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How To Hire Healthcare Staff

How To Hire Healthcare Staff
Post Series: How to Hire

Recruitment within the healthcare industry is competitive, with healthcare facilities needing to employ a mix of highly qualified medical staff and unskilled support staff. Skilled or not, having the proper staffing solutions in place is critical for patient care and taking your business forward. Sourcing quality candidates is essential for gaining a competitive advantage, so you will need to use recruitment solutions that are effective, cost-efficient, and generate a diverse range of prospective candidates within an acceptable timeframe.

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In this How To Recruit Healthcare Staff Guide, we discuss:

  • Preparing To Recruit Healthcare Staff: Your Employer Brand & Company Careers Page
  • Writing Healthcare Industry Job Descriptions & Job Adverts
  • How To Hire All Healthcare Staff
  • Advertising Jobs For Healthcare Professionals: Referral Schemes, Social Media, & Job Boards
  • Reducing Healthcare Staff Recruitment Costs And Time: Recruitment Companies & ATS
  • Screening Job Seekers & Conducting Interviews
  • Presenting A Job Offer & Onboarding Healthcare Workers

Preparing To Recruit Healthcare Staff: Your Employer Brand & Company Careers Page

How To Recruit Healthcare Staff And Other Healthcare Professionals

Before you begin to advertise externally for healthcare workers, you should review all your existing candidate touchpoints to ensure you are promoting positive employer branding. You will ultimately only secure the best talent if you show that you are a highly desirable employer where healthcare assistants and medical staffing will want to work.

It would help if you considered how you portray your company culture, company values, and your business success, along with other elements such as supporting further training and career development. In our Guide On How To Hire, we explore in further detail the topics of What Should Be On A Company Careers Page, and Why Should SMEs Build An Employer Brand.

Writing Healthcare Industry Job Descriptions & Job Adverts

How To Write A Healthcare Sector Job Description

You can only write an accurate job description and job advert that will meet your healthcare recruitment goals if you speak to key decision makers in the hiring process, including the position’s line manager:

Healthcare Workers Job Descriptions

Creating a job description for healthcare recruitment will help your hiring team speed up the recruitment process. The best practice is to have one on file for all company positions, which can be quickly updated and used to create the job posting whenever recruitment needs arise.

For SEO, it is a good practice to integrate keywords and key phrases that potential candidates might search for in a search engine or on a recruitment services job site. The job profile should have a clear message to attract the most suitable candidates. It also helps to refrain from using excessive punctuation and too much industry jargon.

Download Job Advert Template

When writing a job description for a healthcare worker, consider:

  1. Identifying and outlining typical company-wide requirements
  2. Collating today’s minimum must haves, covering technical skills, qualifications, and experience
  3. Reviewing what competitors are saying in their job descriptions, for your sector and different industries
  4. What your new hires should look like
  5. How you want your brand to be perceived

Our Job Description Templates can help you get started; we appreciate writing this content can be a challenge. You can discover the most popular Healthcare Job Descriptions here.

Further useful resources include How To Define What People Do In Their Jobs, Preparing Job Descriptions, and Key Roles And Responsibilities In Healthcare.

Healthcare Staff Job Adverts

Your healthcare staffing descriptions should form the basis of your new job ad. There are other things to add to attract the right talent with appropriate skills, so ensure your job ad includes:

  1. An accurate job title – mental health nurse, registered nurses, nursing homes senior director, food service workers, support worker, care assistant, social worker, dental nurse, counsellor, etc
  2. An opening statement – saying why new graduates or current healthcare workers will want to work for your company
  3. The job’s description
  4. A list of responsibilities – providing high quality care, monitoring treatment plans, keeping accurate patient records, etc
  5. Qualifications, personality traits, experience, and skills – adult nursing degree, computer literate, proven track record, valid driving licence, empathy, organisation, etc
  6. Job location – office-based, remote, flexible work environments
  7. Salary range and employee benefits – check the average salary here for all healthcare roles
  8. Next steps – qualified candidates should email xxx or apply via our careers page

We recommend that small and medium-sized healthcare providers use a job advert template to get down the basics of the role and then fill in more detail on the unique aspects of your company, team, and role.

