Job summary
Please note – Due to a genuine occupation need, and the demands of the service, we are only able to accept female applicants. The role involves working exclusively in a female patient environment specialising in labour, fertility, and gynaecology
The post holder will be part of the Birmingham and Solihull Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) – a team dedicated to supporting maternity care across it’s trusts, implementing the recommendations of “Better Births” by delivering the National Maternity Improvement Programme. A key component of the programme is the implementation of the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and the Maternity Care Bundle.
They will act as an advocate for women and their families, building a trusting relationship and support the activities of patient experience, outreach, to listen to, and feedback views of our non-English-speaking populations.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work closely with the Community Midwifery Teams, Continuity of Carer teams and local third sector organisations to build wraparound care and well-being service provision based in a community setting to improve outcomes for women from ethnic minorities throughout their pregnancy.
The MLSW will work within community maternity services to provide individualised support to women and will specifically deliver support to women and their families in a flexible and innovative way. Beyond this, the MLSW will also engage with the wellbeing of the women they interact with, promoting healthy lifestyles and signposting to other relevant services.
The MLSW will receive referrals from team members for support, who will advise and will work proactively with all women and their household members who are from an ethnic minority background.
The MLSW will develop interventions jointly with Smoking Cessation Support Workers to ensure key health messages are delivered through focus groups, using different communication means based in a community setting to improve outcomes for women from ethnic minorities throughout their pregnancy.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Educated to GCSE standard minimum Maths & English grade C or equivalent
- NVQ 3 in Health Care or equivalent
- Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting qualification (or equivalent)
Desirable
- Recognised language qualification at NVQ level 4 or equivalent
KNOWLEDGE & NATURE OF EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of health outcomes for women/birthing people with neurodiversity during pregnancy
- Previous experience of working in the NHS or medical Interpreting for at least 3 years
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Evidence of working with vulnerable patients requiring specialist support by being able to assess their communication needs.
- Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service
Desirable
- Knowledge of patient administration system, experience of BadgerNet or patient records management system
- Evidence of working with vulnerable patients requiring specialist support
- Experience of providing support to women/birthing people with neurodiversity aligned to their social needs
PERSONAL SKILLS / ABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES
Essential
- An ability to speak Somali
- Reliable, punctual, and flexible across hours of work when required
- Self-awareness in terms of assessing own knowledge and competence and understanding own boundaries
- Self-awareness in terms of recognising the impact of their behaviour on others.
- Ability to present an open and non-judgemental demeanour
Desirable
- An ability to read and write Somali
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential
- Maintain confidentiality
- May be required to work in other teams and localities as required.
- Non-smoker
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practices of equality, inclusion, and diversity in the delivery of this role
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 21 July 2026
