Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and dedicated team player to join our Howard Ward Team. We have a full time opportunity available, but would consider part-time for the right candidate.
This post offers an excellent learning opportunity for an experienced Health Care Assistant wishing to work in St Richard's Hospital. We are looking for a committed, adaptable, and hardworking HCA with good interpersonal and communication skills who has ideally had experience with children.
The role will involve some patient care as well as duties involving stocking equipment and assisting the nursing staff.
We will offer you an orientation programme in a great working atmosphere with a friendly team, and we have links with the University of Brighton and Sussex should you wish to continue your professional education.
Main duties of the job
1. Assists nursing staff with the individual care needs of children within the clinical area. Assists other nursing staff with the implementation and evaluation of planned care.
2. After appropriate training and assessment undertakes a range of basic observations
3. Articulates concerns about the welfare/well-being of any child to a registered nurse immediately.
4. Awareness of emergency procedures and how to activate them when needed.
5. Maintains the privacy and dignity of children and carers.
For further information, please see the Job Description and Person Specification.
Working for our organisation
Join us at UHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better never stops
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Improving lives: We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put our Patient First. Our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
6. To take personal responsibility for identifying own training needs for mandatory and statutory training, to discuss these with line manager ensuring that appropriate dates are attended.
7. To actively contribute to the implementation of the infection control policy, which will involve scrupulous personal hand washing and teaching others to do the same. Strict adherence to universal precautions, and teaching other staff and the public to do the same. Strict following of screening isolation and decontamination regimes and ensuring that others do the same.
8. To actively support the documentation initiatives within the Trust, taking personal responsibility to document assessments and care given in line with Nurse Midwifery Council Standards.
9. To act as an ambassador for the organisation and nursing profession.
10. Contributes to maintaining an environment suitable to the needs of children and families in accordance with Health and Safety and Infection Control.
11. Participates in maintaining a tidy, well-stocked and safe clinical environment.
12. Participation in the correct disposal of clinical/non-clinical waste in accordance with Trust policy.
13. Duty of personal care in relation to equipment, patient valuables and stock control.
14. Inputs data using computerised record system as directed by supervising nurse.
15. Adheres to policies, guidelines and protocols.
16. Assists medical staff with procedures.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Inclusion and respect are core values at UHSussex, and we are committed to diversity and equality. This means treating colleagues and patients with professionalism, ensuring everyone feels welcome and included, valuing different backgrounds and experiences, and challenging inequalities.
Having all our staff feel safe, supported, included and valued will lead to better care and outcomes for our patients – our True North Objective."
All staff have a duty to report any behaviours which contravene this to their line manager.
For further information, please see the Job Description and Person Specification.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
17. Experience working with children
Desirable criteria
18. Evidence of working in a Health Care setting
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
19. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
20. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Qualifications
Essential criteria
21. Care certificate
22. Evidence of working within a health and social care setting
23. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills acquisition, working at a higher-level standard of care delivery, equivalent to vocational qualification level 3. This is evidenced via a portfolio of practice and/or a professional discussion
Desirable criteria
24. Level 2 apprenticeship standard in Clinical Healthcare Support, Health & Social Care or relevant equivalent qualification
25. Level 3 apprenticeship standard in Clinical Healthcare Support or relevant equivalent qualification Maths GCSE ( grade C or above or grade 4 to 9) or Maths Level 2 functional skills
26. English GCSE (grade C or above or grade 4 to 9) or English Level 2 Functional skills
27. Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support or Health and Social Care or relevant equivalent
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
28. Good written and spoken English – able to communicate clearly and succinctly to patients and colleagues Legible handwriting and able to maintain accurate documentation
29. Able to work effectively as part of a team
30. Able to empathise and communicate with sensitivity
31. Able to make basic judgements, assessments and evaluations involving a range of facts or situations, some requiring analysis; resolving day-to-day issues
32. Computer / keyboard skills, sufficient to send/receive emails, document activities electronically, eg. in Electronic Patient Record
Freedom to Act
Essential criteria
33. Able to make basic judgements, assessments and evaluations involving patient care, some requiring analysis; resolving day-to-day issues and escalating to senior colleagues if required
34. Ability to plan and organise their own work activities
35. Acts on own initiative when delivering patient care, with accessible support and supervision
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications