Health Care Support Worker

Role overview

An opportunity is available for a healthcare support worker to join the Community Respiratory Team at Jane Atkinson Health and Wellbeing Centre in Walthamstow, London E17. This is a part-time position of 22.5 hours per week within a busy, fast-moving service. The team is looking for someone enthusiastic, adaptable, and ready to contribute to a multidisciplinary community healthcare setting.

You will work under the supervision of experienced nurses, supporting care delivery in nurse-led clinics and in patients’ homes. The role is focused on providing safe, high-quality care while working closely with patients, carers, and members of the wider MDT.

Applicants should be flexible, comfortable working under pressure, and able to communicate well with patients and colleagues. Strong interpersonal ability, teamwork, and IT confidence are important. The role is valued, varied, and supported by a friendly integrated community team made up of nurses, therapists, and senior HCAs.

Key duties

• Carry out nebuliser treatments.
• Support the administration of prescribed medication.
• Perform spirometry assessments.
• Collect urine and sputum specimens.
• Carry out phlebotomy.
• Measure and record oxygen saturation.
• Provide level 2 smoking cessation guidance.
• Monitor oxygen use.
• Keep clear, accurate records and follow Trust procedures.
• Take part in team meetings and help improve service delivery.
• Support clinical appointments in the respiratory service under the supervision of a registered nurse.
• Complete observations in clinic settings and during home visits.
• Assist patients with correct inhaler technique.
• Help with clerical and administrative work such as appointment booking and equipment tracking.
• Use a range of clinical skills and experience to support holistic assessments led by registered clinicians.

Skills and experience

Experience as a healthcare assistant with proven clinical and communication ability is preferred. Community NHS experience is desirable but not essential. You should be confident working as part of a supportive team and able to handle a clinical workload with professionalism and care.

Qualification requirement

You must hold an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or an equivalent qualification.

Onboarding and employment conditions

All new starters are welcomed through a structured induction programme. Employees normally begin on the first Monday of each month and complete up to two weeks of induction, covering mandatory training, systems training, equipment allocation, and opportunities to meet senior leaders and attend wellbeing and engagement sessions. Induction takes place at the head office in Rainham, Essex.

This post is subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt unless they are already part-way through probation or currently working as bank staff.

Pay information

The role attracts the Outer London High Cost Area Supplement for B&D, Redbridge, Havering, Waltham Forest, and CEME. This allowance is 15% of basic pay, with a minimum of £4,714 and a maximum of £5,941 per year, pro rata for part-time hours.

About the employer

NELFT offers a welcoming and supportive workplace across North East London and Essex, delivering community and mental health services for adults and children. The organisation is rated Good by the CQC and is working towards Outstanding. It also has strong equality and diversity initiatives, staff wellbeing support, recognised family-friendly policies, and disability confidence accreditation.