NHS
Health Care Assistant
This job is now closed
Job Description
- Req#: B0423-26-0000?language=en&page=1218&sort=publicationDateDesc
- Proven ability to work off own initiative and as part of a team.
- Flexible to meet needs of service.
- Physically able to undertake the job.
- Proven coping strategies when under emotional pressure
- Full driving licence
- GCSE in English and Maths
- NVQ in Care
- Computer literacy
- St Helena Drugs Competancy Framework
- Proven written and verbal communication skills.
- Clear verbal communication skills demonstrable with a range of people.
- Ability to accurately record any information required i.e. patient records, telephone messages or information as requested by patients
- Proven awareness of the possible needs of patients, families under the care of St Helena
- Knowledge of illness as a carer and the ability to recognise when a person has physical, social, psychological or spiritual care needs.
- Demonstrated commitment and understanding to the Hospice philosophy and the work of St.Helena.
- Experience working with people and handling difficult situations.
- Experience of working in health or social care setting.
- Proven ability to work off own initiative and as part of a team.
- Flexible to meet needs of service.
- Physically able to undertake the job.
- Proven coping strategies when under emotional pressure
- Full driving licence
- GCSE in English and Maths
- NVQ in Care
- Computer literacy
- St Helena Drugs Competancy Framework
- Proven written and verbal communication skills.
- Clear verbal communication skills demonstrable with a range of people.
- Ability to accurately record any information required i.e. patient records, telephone messages or information as requested by patients
- Proven awareness of the possible needs of patients, families under the care of St Helena
- Knowledge of illness as a carer and the ability to recognise when a person has physical, social, psychological or spiritual care needs.
- Demonstrated commitment and understanding to the Hospice philosophy and the work of St.Helena.
- Experience working with people and handling difficult situations.
- Experience of working in health or social care setting.
Job summary
St Helena Hospice is seeking Health Care Assistants, to work within the Hospice IPU. The shifts are 12 hours and 23 hours per week
Main duties of the job
The key priorities of this role are:
To assist registered nurses, OT's and physioterapists in providing high standards of specialist care to patients and their relatives.
To provide physical, social, emotional and spiritual care in the patients home and the inpatient unit in agreement with the patient and family.
Identify and adapt clinical support given under the varying professions guiding principles of care and be able to switch approach as directed.
About us
St Helena Hospices core values and behaviours will be embedded in our recruitment, our training and development review and our decision making process.
Training and competencies within the specialities, as well as on-going support and professional development, will be tailored to meet your individual needs.
In return we offer;
A competitive and progressive salary.
Enhanced hourly rates for working unsocial hours
NHS Pension (for active members who wish to transfer and continue their membership)
Group Pension Plan for non NHS Pension Staff
Clinical Supervision
Employee Assistance and Wellbeing support
We cover the cost of your DBS Check and the periodic renewal
Uniform provided
Free on site parking
Subsidised dining and complimentary drinks
Details
Date posted
07 January 2026
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£24,672.78 to £26,315.85 a year Depending on experience
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
B0423-26-0000
Job locations
St. Helena Hospice
Barncroft Close
Highwoods
Colchester
CO4 9JU
Job descriptionJob description
Job responsibilities
Duties & Responsibilities:
You should be flexible and adaptable to changes in your duties depending on patient demand, staffing levels, and operational priorities. For this role a willingness to support colleagues and work collaboratively across the wider team is essential to meet the needs of the service. These duties will be carried out across both the Inpatient Unit and Community Services.
Hospice MDT
In conjunction with other members of the team, and in line with your level of competence, assist in meeting the needs of patients: hygiene, elimination, nutrition, mobilising, maintaining independence, pain.
Be able to recognise and advocate for the promotion of independence and personalised care, based on patients' life histories and expressed preferences about their own care.
Meet the therapy needs of the patient through the delivery of the therapy plan of care devised by the registered therapist.
Identify the psychosocial and spiritual needs of families and friends under his/her care and communicate to the Registered Nurse.
To implement rehabilitation programmes devised by the OT or physio and when needed, follow up interventions.
To practice daily living activities with patients on the ward under the guidance of the OT/Physio, e.g. functional transfers, personal care, or mobility.
To assess and provide basic mobility and daily living equipment aids to patients, report to the Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physio (PT) as appropriate and arrange for loan or replacement of equipment with statutory services.
To implement therapeutic interventions such as exercise, stretching, energy conservation, pacing and relaxation, reporting to OT/PT as necessary.
Perform Last Offices to deceased patients including safe custody of valuables and belongings.
Maintaining health and safety within the ward area, i.e. ensure fire exits are clear, cupboards safely stocked, and hazards removed and reported.
Check and ensure that equipment is clean and in working order ready for use
Ensure that all information recorded by the individual is in accordance with St Helena policy (i.e patient records, incident/accident reports).
Escort patients to hospital appointments, home visits or recreational trips.
Assist in checking Controlled Drugs with Registered Nurse (on completion of Drugs Competency Framework).
Ensure you follow all policies and procedures in relation to prevention and infection control
Undertake and record clinical observations reporting results to Registered Nurse
Undertake simple dressings independently, within level of competence and assist Registered Nurses with complex dressings.
