Job Description

The closing date is 28th Dec 2025

Job summary

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


We are looking to appoint a Health Care Assistant who is enthusiastic, motivated with a passion for caring to join our dedicated Team in The Somerset Lung Centre, Respiratory Outpatients.



The unit is a fast paced outpatient setting. The department hosts multiple outpatient clinics daily, which are carried out by Specialist clinicians as well as hosting Respiratory diagnostic tests led by the Physiologists.



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. This will involve carrying out initial vital tests for patients such as height, weight, BMI and blood pressure You will assist in clinics when required, support with the physiology team and play an important role in the running of the outpatient clinic. 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, tasks & skills required

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


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. The setting is outpatients, so the work will be between the hours of 08:00 and 18:00. There is no on call work with this job.



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

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


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.

Person specification

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Qualifications

#

Essential

GCSE English, Maths and Science (or equivalent)

Basic keyboard skills

NVQ2 in Healthcare or equivalent




#

Desirable

Basic Life Support

Experience

#

Essential

Be able to work unsupervised

Risk assessment

Work and plan outpatient clinic arrangements


#

Desirable

Work within the NHS

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Evidence of a good standard of literacy/English language skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Able to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and patients.

Effective negotiation skills

Able to work in a team

Able to independently liaise with medical and non-medical staff regarding patient test results

Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of others

ANALYTICAL & JUDGEMENT SKILLS

Able to present data and information in a concise format

Able to prepare reports clinical colleagues

knowledge of Microsoft Office software

Highly organised with logical approach to problem solving

Basic computer/keyboard skills

Understands limitations of the role and need to refer to others

PLANNING & ORGANISING SKILLS

Excellent time management skills

Ability to prioritise & organise own time and support other staff

Accurate and timely presentation of information

Able to work under instruction and under own initiative within the boundaries of the role and as part of a team

Able to work with conflicting demands

PHYSICAL SKILLS

Able to work under pressure and with conflicting demands on time

Flexible in approach to work

Physically able to carry out duties of the post

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:

Naomi Shepherd


naomi.shepherd@somersetft.nhs.uk


01823342353

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 3

Salary

24937.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-Time

Reference number

184-OL-OR-3627

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA