Allocate on Arrival Health Care Assistant
Job Summary:
We are looking for Healthcare Assistants to join our new Allocate on Arrival team within the Adult Mental Health Services at Langdon Hospital. These roles are not based on a single ward; instead you will join a flexible staffing team and be allocated to the area where support is most needed each shift. This provides variety, experience across different clinical environments, and opportunities to develop a broad skill set while supporting safe, high‑quality care.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Experience is not essential if you bring compassion, and our Trust values. A Care Certificate is desirable but not essential, and we can support you to complete this. Apprenticeship opportunities are also available for development and progression. We involve patients, families and carers in shaping services and expect all staff to embrace co‑production and value lived experience. Our services operate 24/7, so you will work a range of shifts. Due to the nature of the role, you must attend and pass a physical restraint assessment.
If you need sponsorship, please check the requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) on the gov.uk website before applying.
Key Duties
* Report to the Nurse-in-Charge at the start of each shift and be allocated to a ward based on service need.
* Support the delivery of high-quality care to individuals across secure inpatient services.
* Work alongside the multidisciplinary team to meet the social, physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of people using our services.
* Undertake practical procedures under the supervision of registered nursing staff.
* Assist with daily living skills and participate in therapeutic activities, group work and 1:1 sessions depending on ward allocation.
* Observe, record and report changes in mental or physical state, contributing to recovery-focused care plans.
* Use de‑escalation skills and, when required, participate in physical interventions in line with training.
* Prioritise tasks and manage your workload throughout the shift in discussion with the Nurse-in-Charge.
* Maintain accurate, timely and professional records in line with Trust policy.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* Basic Education.
* To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent presented and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion.
Desirable
* 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.
* Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.
Essential Skills
* 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 on an 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.
* Take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
* Participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties.
* Provide practical support with daily living activities, and physically perform nursing duties.
* Respond promptly to physical and mental health emergencies, thinking quickly and dealing with situations calmly.
* Remain patient and tolerant in challenging situations.
Desired Experience
* Previous care experience with people who have mental health difficulties.
* Previous employment and experience of working with people in a caring situation or in a different mental health role.
* Awareness of safeguarding principles.
Other Information
* Location: Langdon Hospital, Exeter Road, Dawlish, Devon, EX1 1QA
* Reference number: C9369-25-0972
* Band: Band 3
* Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post requires a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service as part of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Employer details: Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Langdon Hospital, Exeter Road, Dawlish, Devon, EX1 1QA. Website:
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