Core Clinical Skills KSBs

Will have a broad skill base related to their practice.

Will have a breadth and depth of understanding of role and related activities beyond that of a Level 2 HCSW.

Has all the attributes, skills and knowledge required for a Healthcare Support Worker.

Ability to adhere to the HCSW Code of Conduct in relation to consent:  Telling patients and members of the public what you intend to do and listening carefully to what they say about it (HCSW Code of Conduct 3.2.8).

Ability to recognise risk in relation to care provision and further develop risk assessment skills.

Ability to understand it is everyone’s responsibility (HCSW Code of Conduct 3.2.11) to protect individuals, members of the public and report any concerns to a supervisor, manager or make use of the whistleblowing policy to reduce risks in the future.

To have an awareness of and comply with core legislation and policies.

Ability to understand and apply knowledge of legislation, and policies specific to area of practice.

Ability to understand and apply the concepts of accountability and responsibility and be confident to accept or decline delegated responsibility from a healthcare practitioner or assistant practitioner.

Ability to act on findings within role boundaries to ensure a person's safety.

Ability to develop knowledge of infection prevention and control.

Able to effectively reflect on and in practice.

Recognise the effects and potential symptoms of trauma or vicarious trauma and respond appropriately. Practising at a minimum of Trauma Informed practice level.

Ability to escalate concerns if unable to carry out their duty and responsibilities outlined within health and care staffing legislation. Practising at Informed level.

Practice in ways which recognise and respond to health inequalities, respect diversity, and protect against discrimination and harassment.

Use a range of skills to communicate with people about difficult matters or situations.

Understands and demonstrates respect for cultural differences and diversity and adapts communication to meet individual needs.

Recognises when individuals may face barriers to vaccination and adapts communication or signposts to support equitable access.

Communicates in simple, clear language and checks understanding to support individuals with different levels of health literacy.

Is aware that social and environmental factors (e.g., housing, employment, poverty) can influence people’s ability to access vaccination.

Demonstrates awareness of groups at risk of lower vaccination uptake and supports inclusive practice for people of all ages and backgrounds by adapting communication and signposting, escalating concerns appropriately.

Engages warmly and clearly with individuals during vaccination, responding to basic questions and referring concerns appropriately to support informed decisions.

Provides basic guidance or signposting to help individuals access relevant health or vaccination services, escalating complex needs to a registered practitioner.

Recognises common vaccine concerns and myths and provides simple, accurate, and compassionate information, escalating complex queries to registered practitioners. 

Works collaboratively with others for example care home staff to support vaccination delivery.

Recognises that informed consent is required before vaccination and supports the process by referring consent-related questions to a registered practitioner.

Recognises that informed consent must be obtained by a registered practitioner and promotes / supports the consent process appropriately.

Demonstrates awareness of Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act and understands how it applies to vaccination delivery, recognising that decisions about consent for individuals lacking capacity must follow legal and ethical frameworks and escalating concerns to a registered practitioner.

Recognises basic consent requirements and promptly flags missing or unclear documentation for adults with incapacity, seeking guidance to support safe, compassionate vaccination.

Knows when to escalate clinical concerns or questions outside own scope and informs a registered practitioner promptly.

Recognises when individuals require referral or pathway clarification and escalates appropriately.

Recognises signs of concern e.g. public protection issues and is aware of the escalation process and how to record incidents on Datix.

Follows protocols for safe vaccine management (cold chain) and disposal of vaccine waste, minimising unnecessary vaccine incidents, waste and resource use.

Follows protocols for preparing and delivering vaccines under delegation, appropriate safe technique, aseptic practice, and aftercare under supervision.

Supports opportunistic vaccination by preparing individuals and documentation when additional vaccines are offered during routine care.

Contributes to safe clinic set-up and flow by preparing equipment, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting with documentation and patient flow, ensuring safe storage and handling policy implemented (cold chain).

Adheres to guidance on vaccine storage and handling and is a role model including stock management and cold chain management. 

Uses digital tools accurately to support efficient documentation and reduce duplication.

Uses digital systems such as the Vaccination Management Tool (VMT) to enter and check information accurately, following local protocols and seeking support where needed.

Follows national immunisation guidance relevant to their role, including updates from the Green Book and local protocols, and seeks clarification from supervisors where needed.

Follows national immunisation guidance and seeks clarification when vaccinee questions arise, ensuring safe and informed practice.