Job Description

The closing date is 22nd Oct 2025

Job summary

---------------


Opportunities have arisen to join our dedicated team atRydon Ward, part of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. As a Health Care Assistant, you will work within an inpatient unit supporting adults of working age who are experiencing acute mental health difficulties.


This is a role that can be emotionally challenging but also immensely rewarding, especially when patients recover and move forward in their lives. You will be part of a compassionate and professional team, contributing to patient-centred care and supporting individuals through their recovery journey.


We are looking for individuals with a positive outlook, dedication, and compassion who want to make a real difference.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

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Support qualified nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team in delivering care. Engage with patients through listening, talking, and therapeutic activities. Observe and monitor patient behaviour to ensure safety and wellbeing. Assist patients with personal care, hygiene, and dietary needs. Escort patients within and outside the unit for therapeutic purposes. Help manage challenging behaviours using de-escalation techniques. Encourage adherence to care plans, including medication compliance. Participate in ward meetings and contribute to care planning. Maintain accurate records using electronic systems (e.g., RIO). Uphold infection control and safety standards within the ward environment.
Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.

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

-------------------


As a Health Care Assistant, you will:

Recognise and respect each patient's individuality, supporting their emotional, social, and intellectual needs. Build effective relationships with patients, carers, and colleagues to facilitate open communication. Assist in the coordination and delivery of ward activities and therapeutic interventions. Support patients in group and individual activities, promoting recovery and engagement. Participate in the management of aggression and restraint procedures (following training). Carry out observations and contribute to the assessment of patients' functioning. Maintain patient dignity and privacy at all times. Be involved in the admission, transfer, and discharge processes. Adhere to Trust policies, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and infection control. Attend mandatory and role-specific training, including PMVA and First Aid. Be flexible and responsive to the therapeutic needs of the patient group.

Person specification

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Qualifications

#

Essential

Must be willing to work towards NVQ level 3 in direct care or Certificate in Care if not already held.



#

Desirable

Training and experience e.g. Lifting, first aid, food handling, care work. Related healthcare interests or education

Experience

#

Desirable

Experience of working with people e.g. in a caring situation, dealing with the general public Previous experience of working in mental health services. Ability to transfer own life experience into helping relationship

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner. Problem solving skills Good observation skills

#

Desirable

Basic understanding of Recovery Model, issues of dignity and privacy Basic understanding of risk

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.

For help with your application, contact:

Jez Eagle


jez.eagle@somersetft.nhs.uk


01823368203

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 3

Salary

24937.00 to 26598.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-Time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-3034

Job locations

Rydon Ward

Cheddon Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA2 7AZ