Maternity support workers help midwives 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, £19,609 to £21,615 a year. With promotion your salary would rise to Band 3, £21,709 to £23,603 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2021.
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.
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.
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 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 would also be encouraged to work towards further qualifications such as HNC Care and Administrative Practice (SCQF Level 7).
With experience in the job, you could study for the CertHE Maternity Care Assistant (SCQF Level 7), available at the University of the West of Scotland. It is a 6-month course fully funded by the NHS.
You could work for a private company as well as for the National Health Service (NHS).
