Community Support Worker – NHS
Employer: Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham, DH1 5RD
Salary: £25,760 – £27,476 per year
Band: Band 3
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Closing date: 7 October 2026
Reference: 346-DDA-079-26-C
Job Overview
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Community Support Worker to join the Durham & Darlington Community Rehabilitation and Recovery Team.
The role focuses on supporting people with mental ill health, promoting recovery and wellbeing, encouraging social inclusion, and helping patients participate more fully in their communities.
You will work alongside registered practitioners, the team manager and other professionals, providing patient support in people’s homes and other community settings.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship
Sponsorship is available for eligible applicants.
The advert states that applications from people who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.
The vacancy also notes that the role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UKVI Skilled Worker route, subject to the applicant meeting the relevant requirements.
Applicants should independently check their eligibility before applying.
Key Responsibilities
- Support patients with their recovery, wellbeing and social inclusion.
- Provide patient-centred care in homes and community settings.
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary community rehabilitation team.
- Support patients with community access and participation.
- Accompany patients to appropriate community locations and appointments.
- Recognise and report signs of harm, abuse or neglect.
- Complete delegated patient-care activities within your level of competence.
- Complete assessment tools and maintain accurate patient records.
- Identify changes in patients’ presentation and report them appropriately.
- Provide health education and health-promotion support to patients and carers.
- Use safe moving and handling techniques where required.
- Demonstrate safe breakaway techniques when managing violence and aggression.
- Advocate for patients and carers where authorised.
- Work with third-sector organisations and other community partners.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2 or equivalent.
- Care Certificate.
- Literacy and Numeracy Level 2 or equivalent.
- Previous experience as a Band 2/3 Healthcare Assistant or equivalent in a care environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Good record-keeping ability.
- Time-management and prioritisation skills.
The successful candidate must also complete the Trust’s full Healthcare Assistant framework/competencies during the first six months of employment.
This post is not open to trainees.
Desirable Experience and Skills
The following would be advantageous:
- Experience supporting people with mental health needs.
- Experience working with people with learning disabilities.
- Venepuncture competency.
- ECG competency.
Travel Requirement
Because this is a community-based role, applicants must be able to travel independently across the locality and have access to a suitable vehicle for business purposes.
The advert states that adjustments may be considered where appropriate in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
DBS Check
The position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Applicants entering the UK through the Skilled Worker route may also need to provide criminal record certificates from countries where they have lived for the required period, in accordance with UK immigration requirements.
Important Application Information
The vacancy may close early if a high number of applications are received, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Closing date: 7 October 2026
Employer: Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Inglewood, Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham, DH1 5RD
Application / Selection Process
Applicants should review the full job description and person specification carefully before applying to ensure they meet the essential requirements.
The employer contact for questions about the vacancy is:
Team Manager: Siobhan Fairs
Email: siobhan.fairs1@nhs.net
Telephone: 0191 333 3661
Applications should be made through the official NHS Jobs vacancy.
Original vacancy: NHS Jobs – Community Support Worker, Reference 346-DDA-079-26-C
Employer website: https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/
UK Skilled Worker information: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa