Job Description

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest integrated care providers in England, serving a population of around 600,000 people. We are a high performing organisation with a track record of success.
We are seeking to appoint Health Care Assistants to join our team on this busy Acute Medical Unit.
You will be required to assist qualified nursing staff in providing direct patient care. You must be able to work effectively as part of a team as well as being able to use your own initiative when required.
As you will be expected to deal with staff, patients and relatives on a daily basis as well as recording routine clinical observations, the successful applicant will be able to demonstrate excellent communication skill both written and verbal. You will possess good organisational skills and be able to contribute to the development of flexible working arrangements within the team.
You will have the opportunity to work additional hours at times of service need.
Main duties of the job
To provide care to patients following instructions in the care plan, programme or pathway.
To demonstrate competence in the accurate recording of routine clinical observations.
To recognise abnormal recordings or signs of change in a patients condition and report changes to a registered nurse.
To assess patients level of dependence in meeting personal care needs and give appropriate assistance (includes hygiene, mobility, nutrition, elimination and comfort).
To assist patients to eat and drink in a sensitive and supportive manner.
To accurately record information on patient food charts and fluid balance charts, reporting concerns to a registered nurse.
To carry out clinical skills relevant to the ward/department and patient group (eg phlebotomy, ECG recording, simple dressings).
To assist clinical team with data entry, filing and maintaining accurate documentation of care.
To assist in escorting, transferring and discharging patients, ensuring all property is packed and the bed area is prepared for the next patient.
To ensure treatment rooms and ward areas are adequately stocked and tidy.
To participate in clinical supervision.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented
Full s can be found in the adverts supporting documents
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months)
Details
Date posted
04 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,465 to 26,598 a year pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time
Reference number
C9439-2425-1340
Job locations
University Hospital Of North Durham
North Road
Durham
DH1 5TW
Job description
Job responsibilities
We are seeking to appoint Health Care Assistants to join our team on this busy Acute Medical Unit.
You will be required to assist qualified nursing staff in providing direct patient care. You must be able to work effectively as part of a team as well as being able to use your own initiative when required.
As you will be expected to deal with staff, patients and relatives on a daily basis as well as recording routine clinical observations, the successful applicant will be able to demonstrate excellent communication skill both written and verbal. You will possess good organisational skills and be able to contribute to the development of flexible working arrangements within the team.
You will have the opportunity to work additional hours at times of service need. Job description
Job responsibilities
We are seeking to appoint Health Care Assistants to join our team on this busy Acute Medical Unit.
You will be required to assist qualified nursing staff in providing direct patient care. You must be able to work effectively as part of a team as well as being able to use your own initiative when required.
As you will be expected to deal with staff, patients and relatives on a daily basis as well as recording routine clinical observations, the successful applicant will be able to demonstrate excellent communication skill both written and verbal. You will possess good organisational skills and be able to contribute to the development of flexible working arrangements within the team.
You will have the opportunity to work additional hours at times of service need.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Relevant NVQ level 3 or equivalent experience
• Care Certificate or willingness to complete within the first 6 months of commencement in post
• GCSE equivalent in English and mathematics

Desirable

• Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties

Experience
Essential

• Computer skills
• Ability to learn new skills

Desirable

• Previous experience in caring for others

Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential

• Good verbal and written command of English
• Ability to act upon own initiative
• Good communicatio skills
• Able to work under some pressure
• Ability to show leadership
• Ability to plan own work
• Ability to work calmly under pressure
• Willing to take and record patient observations

Desirable

• Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation

Special Requirements
Essential

• Self motovated and able to motivate others
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
• Reflective practitioner
• Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Relevant NVQ level 3 or equivalent experience
• Care Certificate or willingness to complete within the first 6 months of commencement in post
• GCSE equivalent in English and mathematics

Desirable

• Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties

Experience
Essential

• Computer skills
• Ability to learn new skills

Desirable

• Previous experience in caring for others

Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential

• Good verbal and written command of English
• Ability to act upon own initiative
• Good communicatio skills
• Able to work under some pressure
• Ability to show leadership
• Ability to plan own work
• Ability to work calmly under pressure
• Willing to take and record patient observations

Desirable

• Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation

Special Requirements
Essential

• Self motovated and able to motivate others
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
• Reflective practitioner
• Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change

Skills Required