Specialist

FAQS

Who are these midwifery roles?

Maternity support workers assist midwives as well as patients in daily activities. Typically, this can involve assisting midwives with any of their daily tasks, or interacting with patients, and providing care. This can include things such as helping to care for babies, making routine observations, or educating parents in one-to-one sessions.

Meanwhile, newborn hearing screeners are on hand to perform a specific and vital role for newborns. All new parents are offered a hearing screening test in the first few weeks after their baby is born, and newborn hearing screeners will identify babies who may require testing. They’ll test and use equipment to screen babies, provide results and explain any necessary next steps, and keep records of these results up to date. Newborn hearing are part of the midwifery team, but they’ll often interact with audiology teams, who focus on hearing issues and complications.

What’s it really like?

The maternity support worker role is a really rewarding career opportunity, and can be a great way to further understand how midwives work. It’s important to remember that the two roles do have different roles and responsibilities.

Newborn hearing screeners play a vital role in helping support new families with information and assistance related to their babies’ hearing. You’ll be on hand to interact with many new parents, calmly and reassuringly providing them important information.

What do I need to become part of the midwifery team?

At the moment, there are no set entry requirements to become a maternity support worker or a newborn hearing screener. There are certain things that employers may ask for however, including some experience or qualifications within health and social care, or a good standard of numeracy and literacy. When looking at vacancies, it’s important to check if there are any particular requirements that you may have to fulfil.

Typically, the interest in these vacancies are high, and so it’s important to do what you can to stand out. Employers will often value evidence of relevant work experience, either paid or voluntary, or even experience of working with children or families. Additionally, getting in touch with the employer and enquiring about the necessary skills or experience needed can often set a good impression that could lead to a successful application.

Can I get financial support?

When employed by the NHS or a care provider, maternity support workers will typically work 37.5 hours per week, and will start at around £20,000 but this can rise. Newborn hearing screeners will initially earn around £18,000, but again, with experience and training, this can increase.

What do I need to know?

From April 2022, all applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the start of the course, or provide valid proof of medical exemption. Health and social care professionals are subject to the UK government’s vaccine mandate, meaning that all people working in health and social care settings are required to be vaccinated.

Assist patients as part of the midwifery team

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