Job Summary
An opportunity has arisen for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our friendly, caring team at the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport District General Hospital.
We are looking for caring and committed individuals who would like to develop their knowledge and skills within this challenging and rewarding environment. The ability to deal supportively with people of all ages and backgrounds, along with their families, in a period of unprecedented change is essential.
Communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-professional team are critical to the success of the role.
Previous experience of working within an acute hospital setting would be desirable but not essential as training will be provided. You should have completed NVQ Level 2 in Healthcare / Care Certificate or equivalent or be undertaking the course with completion expected within 6 months of taking up post.
Previous applicants need to apply.
Main Duties of the job
There is currently a 12hour rotational shift pattern with the opportunity for shorter shifts to ensure availability of staff throughout the 24hour period. Staff are expected to be flexible as internal rotation between day and night duty is in operation and weekend working is to be expected.
The Health Care Assistant role at the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre is a key part of the multi-professional team & vital in supporting the rehabilitation process for patients with spinal cord injury.
The role involves providing direct care on a daily basis to ensure patients are able to achieve their goals for personal hygiene, eating & drinking, skin care & mobilising in a wheelchair.
The Centre comprises of 43 Inpatient beds, including up to 9 Acute & Respiratory Care beds. In addition we have developed an Outreach Service that currently offers 8 beds in a community setting.
We provide acute care and rehabilitation services for individuals who have experienced a spinal cord lesion due to trauma or other mechanism.
There is an extensive rehabilitation service provided by a comprehensive Multi-Professional team with dedicated rehabilitation & therapy facilities within the department, including a fully equipped Gym, Hydrotherapy pool, Gait Orthosis equipment and Occupational Therapy assessment / treatment area.
Job Responsibilities
* Bed bathing / showering patients.
* Assisting with elimination needs including transfer to & from shower chairs.
* Assisting patients to dress & undress.
* Frequent manual handling procedures such as repositioning in bed, hoisting from bed to chair & back, use of slide boards to transfer from bed to chair & back.
* Assisting with meal provision & nutritional / hydration needs.
* Reporting any changes to the Registered Nurse & ensuring appropriate documentation is completed in a timely manner i.e. repositioning schedules, food charts, intentional rounding charts.
Person Specification
* Qualifications (Essential)
o Willingness to undertake NVQ level 2 or equivalent
o Basic Literacy and Numeracy skills
* Qualifications (Desirable)
o NVQ level 2 in Healthcare
o Care Certificate
* Knowledge & Experience (Essential)
o Knowledge of personal care
o Experience of working in a team
* Knowledge & Experience (Desirable)
o Previous experience in a care assistant role
* Physical Effort (Essential)
o Frequent periods of physical effort e.g turning, moving, using aids, assisting in personal care
o Occasional requirement for concentration, with few competing demands for attention.
* Skills & Abilities (Essential)
o Ability to communicate both verbal & written
o Good interpersonal skills
o Able to work within a team
o Flexible in working hours
o Able to accept direction and guidance
o Aware of own limitations
o Able to prioritise own workload and manage time effectively
o Flexible, adaptable and responsive to change
o Reliable and professional
o Ability to cope in stressful and challenging situations
o Inclusive and non-judgmental
o Punctual, motivated and committed
o Effective role model demonstrating Trust values
o Basic IT skills
* Working Conditions (Essential)
o Frequent exposure to unpleasant conditions, bodily fluids, smells, vomit, emptying catheter bags
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.
Employer Details
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
SDGH
Town Lane
Southport
PR8 6PN
https://www.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/
Job Details
Pay Scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 2
Salary: £24,465 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 409-7096034-B
Job location: SDGH, Town Lane, Southport, PR8 6PN
Posting: 24 November 2025
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