JOB SUMMARY

Are you passionate about education, development, and improving maternity care outcomes? We have an exciting opportunity for a Practice Educator - Maternity Support Worker to join our team within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. Based across our maternity services in Yeovil and Taunton, you will play a vital role in supporting and developing our Band 3 Maternity Support Workers. This pivotal position focuses on delivering high-quality, consistent care by fostering a confident, capable, and well-trained MSW workforce.
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact through clinical education and hands-on support, we’d love to hear from you.

ABOUT US

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we’re committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you’ll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it’s a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

JOB DESCRIPTION

You will be an integral part of the Practice Development Team in maternity, providing clinical supervision, educational support, and mentorship to Band 3 MSWs. Your role will include working clinically at least twice per roster to maintain hands-on experience and credibility. You will help shape the clinical learning environment and support MSWs in delivering safe, personalised care in line with Trust values and national guidance.

As part of this role, you will:

• Organise and participate in regular MSW meetings and skills drills.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners including SWAST, Learning & Development, and external training providers.
• Identify learning needs and develop tailored training plans to support MSW competency.
• Ensure a safe and inclusive environment for both staff and service users.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the maternity workforce.
• Act as a role model, advocate, and coach, embodying the Trust’s values of Outstanding Care, Listening and Leading, and Working Together.

This post requires a high level of clinical knowledge in maternity care, strong communication and teaching skills, and a proactive, compassionate approach to education. You must be organised, flexible, and confident working across multiple sites.

MAIN DUTIES, TASKS & SKILLS REQUIRED

• Support the recruitment, induction, and ongoing development of Band 3 Maternity Support Workers.
• Deliver and facilitate clinical training sessions, mandatory study days, and educational initiatives.
• Coordinate placements for T-Level apprentices, student paramedics, and maternity-related work experience.
• Provide one-on-one clinical support and supervision for MSWs requiring additional guidance.
• Liaise closely with the Practice Development Midwife, Ward Managers, and the wider multi-disciplinary team to promote high standards of care and professional development.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives, policy implementation, audits, and evaluations.
• Actively engage in the appraisal process and provide learning and development plans for MSWs.
• Maintain accurate training records and ensure compliance with educational standards.

As part of this role, you will:

• Organise and participate in regular MSW meetings and skills drills.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners including SWAST, Learning & Development, and external training providers.
• Identify learning needs and develop tailored training plans to support MSW competency.
• Ensure a safe and inclusive environment for both staff and service users.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the maternity workforce.
• Act as a role model, advocate, and coach, embodying the Trust’s values of Outstanding Care, Listening and Leading, and Working Together