Maternity Support Worker
What is the work like?
Maternity support workers help midwives provide care to women, their partners and babies, before, during and after childbirth. Under the direction of a qualified midwife, they support families on labour wards, in maternity theatres, on post-natal wards, or in the community.
As a maternity support worker your duties would include:
- sharing information with midwives about the condition of mothers and babies
- helping to deliver care plans under the direction of midwives
- supporting women towards self-care and independence
- assisting with parent craft classes
- helping to make sure clinics run smoothly
- collecting statistics under the direction of midwives
- keeping records up-to-date and making sure procedures are followed
- helping on wards and in other clinical areas as required.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Each NHS Trust can set their own entry requirements, so it is important you check with your local maternity unit about their specific criteria. In general, however, many employers will prefer you to have:
- a good basic standard of education, possibly including English and maths GCSEs (A-C)
- relevant experience, paid or unpaid, in a hospital setting or with families and young children in a health or social care setting (contact the voluntary services coordinator or manager at your local NHS Trust for further advice).
You will also need evidence of your good health and character and a full CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check.
You could have an advantage if you have an NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health, or Health and Social Care.
You could start working in a hospital and prepare for a caring career through a two-year Cadet Scheme or Apprenticeship. Schemes vary between Trusts, but will usually include clinical placements and working towards a qualification, such as NVQ Level 3 in Health. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. Contact your local NHS Trust for details of cadet schemes.
What further training and development can I do?
You will receive induction training from your employer, which will usually cover areas such as:
- infection control
- breast feeding support
- risk management
- child protection
- health and safety.
You will continue to develop your skills by working closely with midwives and experienced support workers and by completing a supervised programme of training. This can vary in length and content and you may be assessed at the end of your training.
You may also be encouraged to work towards NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Health.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08000 150850Broad Plain
Bristol
BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 922 1155
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Maternity support workers can earn between £13,000 and £16,000 a year.
- With experience and relevant qualifications this can rise to around £21,000.
Additional allowances may be paid for working unsocial hours.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 37.5 hours a week, including nights, bank holidays and weekends, on a shift or rota system. Flexible and part-time hours are often available.
You would work under the supervision of a registered midwife in a community or hospital setting. If you are based in the community, you will usually need to travel between clients, so a driving licence would be useful.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent communication and listening skills
- an understanding of the importance and relevance of good patient and visitor relations
- the ability to manage time efficiently and prioritise your workload
- a positive, enthusiastic attitude
- a commitment to training, personal and professional development
- empathy and a caring and supportive manner
- good team working skills and the ability to work alone
- the ability to react appropriately to situations needing immediate action (under the direction of the supervising midwife).
What opportunities are there?
You will find most job opportunities within the NHS, in hospitals and the community.
Your experience in this role will be useful if you want to go on to train as a midwife or adult nurse.
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