How To Hire All Healthcare Staff

HOW TO HIRE A SUPPORT WORKER

To hire a Support Worker, it will help to portray the benefits of working for your organisation and the fulfilment the role can provide. Adding links to your website and social media can help achieve this goal.

The required skill set to incorporate in your text includes active listening, problem-solving, time management, and a behavioural science or social work degree. Alluring job duties include providing individuals with practical support, meeting with medical professionals, performing domestic tasks, and scheduling meetings and appointments.

Support Worker Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A CARE ASSISTANT

To hire a Care Assistant, your firm should divulge its focus, objectives, and typical clients. Empathy and excellent communication are vital, and the role may require a healthcare worker’s NVQ or BTEC qualification.

Your care assistant job advert should include responsibilities such as promoting physical and mental well-being, helping clients with physical mobility, updating visit records, and ensuring people remember to take their medication as directed by their doctor.

Care Assistant Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A SOCIAL WORKER

To hire a Social Worker, state how the candidate should apply and the must-haves of a position with your business or department. A qualified applicant may need a clinical social worker licence, driving licence, and a psychology or social work degree.

Compelling duties for the individual include helping people affected by domestic violence, neglect, substance abuse, or child abuse. The social worker may create reports, conduct assessments, liaise with families, intervene in crises, and make medical professional referrals.

Social Worker Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A CARER

To hire a Carer, write a company introduction, followed by several sentences that relay the critical functions of the role. Responsibilities might include working with old and young people, making home visits, helping individuals with personal care and mobility, and following safety policies and procedures.

To qualify for your position, you may ask for someone with a healthcare diploma, driving licence, unsocial hours availability, and excellent communication skills.

Carer Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A NURSE

To hire a Nurse, define the seniority and experience needed for the role, along with why an applicant should apply and wish to work at your healthcare establishment. Your job ad should include a list of preferred traits and must-have or nice-to-have qualifications, such as a master’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Job duties that may compel prospective employees to get in touch include monitoring patients’ vitals, providing patient care, administering medication, updating patient records, liaising with relatives, ordering laboratory tests and investigations, and watching for condition changes or treatment side effects.

Nurse Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A CARE WORKER

To hire a Care Worker, it is effective to define the work location and whether the role is static or involves visiting clients. Including the pay scale, desired personal traits, and preferred experience will help ensure qualified applicants make contact. A social care diploma may be a requirement for the role.

Enticing job responsibilities include monitoring the health and well-being of patients, booking appointments on their behalf, attending meetings, helping with personal care and physical mobility, and maintaining accurate records.

Care Worker Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT (HCA)

You can leverage your social media channel and job board advertising to hire a Health Care Assistant. Prioritising essential qualifications and traits such as teamwork, compassion, and organisation will help you hire an appropriate individual within a reasonable timeframe.

Attractive elements of the role include assisting physicians and nurses, arranging appointments, creating medical documents and records, maintaining a clean and sterile space, and monitoring the condition of patients.

Health Care Assistant Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A DENTAL NURSE

To hire a Dental Nurse, describe your dental practice and state the vital qualifications for applicants, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing or T Level in Health. Candidates should be passionate about delivering a good patient experience.

Dental nurse duties include booking and rescheduling patient appointments, handling dentistry tools and equipment, communicating with laboratories, and coordinating the activities of hygienists, dentists, and other dentistry employees.

Dental Nurse Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A COUNSELLOR

To hire a Counsellor, you may need recruitment services with a reach that covers general and niche healthcare job boards. Relevant degrees you may add to your job advert include psychology and sociology or a diploma in therapeutic services. Communication, empathy, and active listening skills are essential.

