Maternity Support Worker - NEST

Job Overview

UHS Maternity Services have an exciting fixed term opportunity for a maternity support worker to join our Continuity of Carer NEST team. The successful applicant will be enthusiastic and committed to working in partnership with birthing people, babies and families. You will work alongside and independently to the NEST midwifery teams and will be an advocate for supporting choice and high quality, evidence-based care.

UHS Maternity Services are proud to serve the local community across the region with the team working flexibility across boundaries. As a Trust, we recognise the importance of a positive workforce culture, individual job satisfaction and a healthy work life balance for staff. We would be delighted to welcome a new Maternity Support Worker to the team and we would strive to ensure that they felt well supported and valued in their new role.

Main duties of the job

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

The Maternity Service provides Maternity Support Workers with a privileged opportunity to work with NEST midwives caring for birthing people, babies and families who require additional support.

The post holder will assist and deliver care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postnatal periods, providing physical, psychological and emotional care and support, within the remit of the role.

What We Are Looking For

• We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and flexible individual who works well in a high-pressured environment and has recent experience of a hospital or community healthcare setting.
• The role will include weekday and weekend shifts.
• The ability to work in a team, engaging and communicating well with others is essential.
• We are looking for an individual who has a keen interest in developing their knowledge and skills around safeguarding and mental health.
  
  

A testimony statement from one of our current NEST Maternity Support Workers:

“I started working with the caseloading midwifery teams in 2008 and have never left! I absolutely love the diversity and challenges we can face on a day-to-day basis; it makes work interesting, and no two days are the same. Knowing you are making a difference in these families’ lives is really empowering and gives amazing job satisfaction. As well as being an advocate for personalised care you get to support women and birthing people during their pregnancy and postnatal journey. The whole team has been so supportive of my career progression and I’m excited to see where this opportunity takes me”.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Recent experience as a carer in a healthcare setting
• Level 3 qualification in healthcare, e.g. NVQ, Diploma or equivalent
• Numeracy and literacy skills at level 2 (GCSE grade C/4 or above) or equivalent as a minimum standard
• Previous experience in a hospital or community medical setting
• Able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection
• Self-motivated and, conscientious
• Aware of personal limitations
• Willing to engage with and learn from peers
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Proficient in phlebotomy with recent experience
• Care Certificate qualification or commitment to undertaking
• Commitment to undertaking additional training corresponding to speciality
• Experience of a maternity service or similar
• Evidence of continuous professional development