Healthcare Assistant

Devon Partnership Nhs Trust

Healthcare Assistant

£24336

Devon Partnership Nhs Trust, Ide, Devon

  • Part time
  • Permanent
  • Onsite working

Posted 1 week ago, 16 Apr | Get your application in now before you miss out!

Closing date: Closing date not specified

job Ref: 56b4286870574d329ba174deaf8f3c72

Full Job Description

The post holder will be required to assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using our services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals.

You will also be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.

We know at Devon Partnership NHS Trust that Health Care Assistants from different employment backgrounds can bring a range of knowledge and new ideas - previous care experience is desirable but NOT essential.,

  • To assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals.

  • Be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff., Communication & Working Relationships

  • To communicate effectively with people using services taking into account any communication difficulties they may have and responding appropriately.

  • To form and maintain therapeutic relationships with individuals and other professionals and agencies.

  • To maintain accurate and complete records consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.

  • To communicate in a professional manner that is consistent with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.

  • Taking, recording and reporting telephone messages.

  • Providing and receiving routine information to assist in undertaking the role.

  • Participate in ward / team meetings and discussions.


  • Planning & Organisation
  • To be involved in the assessment and implementation of individual treatment programmes and the persons recovery care plan under the supervision of qualified staff.

  • To prioritise tasks and manage the shift workload in discussion with the Nurse-in-Charge.

  • Participate in flexible shift system, which requires you to work days, evening, nights, weekends and public holiday's dependant on the needs of the ward.

  • In order to provide comprehensive and quality services to individuals, the post holder will if necessary be required to work in other areas of the service as directed by the Line Manager / Nurse-in-Charge.


  • Responsibility for Judgement & Analysis
  • The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies.

  • Take part in the constant assessment of risk and management of risk in conjunction with the qualified staff.

  • Take part and be aware of Health and Safety matters as appropriate.

  • Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Trust Policies.


  • Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy
  • To be fully aware of each individuals recovery care plan and be involved in clinical formulation and delivery of allocated individuals recovery care plans.

  • To participate fully in the allocated /associate nurse role.

  • Participation in the delivery of therapeutic interventions, - assisting / facilitating in the running of group and individual 1-1 activities, offering time in positive activity and engagement.

  • Participate in procedures involving intensive engagement and care of individuals who are distressed and / or verbally or physically aggressive.

  • To provide support with daily living skills.

  • Assist in all aspects of physical nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse.

  • Be able to recognise signs of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns.

  • Provide regular and practical support to individuals and their carers.

  • To maintain the dignity and well being of individuals and their carers at all times.

  • Assisting in the monitoring of patient nutritional needs.

  • Escorting individuals under direction of Nurse-in-Charge.

  • To assist individuals gain access to resources including benefits and welfare rights.

  • Participating in ward / team Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings and discussions.

  • Keep accurate records of interventions and care provided as identified in patient care plans as directed by the Nurse-in-Charge and ensure all entries are validated on the electronic records system.

  • Promptly report any difficulties encountered whilst implementing agreed care plans to the Nurse-in-Charge, and be able to report both verbally and in written form against progress of care plans.


  • Policy, Service, Research, Innovation & Improvement
  • To complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training courses, to maintain individual professional development.

  • To comply with all DPT policies, protocols, procedures relevant to the role.

  • Report any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences or faulty equipment to the Nurse-in-charge or Line Manager.

  • To participate professionally in service development and proposed service changes.

  • To take part in any audit processes as required.

  • Comply with universal Infection Control precautions and procedures.


  • Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources
  • Assist in maintaining safety and security of the environment.

  • Helping to maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the environment (including equipment).

  • To have knowledge and understanding of counter fraud.

  • To ensure Trust policies and legislation are followed regarding patient's property and monies.

  • To ensure accurate documentation and record keeping.

  • To participate in the monitoring, ordering and receipts of stock and non-stock supplies of the ward.


  • Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management
  • To actively participate in regular supervision and an annual staff appraisal which includes service objectives and individual learning and development needs in accordance with Trust policy.

  • To participate in and support students learning along with other members of the team.


  • Information Resources & Administrative Duties
  • To effectively use the Trust's IT systems

  • Maintaining confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.


  • Freedom to Act
  • Works within the standard operational procedures of the team. Uses own initiative in delivering patient care whilst receiving supervision from the team.


  • Any Other Specific Tasks Required

  • To contribute to the provision of a safe therapeutic environment for individuals, staff and visitors to the ward.

  • To take on responsibility for duties assigned by Line Manager.

  • The post holder should ensure their fitness to undertake the post they should be able to demonstrate they are able to undertake the level of general training and personal safety training appropriate to their role and work area, and keep this training up-to-date.

  • If the ability to perform Physical Intervention Techniques or Prevention of Violence, Management is a requirement of the role, the post holder must declare physical fitness to undertake such a role.

  • The post holder should act quickly to protect the safety of individuals if they have reason to believe that they or a colleague may not be fit to undertake the duties within their job role

    Our fantastic colleagues can teach you the required skills if you share our Trust values, are ready to learn and you can demonstrate that you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, If you do not hold a QCF/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, an equivalent qualification, or the Care Certificate you will need to complete the Care Certificate within 3 months of commencement of the Band 3 post.


  • If you have a minimum of 6 months experience in the last 2 years working in a care role, but do not hold the Care Certificate you can complete the form Care Certificate Evidence Document from the additional documentation list to evidence that this experience is equivalent to the 15 standards as set out within the Care Certificate. You will need to take this completed form to interview where it will be reviewed by the appointing manager and if you meet the criteria, the manager can approve this in place of completing the Care Certificate.

    We will also offer entry onto our Apprenticeship programme to initially undertake the Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship if your role is appropriate. This allows entry onto our career progression pathway to enable you to undertake further training to degree level clinical posts.,
  • Knowledge and skills

  • Essential

  • Awareness of safeguarding principles

  • IT skills

  • Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships

  • Good communication and listening skills

  • Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis

  • Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries

  • Problem solving skills

  • Able to plan work, time management, completing records and recording observations etc.

  • To take leadership and direction from qualified staff.

  • To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties

  • To demonstrate an ability to provide practical support with daily living activities, and physically perform nursing duties.

  • To be able to respond promptly to physical and mental health emergencies, be able to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner.

  • To be patient and tolerant in challenging situations., Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations., To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed, and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion, NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.

  • Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

    Our professional responsibility is to reduce the risk of infection to others as far as possible. Getting vaccinated against diseases that can be passed person-to-person in healthcare settings is part of this responsibility. The Trust will provide advice, guidance and support on vaccinations and access to vaccinations where requested., An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic individual to join our inpatient specialist dementia ward based in Exeter. We are looking to appoint people who are passionate about caring for people with dementia. The job offers a challenging yet rewarding environment with opportunities to consistently learn and develop.


  • Belvedere Ward provides high quality of care and treatment for people who have complex health needs and a cognitive impairment. We provide a multi disciplinary assessment of patient need to inform their current needs and future care needs.

    We are looking for people who share our trust values in delivering high quality care and treatment, who enjoy working as part of a proactive Multi-Disciplinary team and want to make a difference in improving peoples lives every day.

    We can offer entry into our apprenticeship programme which offers you the chance to build a career in one of the UKs most progressive trusts, and could even lead to helping you gain a recognised nursing qualification in the future.

    Our inpatient services operates on a 24/7 shift basis. Please apply if you are looking for Full or Part time Hours. You will qualify for unsocial enhancements in addition to basic pay (even whilst completing the training programme).

    The role will require you to hold a Care Certificate but it's not essential that you already hold this, as we can support you to achieve this whilst learning in the role., About Devon Partnership Trust

    We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.