Practice Educator

We are a progressive forward thinking service with a positive local and national reputation. We are proud of our diverse service that strives to provide kind, caring, inclusive, safe, high quality and efficient care to all birthing people whatever their background or clinical need.

We are currently seeking a motivated and experienced Maternity Support Worker (MSW) who is working towards or holds a level 4 health related qualification/diploma to join our Practice Education Team. The role will support the training and development needs of our Band 2-4 maternity support staff as we seek to realise the ambitions of the National MSW workforce strategy. This is a one year seconded post and you will need the permission of your line manager to be released.

You will be required to work effectively and flexibly as a member of the Education Team whilst also maintaining your skills as a credible, competent maternity support worker working across the service.

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

**What you’ll do**:
As a practice educator you will be required to take a shared responsibility for the education and training of maternity support workers whilst also contributing to multi-professional mandatory training across the service. The role will include supporting the delivery of B2-4 local induction programmes in Maternity and in providing clinical visibility.

Within this role you will be required to supervise and assess less experienced maternity support workers, identify their learning needs and support practice assessors and practice supervisors to support learners with their completion of their competencies. This role also demands clinical leadership skills and an ability to contribute positively to the creation of a positive learning environment.

**What we’re looking for**:
We are seeking an experienced maternity support worker who inspires and role models excellence in their clinical skills and practice. You should understand the B2-4 Maternity support staff roles and skill sets as set out by national strategy.

Personal qualities we are looking for include excellent and friendly communication skills, self motivation, team working, attention to personal presentation, tactful approach, can do attitude, flexible, positive approach within a range of multidisciplinary staff and diverse service user groups.

As a clinical lead it is essential to have the ability to always treat birthing people and their families with respect and dignity; adopting a culturally sensitive approach, which is inclusive, holistic and centred on birthing people and their families accessing local services. Support will be given to applicants who are willing to take on new challenges and learn new skills.