Responsibilities that may encourage applications include identifying a patient’s condition, listening and questioning, setting achievable goals, informing patients, providing resources, and monitoring progress.

Counsellor Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WORKER

To hire a Mental Health Support Worker, recruiters should promote the benefits of working for the company or organisation, pay range, and training opportunities. Your list of must-have requirements may include a driver’s licence, computer literacy, and a willingness to work flexible or unsocial hours.

A compelling text must include high-priority duties such as visiting people to help them in their homes, monitoring people’s mental and physical state, introducing treatment strategies, and leading therapy sessions.

Mental Health Support Worker Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A PHYSIOTHERAPIST

To hire a Physiotherapist, you should provide links to your website and give a brief company synopsis. Your list of experience and qualifications might include an apprenticeship completion or a Chartered Society of Physiotherapists recognised degree.

Healthcare workers may be attracted to responsibilities such as diagnosing injuries and illnesses, implementing treatment plans, providing patients with advice and tips, and performing manual therapy and other medical techniques.

Physiotherapist Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

To hire an Occupational Therapist, describe your organisation and team, including its mission and values. Relevant education to include in your job ad is an HCPC-approved pre-registration occupational therapy program completion, occupational therapy degree, and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Attractive occupational therapist duties include recommending positive life changes, helping individuals overcome the challenges of ageing, illness or accidents, and collaborating with social workers, physiotherapists, doctors, and consultants.

Occupational Therapist Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A PARAMEDIC

To hire a Paramedic, it is a good idea to denote your location, objectives, and professional standards. To ensure an excellent employer-employee match, state the role’s requirements, such as a full driver’s licence, Paramedic Science degree, and Health and Care Professions Council registration.

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Responsibilities encouraging candidates towards your vacancy could include saving lives by responding to emergency service calls, working efficiently and effectively as part of a two-person crew, using life-saving medical equipment, administering drugs, and reassuring patients and family members.

Paramedic Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A PHARMACIST

To hire a Pharmacist, inform job seekers about your pharmacy and include relevant links to company websites and social media. In addition to good communication and compassion, vacancies should be filled by applicants with a Master of Pharmacy degree.

Tasks that appeal to applicants include accurately filling prescriptions, providing dosage advice and directions, answering customers’ questions, managing inventory, delivering customer service, and providing high cholesterol and diabetes screening.

Pharmacist Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A PSYCHOLOGIST

To hire a Psychologist, relay your employment brand, culture, and positive aspects of working as part of your team. If your business has a particular focus, state this along with qualifications, such as a psychology degree or PhD.

Psychologists may be responsible for diagnosing psychological conditions and delivering therapy to individuals, couples, groups, and families.

Psychologist Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A CARE COORDINATOR

To hire a Care Coordinator, use a job description template and list your preferred traits, such as planning and decision making. Applicants will need total awareness of the patient safeguarding process and a degree in nursing, business administration, or medical management.

To secure job applications, prioritise attractive duties such as recruiting and training staff, planning treatments, liaising with family members, and ensuring the team knows well-being and health practices.

Care Coordinator Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A MIDWIFE

To hire a Midwife, include vital candidate requirements consisting of a Nursing and Midwifery Council registration and completion of a midwifery degree. You can add to these desirable soft skills to complete a person specification.

Midwife responsibilities include advising expectant mothers on nutrition and good health, delivering prenatal and postnatal care, performing examinations, and coaching mothers through birth.

Midwife Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A DOCTOR

To hire a Doctor, clarify if the position is within a hospital, doctor’s practice, or another healthcare establishment. The job advert must include qualifications and experience, such as a medical degree and organisation, communication, and attention to detail.

Duties that may compel qualified candidates to complete your application process include making injury assessments, diagnosing medical conditions, writing prescriptions, referring patients to specialists, and supporting and educating patients.

Doctor Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A YOUTH WORKER

To hire a Youth Worker, you can use job boards to promote your vacancy and the benefits of working for your organisation. A social work degree qualifies candidates and should be accompanied by soft and hard skills.

