Job Summary
We are looking for either experienced or aspiring Healthcare Assistants who would like to start a rewarding career within our Mental Health, Learning Disability & Neurodiversity Services. We value our trust values and the ability to work as part of a proactive Multi-Disciplinary team to improve people’s lives every day. We offer entry into our apprenticeship programme, which could lead to a recognised nursing qualification in the future. Our inpatient services operate on a 24/7 shift basis with unsocial enhancements in addition to basic pay for unsocial shifts. The role requires a Care Certificate; if not already held, we can support you to achieve this while learning in the role. Our Secure Services focus on supporting people who have experience with the legal system, providing a safe and secure environment with access to treatments, therapies and care options to support recovery. Due to the nature of the role, all staff are required to attend and pass a physical restraint assessment as you may be involved in restraint incidents.
Main duties of the job
Successful applicants will assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using our services. The care provided will address social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs. You will undertake practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff. Previous care experience is desirable but not essential; the Trust values diverse backgrounds and will teach required skills if you share our values and are ready to learn. You will work shifts as follows: 07.30–15.30, 12.30–20.30 or 20.00–08.00 (night shift).
Responsibilities and duties
* Communication and working relationships: communicate effectively with people using services, form and maintain therapeutic relationships with individuals and other professionals, maintain accurate records, communicate professionally, take and relay messages, provide and receive routine information, and participate in ward/team meetings.
* Planning and organisation: participate in assessment and implementation of recovery care plans under supervision, prioritise tasks, manage shift workload, and be flexible to work across days, evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays as needed.
* Judgement and analysis: work within limits and competencies, participate in risk assessment and management, observe health and safety, and maintain punctuality and professionalism.
* Patient care, treatment and therapy: support individuals’ recovery care plans, participate in the allocated/associate nurse role, assist in running group and 1-1 activities, support individuals with daily living skills, assist with physical nursing care under supervision, recognise signs of abuse and escalate concerns, support carers, maintain dignity and wellbeing, monitor nutritional needs, escort individuals, help access resources including benefits, participate in MDT meetings, keep accurate records in the electronic system, and report progress or difficulties to the Nurse-in-Charge.
* Policy, service, research, innovation and improvement: complete core training, comply with Trust policies, report incidents or equipment faults, participate in service development and audits, and comply with infection control practices.
* Finance, equipment and resources: assist in maintaining safety and cleanliness, follow policy on patient property and monies, document accurately, and participate in stock management.
* Supervision, leadership and management: participate in supervision and annual appraisal, support student learning, and contribute to a learning-focused environment.
* Information resources and administrative duties: use IT systems (RiO), e-roster, e-learning and other systems, maintain confidentiality and stay updated with policies.
* Freedom to act: work within standard procedures and use own initiative while receiving supervision.
* Other tasks: contribute to a safe therapeutic environment, undertake duties as assigned by the Line Manager, maintain fitness to undertake role and appropriate training, and declare fitness to undertake physical intervention techniques if required.
Qualifications and experience
* Essential: basic education; complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or there is a signed-off equivalent. If not, this will be a trainee position until completion.
* Desirable: NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent; other relevant mental health training.
* Essential knowledge and skills: safeguarding awareness, IT skills, ability to establish professional therapeutic relationships, good communication and listening skills, ability to work in groups and individually, maintain personal boundaries, problem solving, planning and time management, ability to follow leadership, participate in unsupervised tasks, provide practical support with daily living activities and nursing duties, respond promptly to emergencies, and maintain patience in challenging situations.
* Desirable knowledge: understanding of mental health and basic physical health presentations.
* Experience: Essential – previous care experience in a caring setting or within mental health services; Desirable – prior care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.
Additional details
* Employer: Devon Partnership NHS Trust
* Location: Langdon Hospital, Exeter Road, Dawlish, Devon, EX7 0NR
* Job type: Permanent, Full-time
* Band: 3; Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 per year plus unsocial hours enhancements
Dates: 12 September 2025
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