Hospice in the Home MDT:
To assist/supervise family members in caring for the patient or other untrained carers in the patients home.
To involve and enable the family and friends to continue caring for the patient and support them as appropriate.
To assist the SinglePoint RNs in assessment and care of patients
To care for the person and their family holistically i.e. recognising the importance of physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of care.
To work unsupervised in the patients home.
To report back to SinglePoint any symptoms, concerns, changes or deterioration of the patients condition.
To take advice / instructions from St Helena Medical and Senior Staff on-call when necessary.
To act as a call handler when required, being the first point of contact for patients, relatives and healthcare professionals. With a calm telephone manner and excellent communication skills to obtain the relevant information. IT skills and experience will be needed to then log the call for triage.
To act as a driver for the Registered Nurse during a night shift
To communicate effectively with members of the interdisciplinary team, District Nurse, GP, Social Services etc.
To have awareness of the function and use of equipment used in the care of the palliative/end of life patient at home.
To participate in educational programmes carried out within St Helena, as both provider and recipient.
To mentor and direct new Health Care Assistants.
You will be required to work independently, including patients' homes and community environments, in line with the needs of the service. When lone working, the postholder must adhere to the organisations Lone Working Policy and follow all relevant safety protocols. A lone worker device will be provided to support personal safety, and emergency alerts.
Job responsibilities
Duties & Responsibilities:
You should be flexible and adaptable to changes in your duties depending on patient demand, staffing levels, and operational priorities. For this role a willingness to support colleagues and work collaboratively across the wider team is essential to meet the needs of the service. These duties will be carried out across both the Inpatient Unit and Community Services.
Hospice MDT
In conjunction with other members of the team, and in line with your level of competence, assist in meeting the needs of patients: hygiene, elimination, nutrition, mobilising, maintaining independence, pain.
Be able to recognise and advocate for the promotion of independence and personalised care, based on patients' life histories and expressed preferences about their own care.
Meet the therapy needs of the patient through the delivery of the therapy plan of care devised by the registered therapist.
Identify the psychosocial and spiritual needs of families and friends under his/her care and communicate to the Registered Nurse.
To implement rehabilitation programmes devised by the OT or physio and when needed, follow up interventions.
To practice daily living activities with patients on the ward under the guidance of the OT/Physio, e.g. functional transfers, personal care, or mobility.
To assess and provide basic mobility and daily living equipment aids to patients, report to the Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physio (PT) as appropriate and arrange for loan or replacement of equipment with statutory services.
To implement therapeutic interventions such as exercise, stretching, energy conservation, pacing and relaxation, reporting to OT/PT as necessary.
Perform Last Offices to deceased patients including safe custody of valuables and belongings.
Maintaining health and safety within the ward area, i.e. ensure fire exits are clear, cupboards safely stocked, and hazards removed and reported.
Check and ensure that equipment is clean and in working order ready for use
Ensure that all information recorded by the individual is in accordance with St Helena policy (i.e patient records, incident/accident reports).
Escort patients to hospital appointments, home visits or recreational trips.
Assist in checking Controlled Drugs with Registered Nurse (on completion of Drugs Competency Framework).
Ensure you follow all policies and procedures in relation to prevention and infection control
Undertake and record clinical observations reporting results to Registered Nurse
Undertake simple dressings independently, within level of competence and assist Registered Nurses with complex dressings.
Hospice in the Home MDT:
To assist/supervise family members in caring for the patient or other untrained carers in the patients home.
To involve and enable the family and friends to continue caring for the patient and support them as appropriate.
To assist the SinglePoint RNs in assessment and care of patients
To care for the person and their family holistically i.e. recognising the importance of physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of care.
To work unsupervised in the patients home.
To report back to SinglePoint any symptoms, concerns, changes or deterioration of the patients condition.
To take advice / instructions from St Helena Medical and Senior Staff on-call when necessary.
To act as a call handler when required, being the first point of contact for patients, relatives and healthcare professionals. With a calm telephone manner and excellent communication skills to obtain the relevant information. IT skills and experience will be needed to then log the call for triage.
To act as a driver for the Registered Nurse during a night shift
To communicate effectively with members of the interdisciplinary team, District Nurse, GP, Social Services etc.
To have awareness of the function and use of equipment used in the care of the palliative/end of life patient at home.
To participate in educational programmes carried out within St Helena, as both provider and recipient.
To mentor and direct new Health Care Assistants.
You will be required to work independently, including patients' homes and community environments, in line with the needs of the service. When lone working, the postholder must adhere to the organisations Lone Working Policy and follow all relevant safety protocols. A lone worker device will be provided to support personal safety, and emergency alerts.
Person SpecificationPerson Specification
Qualities
Essential
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
Communication
Essential
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
Desirable
Experience
Essential
Desirable
Qualities
Essential
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
Communication
Essential
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
Desirable
Experience
Essential
Desirable
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.
Employer details
Employer name
St Helena Hospice
Address
St. Helena Hospice
Barncroft Close
Highwoods
Colchester
CO4 9JU
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
St Helena Hospice
Address
St. Helena Hospice
Barncroft Close
Highwoods
Colchester
CO4 9JU
Employer's website
About the company
National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.
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