Appealing aspects of the youth worker role includes motivating young people and encouraging positive behaviour, creating long-lasting relationships, promoting well-being, arranging egaging activities, and acting as a mentor. 

Youth Worker Job Description Example

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HOW TO HIRE A MENTAL HEALTH NURSE

To hire a Mental Health Nurse, state the role’s must-have requirements, which may include a degree in nursing or a post-graduate degree. Add skills and personal traits to complete your candidate specification.

Enticing applications is achieved through highlighting critical duties such as building relationships, helping people overcome anxiety, working in harmony with other medical experts, planning the individual’s nursing requirements, and updating client records.

Mental Health Nurse Job Description Example

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Advertising Jobs For Healthcare Professionals: Referral Schemes, Social Media, & Job Boards

Advertising In A Competitive Market

With your job ad in hand, you are ready to advertise your job or head hunt potential employees. Your recruiting strategy might include posting your advert:

Internally (Employee Referral Schemes)

A non-incentivised or incentivised employee referral scheme is one of the most efficient and cost effective medical recruitment strategies. You will turn your current employees into motivated recruiters, sharing that you are recruiting new employees across their social and professional networks (LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter).

Staff referral schemes often bring in promising candidates, with your team’s connections including like-minded professionals and industry contacts. To engage this healthcare recruiting strategy, share your job descriptions with your team and reward referrals from your healthcare workers.

You can discover tips on employee referral schemes by reading Introducing An Employee Referral Scheme.

On Social Media

Healthcare recruiting through social media is effective, with free and paid advertising options. The best tips for success include ensuring your social media messaging is consistent with your employer branding and conveys a positive image. An active social media channel is helpful if you want to build talent pools brimming with professionals from the healthcare sector and other industries just waiting for an opportunity to join your organisation. Recommended activity includes posting news, expert opinions, updates, and industry insights.

Our tips and advice for implementing a successful social media talent acquisition strategy include:

  • Marketing yourself first
  • Joining industry networks and groups
  • Engaging with respondents and nurturing discussions
  • Using advanced search tools and Recruiter Lite on LinkedIn
  • Using Twitter’s advanced search tool and direct messaging
  • Building activity on your company’s Facebook page and encouraging engagement from existing employees, turning them into company advocates

We explore finding qualified employees through social media further in our articles Social Media Hiring Strategies For SMEs and Job Advertising On Social Media.

On Job Boards

Whether your new hire will be your first hire or your hundredth, advertising on job boards is essential if you want to fill your staffing needs in an acceptable timeframe. You can post your temporary or permanent placements on one job board, or many using an Applicant Tracking System. Job board resellers help you advertise your healthcare job across multiple general, niche, and local and international recruitment job boards using their integrated ATS software, minimising the hassle and time of developing leads and finding talent.

Leading General Job Boards:

Niche Job Boards:

Aggregator Job Sites:

Geographical Job Sites:

You can advertise your job on these job boards today.

Reducing Healthcare Staff Recruitment Costs And Time: Recruitment Companies & ATS

Reducing Healthcare Recruiting Costs

Healthcare recruiting costs, deadlines, and administration require careful consideration whenever you intend to hire. To get the best results, you may decide to work with a recruiting firm with a UK wide focus, a global recruitment partner, a niche recruitment company, or a medical recruiter.

Download Job Advert Template

We discuss agency fees and recruiters in these two articles; How To Avoid High Recruitment Agency Fees and The Pros And Cons Of Having A Recruiter On Retainer.

Fixed Cost Recruitment

Fixed-cost recruitment allows you to hire at a flat fee governed by the level of service and functionality you desire.

The success of fixed-cost recruitment depends on the company offering the service, the recruitment processes they deploy, and their expertise and knowledge of your industry and healthcare staffing. You will need to determine which actions you need assistance with to use flat-fee recruitment successfully.

