Job Description

We are looking for enthusiastic, hardworking and compassionate Senior Healthcare Assistants to join our Inpatient Services at Highbury hospital based in Nottingham We have individual specialised wards which provide care for patients over 65 years. Our dementia wards provide assessment and treatment for people of any age who have a dementia diagnosis, the mental health ward provides care for those over 65 with a mental health illness to enable a successful recovery back to the community or supported living environment. At present we have opportunities to work in either of these specialised areas.



The post requires you to have good communication skills and the ability to work within a clinical team under the guidance of registered nursing colleagues. This post also requires you to be able to actively lead and engage Band 2 HCAs and nursing students, promoting an excellent standard of care. You will be able to deliver compassionate, holistic care and be able to positively engage with patients and their carers.



As a Senior Healthcare Assistant you will proactively support, guide and advise junior staff, ensuring that direct clinical practice remains at a high standard at all times. You will complete a clinical scope of practice which will enable you to carry out routine physical health monitoring of patients, with an opportunity for you to develop skills in blood taking and ECG monitoring. If you are positive thinking, hardworking, a team player and could contribute to providing high quality patient care and treatment to individuals in crisis then we want to hear from you!



We are looking for a caring individual who can demonstrate initiative, can be resilient in sometimes challenging situations, and have excellent communication skills. You must be over 18.



Whilst previous experience with older adults is advantageous, we are also interested in hearing from exceptional individuals who can demonstrate equivalent skills and experience relatable to care and have a keen interest to work clinically caring for older people.



#TeamNottsHC comprises over 11,000 dedicated colleagues who #MakeADifference every day. We deliver intellectual disability, mental health, community health, forensic, and offender healthcare services across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire. Our care is provided from over 200 sites, spanning community locations, acute settings, and secure environments, including prisons.



We are one of the largest mental health and community Trusts in the East Midlands and one of Nottinghamshire's biggest employers. We also host national and regional services, such as the National High Secure Deaf Service and the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health.



We offer a variety of employee-led staff networks, including Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) groups, the Green Champions network, the Freedom to Speak Up network, the Health and Wellbeing Champions network, and the Menopause Champions network. These networks play a vital role in supporting our diverse workforce and promoting a culture of inclusivity.

The main duties/responsibilities of the role are:

Assisting with ADLs, addressing physical and mental health care needs of patients

Undertake, record and report clinical observations as directed

Assess and support in the management of risk

Assist in treatment/activities which may involve accompanying and escorting patients to activities/appointments

Maintain accurate and timely records both written and computerised

Support junior staff providing monthly supervision sessions

Engage in link roles and projects

Ensuring IPC guidance is adhered to and managing the ward environment



A full range of job roles and responsibilities are included in the job description.



We offer a comprehensive induction programme and opportunities for continued personal and professional development through ongoing training, education, supervision and appraisals. We will support you in your career as a Health Care Assistant and beyond. Our Healthcare Assistants have the exciting opportunity to apply to join the Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA) programme, a two-year course, resulting in Nursing Associate registration and making you eligible to train as a Registered Nurse via a shortened Nursing degree or Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA). The TNA course acts as a stepping stone to becoming a Nurse, and we are proud to offer this opportunity to our Healthcare Assistants.



You will have access to internal and external training and quality improvement opportunities not to mention a whole range of benefits including:



Annual leave of 27 days plus bank holidays (this will increase up to 33 days depending on NHS Service)

Generous NHS pension scheme

Enhanced maternity and sick pay

Comprehensive induction and training

Commitment to career development

Wide range of training and development opportunities

Working in a supportive environment

Promotion of health work/life balance

Salary sacrifice schemes e.g., public transport loans, cycle to work scheme

Staff discount schemes e.g., discounted leisure centre membership

Free on-site parking (dependent on site)

An extensive health and wellbeing package including Occupational Health, Physiotherapy and Staff Counselling Services

Retail discounts

Regular support and clinical supervision including CPD opportunities

What our patients say about our Healthcare Assistants:

There is a therapeutic atmosphere on the ward in every way, Meals are of high quality and to me "it was home from home".



There is a "strong team" feeling amongst staff and all are friendly and caring. Examples of excellent practice- nurses, HCA are always free for 1-1. (Kingsley Ward)



The Healthcare Assistants helped me so much. They explained things well and helped with my care plan. The Healthcare Assistants made me feel better. (IRC Morton Hall - Primary Care)



All the nurses and [healthcare] assistants are so caring. (Forest Ward, Lings Bar Hospital)



If you want to be the Health Care Assistant that makes a difference, then we look forward to receiving your application.



Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is 26.40 (standard) or 54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.



You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of 16 per year applies.



Please note that this post does not meet the pay level required for a Skilled worker visa. Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience would normally be placed at the bottom of the band in line with Agenda for Change. This salary is below the minimum salary required for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. In these circumstances the Trust would not, therefore, be able to sponsor for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa