrated approach, delivering person-centred care alongside Registered Nursing staff and other health professionals. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients in their homes, ensuring their comfort, safety, and dignity.
• Working within a multidisciplinary team to coordinate care plans, liaising with Hospital at Home, District Nursing, Community Allied Health Professionals, Adult Social Work, and Adult Social Care services.
• Supporting service delivery across multiple localities, including Central, Teviot & Tweeddale, as required, to meet the diverse needs of the community.
• Demonstrating confidence in decision-making and the ability to work autonomously while adhering to professional standards and protocols.
• Participating in training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and contribute to the continuous improvement of the service.

Essential Requirements

To excel in this role, you must meet the following criteria:

• A full UK driving licence with business insurance, as the role requires flexibility to travel to patients' homes across the Borders.
• Availability to work weekdays and weekends on a rotational basis, with hours spanning from 08.00 to 20.30 over a seven-day period.
• Experience as a Healthcare Support Worker, with a strong commitment to delivering person-centred care.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• A proactive and adaptable approach, capable of thriving in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Support and Development

NHS Borders is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees can grow and develop. As part of this role, you will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to enhance your skills and advance your career. Whether you are early in your professional journey or seeking to take the next step, this opportunity offers a platform to make a meaningful impact while contributing to the health and well-being of the community.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your application early to ensure it is considered. Informal enquiries are welcome and can be directed to Faye Fowler, Team Lead, at [email protected] or Andrea Johnstone, Clinical Nurse Manager, at [email protected]. Please note that this is an internal vacancy, and only current NHS Scotland staff are eligible to apply.

Equal Opportunities

NHS Scotland is dedicated to promoting equality and diversity within our workforce. We welcome applications from all sections of society and are committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination. Our goal is to create a workforce that is truly representative, where every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.

Right to Work in the UK

It is essential that you have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. NHS Scotland Boards will verify your entitlement as part of the pre-employment checks. If you do not currently have the necessary eligibility, it may be possible to secure sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa, subject to specific criteria. For further information, please refer to the GOV.UK website.