Job Description

We are looking to appoint health care support assistants who are enthusiastic, motivated with a passion for caring to join our dedicated Team on Same Day Emergency Care. We are optimistically looking for current Band 3 healthcare assistant applicants, but will consider Band 2 applicants who might wish to upskill into Band 3.
The unit is a provider of Same Day Emergency Care who see patients requiring urgent care that can be seen, assessed, diagnosed and potentially treated in the same day by Medics.
As a health care Assistant you will work as part of a large multidisciplinary team and will play a key role in delivering the fundamentals of care for patients under the supervision of a nurse, whilst supporting patients to achieve the shared goals. Individuals should be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills who are willing to learn and take on new challenges as the service develops.
Main duties of the job
Experience of working in a care setting would be advantageous but all necessary skills training, professional updates and mandatory training as appropriate to the post will be provided.Full details of duties can be found in the job description.There will be an expectation of a flexible approach to shifts patterns with a commitment to participate in the on call service after appropriate training.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.
Details
Date posted
19 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,937 to 26,598 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time
Reference number
184-OL-OR-3668
Job locations
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
SDEC healthcare assistants are expected to perform some additional clinical skills such as performing ECGs, venepuncture (blood sampling), cannulation (getting IV access) and other specialist equipment such as bladder scanning and point-of-care testing. Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
SDEC healthcare assistants are expected to perform some additional clinical skills such as performing ECGs, venepuncture (blood sampling), cannulation (getting IV access) and other specialist equipment such as bladder scanning and point-of-care testing.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Evidence of a secondary education. (A-Levels or Level 3 Equivalent)

Desirable

• Care Certificate (Skills for Care)
• In-house training may be offered to be undertaken within an agreed timescale.
• Vocational Level 2 Healthcare qualification or be prepared to undertake within an agreed timescale.
• Cannulation and Venepuncture qualifications (by an NHS Trust provider)

Experience
Essential

• Previous experience in a healthcare environment.
• Basic keyboard skills and a basic understanding of how to access emails and use digital systems effectively.

Additional Criteria
Essential

• Work well in a busy environment.
• Be adaptable/flexible.
• Good time-keeping.
• Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients.
• Flexible approach to work pattern.
• Demonstrate respect for confidentiality at all times.
• Proven experience of successfully working in a team environment.
• Show initiative but also be able to follow instruction as required.

Desirable

• Work well in a busy environment.
• Be adaptable/flexible.
• Good time-keeping.
• Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients.
• Flexible approach to work pattern.
• Demonstrate respect for confidentiality at all times.
• Proven experience of successfully working in a team environment.
• Show initiative but also be able to follow instruction as required.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Evidence of a secondary education. (A-Levels or Level 3 Equivalent)

Desirable

• Care Certificate (Skills for Care)
• In-house training may be offered to be undertaken within an agreed timescale.
• Vocational Level 2 Healthcare qualification or be prepared to undertake within an agreed timescale.
• Cannulation and Venepuncture qualifications (by an NHS Trust provider)

Experience
Essential

• Previous experience in a healthcare environment.
• Basic keyboard skills and a basic understanding of how to access emails and use digital systems effectively.

Additional Criteria
Essential

• Work well in a busy environment.
• Be adaptable/flexible.
• Good time-keeping.
• Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients.
• Flexible approach to work pattern.
• Demonstrate respect for confidentiality at all times.
• Proven experience of successfully working in a team environment.
• Show initiative but also be able to follow instruction as required.

Desirable

• Work well in a busy environment.
• Be adaptable/flexible.
• Good time-keeping.
• Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients.
• Flexible approach to work pattern.
• Demonstrate respect for confidentiality at all times.
• Proven experience of successfully working in a team environment.
• Show initiative but also be able to follow instruction as required.

Skills Required