Maternity Support Worker

Are you looking for a new challenge in a dynamic, welcoming, progressive and inclusive team? Do you want to develop your knowledge and skill, gain new qualifications and build a rewarding career at one of the largest and most innovative trusts in the NHS?
UHSussex are seeking passionate individuals to support women, birthing people and families throughout their pregnancy and postnatal journey as Maternity Support Workers in our maternity units. We are looking for enthusiastic, diligent and flexible individuals who are committed to upholding the highest standards at a momentous time in our service user's lives. Maternity Support Workers are central to the provision of quality care, working alongside midwives and the wider multi-disciplinary team to achieve excellence in maternity services. Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal 'where better never stops' and you will play a vital part in driving us forwards and improving the lives of families across Sussex.
Please note:
+ We are happy to consider both part-time and full-time applicants with a minimum of 23 hours per week.
+ This is a shift working role, across a 24/7 service including nights, weekends and bank holidays (12.5 hours typically from 07:30 - 20:00 or 20:00 - 07:30)., + Assist in the implementation of agreed plans of care alongside the wider team and in collaboration with service users.
+ Assist members of the wider team to set up and perform clinical procedures.
+ Ensure clinical areas remain clean, tidy and well stocked.
+ Following appropriate training, undertake clinical care including monitoring and recording vital signs, taking swabs, venepuncture, removing catheters and cannulas etc.
+ Support and teach parents the skills required to establish and maintain infant feeding.

Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop.
We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex., Communication
· Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both colleagues and service users in a warm, friendly and approachable manner.
· Demonstrate ability to use own initiative and through active listening, interpret information and escalate concerns to registered staff as required. Report any change in the condition of service users physical, mental and behavioural wellbeing to the registered midwife/MDT. Report any changes to a baby's overall wellbeing to the registered midwife/MDT.
· Document clinical care accurately and contemporaneously in clinical records, utilising digital platforms in accordance with Trust policy and guidelines.
· Communicate sensitively, respectfully and with compassion when service users are distressed for example when in labour or when the family unit is separated e.g. when mothers/birthing people and/or babies are critically ill.
· Communicate sensitively, respectfully and with compassion during times of bereavement or loss.
· Obtain suitable communication methods to communicate with service users e.g. booking interpreters and sign language services.
· Report all incidents, complaints, enquiries or accidents to the midwife in charge/team leader.
· Recognise obstetric or neonatal emergencies, summon assistance and act as a member of the MDT in managing scenario within parameters of own competence and defined role. Utilise communication tools such as 'closed loop communication' during emergency situations.
· Report and if necessary, challenge behaviour that infringes the rights of others.
Service Delivery and Improvement
· Demonstrate ability to prioritise own workload.
· Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Registered Midwife (or other registered care professional) with a focus on promoting health and informed choice.
· Assist in the implementation of agreed plans of care in line with guidance, policies and protocols, in conjunction with the wider MDT and in collaboration with service users.
· Contribute to and promote service improvements such as audits, research, team meetings and benchmarking activities.
· Adhere to Trust infection control policy.
· Adhere to Trust uniform/non-uniform policy.
· Demonstrate a commitment to the UHSussex Patient First agenda and Trust Values.
People Management and Development
· Participate in the promotion of a positive learning environment, acting as a role model and supporting the orientation of new MSWs in collaboration with the wider team.
Patient Care Delivery/Skills
· Demonstrate safe, evidence-based practice in all skills and procedures required of role.
· Respect privacy, dignity and individual choice.
· Empower service users to safely and effectively care for themselves and their babies. Assist service users with personal hygiene as required.
· Care for baby's wellbeing and hygiene whilst in the hospital.
· Prepare clinical areas with necessary equipment.
· Assist members of the wider team to set up and perform clinical procedures.
· Ensure that clinical areas remain clean and tidy, ensuring equipment is cleaned on a regular basis and report any deficits to the midwife in charge.
· Ensure stock levels are maintained and replenished. Replace sharps boxes using safe general working practice.
· Assist with the transfer of service users to different areas within the maternity department and wider hospital.
· Collect and transport equipment and specimens. Collect blood from the Blood bank following Trust policies and procedures.
· Answer the telephone, door and call bells.
· Contribute to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of the maternity unit.
· Following appropriate training and achieved competence:
· Undertake basic vital signs recordings e.g. blood pressure, pulse, temperature and escalate to registered member of staff when outside normal limits.
· Remove urinary catheters and cannulas.
· Perform venepuncture (taking blood).
· Take, label and send swabs.
· Bladder scanning.
· Perform cannulation in non-emergency situations.
· ECG monitoring.
· Undertake basic vital signs recordings on a baby e.g. heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature.
· Support and teach parents the skills required to establish and maintain infant feeding.
· Provide breastfeeding advice and support in accordance with Trust policies. Help service users gain confidence with positioning and attachment. Understand safety and risk issues and assist in making appropriate referrals when needed e.g. tongue tie, reluctant feeders.
Learning and Development
· Commitment to own learning and development including:
o Completion of Trust and maternity statutory and mandatory training
o Completion of National Care Certificate within 3 months of starting
o Completion of Venepuncture (taking blood) within 4 months of starting
· Undertake additional training as required and agreed with line manager as part of the personal development process.
· Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager.
· Participate in the Trust's appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help deliver any changes in service.
· Contribute to and promote service improvement and development through the Patient First approach.
Important information for applicants
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal - to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.