Band 3 Health Care Assistant-Research and Innovation/MIDRU

Are you a caring and motivated Health Care Assistant with an interest in clinical research and improving patient care?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 3 Health Care Assistant to join the Research and Innovation (R&I) Department at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, based within the Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at MIDRU, Heartlands Hospital.

This is a permanent, full-time post within the Core Research Delivery Team. While you'll be based in this team, you'll also support other research teams and the wider CRF as needed.

The role is varied, and you'll be part of a busy, supportive team delivering high-quality clinical research that directly benefits patients.

We're looking for someone who is:

*Caring, reliable, and patient-focused

*Well organised with good attention to detail

*Confident communicating with patients and staff

*Comfortable using basic IT systems

*Able to work independently but also as part of a team

*Interested in developing skills in clinical research

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In return, we offer a supportive working environment, ongoing training including Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and the opportunity to be part of innovative research that improves patient care and outcomes.

For further information, please contact:

Faye Moore, Senior Research Nurse -- faye.moore@uhb.nhs.uk 0121 424 2881

Main duties of the job

As a Band 3 Health Care Assistant in the CRF at MIDRU, you will support the delivery of a range of clinical research studies across the Core Delivery Team and wider CRF.

You'll work under the supervision of registered research nurses and the wider research team, helping to ensure studies run safely, smoothly, and in line with protocols and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

Key duties include:

*Supporting the set-up and day-to-day delivery of clinical research studies within the CRF

*Assisting with patient identification, screening, and recruitment

*Supporting the informed consent process, following training and within scope of practice

*Carrying out clinical observations and basic study procedures (e.g. blood pressure, ECGs, sample collection where trained)

*Supporting patients during research visits, ensuring dignity, comfort, and safety always

*Monitoring patients during study procedures and escalating concerns appropriately

*Accurately recording and maintaining study data and documentation

*Preparing and maintaining research rooms, equipment, and study materials

*Communicating clearly and professionally with patients, families, and the wider research team

*Supporting study coordination and administrative tasks where required

*Working flexibly across the CRF to support different teams and study activity

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You'll be an important part of the team, helping to deliver high-quality research while always keeping patient care at the centre of your role.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• * Evidence of Maths/English qualifications at Level 2 or above.
• * Completion of a competency-based workbook or equivalent relevant experience to vocational qualification at Level 3 i.e. For level 3 this could include AS/ A levels, Access to higher
• Education Diploma in health care support, Apprenticeships, NVQ Level 3, BTEC national Diploma award or nationals.
• * Care Certificate or can demonstrate prior skills, knowledge and experience that meet the 15 minimum standards described by Health Education England (HEE) Skills for Health.
• * Internationally educated applicants will have to evidence UK ENIC (the UK National Information Centre) Statements of compatibility

Experience

Essential

• * Previous experience working in a patient facing clinical support worker role providing direct patient care in health or social care as part of a team.
• * Understanding of the principles of safeguarding in relation to this role
• * Ability to demonstrate/ articulate an understanding of the role and tasks involved and can describe the physical and emotional aspects of the role and some duties which are
• different to that of a Band 2 Clinical Support worker.
• * Can link the Trust values (Kind, Connected & Bold) to the role and provide examples from personal experience which demonstrate understanding in relation to the role
• * Can explain why training / education and approaches to care need to be consistent in relation to safety and patient experience.
• * Can demonstrate ability / experience in supporting patients holistically

About the employer

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential. For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.