Maternity support workers help widwives and other medical staff care for mothers and babies, before, during and after childbirth.

The Work

You could be:

• taking blood samples at patient's antenatal appointments
• helping out in antenatal classes
• supporting family members during childbirth
• helping move patients in their beds to make them more comfortable
• keeping a record of patient's progress
• taking note of any change in patient's condition, and report to medical staff
• helping patients bathe, shower or wash themselves
• helping new mums care for their babies.

Pay

Under NHS Agenda for Change, maternity support workers start on Band 2, £18,383 to £20,015 a year. With promotion your salary would rise to Band 3, £19,945 to £21,947 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2019.

Conditions

• You would work in a hospital ward, clinic or birthing centre.
• You would work under the supervision of a midwife.
• You work shifts including nights, evenings and weekends.
• You wear a uniform and sometimes protective clothing.

Getting In

• A good general education is useful.
• You can enter through a Modern Apprenticeship in Healthcare Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 6.
• You may need to sit an entrance test.
• Previous experience in a paid or voluntary role in a health care setting would be an advantage.
• It is useful to have done some first aid or have experience of working with people.
• You can use experience of caring at home to apply for jobs.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2019

34715

1.3 %

RISE

2024

35178

  United Kingdom

2019

349057

2.2 %

RISE

2024

356793

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• able to communicate with people of all ages and from different backgrounds
• able to remain calm in stressful situations
• supportive and encouraging
• patient and caring
• able to work as part of a team.

Training

• Training is on the job. You would work towards Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Health Care Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 6.
• You may be able to move on to SVQs at SCQF Level 7.
• You would follow an induction process which is reviewed yearly. Additional training includes hygiene and infection control, breastfeeding support, risk management, child protection and health and safety.

Getting On

• With experience and particularly if you take qualifications, you may be able to move to a higher grade, such as a senior maternity support worker.
• You could work for a private company as well as for the National Health Service (NHS).
• You would be encouraged to work towards further qualifications such as HNC Care and Administrative Practice.
• You might be able to study part time a nursing or midwifery degree.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.