Four steps to leveraging fixed cost recruitment to hire healthcare professionals:

  1. Place ads across leading job boards
  2. Search CV databases and social media channels
  3. Headhunt and shortlist job seekers
  4. Receive interviewed and qualified healthcare professionals

Useful resources:

Applicant Tracking Systems

Automatic Tracking Systems can significantly reduce the costs of hiring staff by creating efficiency. The software’s functionality gives you the ability to identify and manage applicants, and manage vacancies and adverts.

Team access creates a unified place to work, helping you build a seamless hiring process and applicant experience.

Five steps to centralising medical staffing recruitment with ATS:

  1. Find staff online
  2. Review candidate scores
  3. Distribute personalised messages to a large talent pool
  4. Stay ahead and automate responses
  5. Direct candidates to application forms

To explore all the features and benefits of Automatic Tracking Systems, read Centralising Recruitment With ATS.

Screening Job Seekers & Conducting Interviews

Screening And Interviewing Healthcare Professionals

Before your interview process commences, you need to shortlist applicants by reviewing their CVs or resumes. Indications that you have a healthcare staff worth interviewing include:

  • Quantifiable evidence of past achievements and skills
  • The individual has steady career progression
  • The individual is not job-hopping
  • The CV is free from spelling and grammatical errors
  • The individual has the relevant business experience, knowledge, and skills to meet the job requirements

Decision-makers and hiring managers need to be prepared to deliver a consistent interview experience if they are to put the right person in the right job. The importance of asking the same interview questions to each prospect cannot be understated, aiding applicant scoring. Ensure anyone who has candidate contact is on the same page and understands the brand’s vision, values and opportunities. Interviews should be challenging, supportive, positive, and engaging.

Video interviews are an increasingly popular solution, saving on resources and speeding up the recruiting process. Video sharing, shortlisting, and feedback from hiring and line managers ultimately generate more successful outcomes. If your firm has not conducted a video interview before, read How To Conduct A Remote Interview.

Our article Defining Your Interview Process, discusses interview questions, avoiding unconscious bias, and interviewing tips.

Presenting A Job Offer & Onboarding Healthcare Workers

Presenting An Offer To Healthcare Professionals

When you have finished interviewing candidates and believe you have the right person for your role, you will need to present an employment offer and onboard the part or full time worker:

Making A Job Offer

The process of presenting the offer to healthcare professionals varies depending on what has occurred before. If you don’t already understand the individual’s current earnings, expectations are better managed over the phone. Phone offers should be confident but be prepared to make changes if the individual’s circumstances have changed. Reaffirm that the candidate is happy with the offer, clarify their acceptance, and proceed to a formal written offer, in the same way you would for any business employee.

A formal offer letter from your firm can be conditional (dependent on a background check, etc) or unconditional and should include:

  • Job title
  • Candidate name
  • Your conditions – i.e., this offer is made subject to…
  • Official start date, time, and location
  • Probationary period
  • Offer terms
  • Candidate actions and acceptance instructions – i.e., signed copy of job offer
  • Terms and conditions of employment (issued within two months of the start date)

You can read further on Presenting A Job Offer here.

Onboarding healthcare Staff

The onboarding process should support the employee as they become part of your team.

Actions for onboarding staff might include:

  • Creating an employer identification number
  • Presenting the individual with an employee handbook
  • An office tour, introducing the person to their manager, team, and senior executives
  • Presenting clear responsibilities and duties
  • Defining new role expectations, standards, and performance indicators
  • Gathering feedback from new hires

Download Job Advert Template

Recruitment Process FAQs

Here we answer your hiring questions.

What is the recruitment process?

The medical recruitment process includes the following steps:

1. Review your employer branding
2. Determine if your position is permanent or on temporary basis
3. Write a job description and ad for healthcare roles
4. Screen candidates and conduct job interviews
5. Make an employment offer

How To Hire Staff In Different Sectors

Find our recruitment guides for different sectors below:

All Healthcare Job Descriptions

Post All Healthcare Jobs

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