Job Summary
We are seeking to employ several motivated individuals to the role of Healthcare Assistants at Band 3 level for our Forensic Inpatient Directorate (Bracton Centre and Memorial Hospital). Previous experience in healthcare is not necessary as full training will be provided, but applicants must possess a positive attitude to mental health, recovery, and social inclusion.
We are a Trauma Informed Service, looking for dynamic and compassionate individuals. We are seeking to recruit people who are curious about the ways that adversity and traumas impact our patients' behaviours, functioning, clinical presentations and engagement. You will be supported to deliver high quality care to patients, in which your relational skills will help our patients to feel safe, listened to, valued, engaged and empowered.
You will be supported to be trauma responsive, developing practices that avoid causing further harm, promote engagement and create a safe context for healing and recovery.
You will have access to multiple sources of support, including supervision, training, staff support sessions and working alongside colleagues from multiple professional disciplines (e.g., psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, medics and administrators).
Important Sponsorship Information for this post: We are currently unable to offer a certificate of sponsorship for this post.
Main Duties
* Working under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse/Senior Health Care Support Worker/Assistant Practitioner/Nurse Associate to support the delivery of quality nursing care, contributing to the physical, psychological, social, recreational, and spiritual care in a recovery focused and trauma-informed way, through therapeutic engagement and activities, and taking steps to address any issues that arise.
* Undertaking activities to ensure that the fundamentals of care are met – such as physical and psychological safety, emotional and social support, nutrition, hydration, hygiene and comfort.
* Offering patient-centred care, offering choices and opportunities to empower patients whenever possible.
* Providing hands‑on care to service users including undertaking 1‑1 engagement with service users in an honest, open and non‑judgmental way.
* Recognising and valuing service users as individuals, acknowledging the importance of always maintaining the service users respect and dignity and ensuring that the care provided respects equality and diversity.
* Escalating any concerns to a Registered Nurse.
* Monitoring and recording service user clinical observations as directed by a Senior Clinician/Registered Nurse/B4, such as physical observations and vital signs and escalating as appropriate any signs or symptoms of deterioration or that do not fulfil the personal parameters to the relevant professional.
* Accessing staff support to manage the emotional demands of the work and to sustain curiosity and empathy for patients and colleagues.
* Encouraging and supporting service users to engage with healthy lifestyles, participate in community meetings and other activities of their interest.
* Escorting service users, as required, in line with Trust policies, under guidance and supervision of Senior Healthcare Support Workers, Nursing.
* Advocating for service users needs and rights within Trust policy.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
* Candidates with care certificate, NVQ 3 or Health related certificate.
* Passionate about patient care – demonstrate care, compassion and positive attitude towards patients with mental health difficulties.
* Experience working with forensic patients.
Desirable Qualifications
* Experience in the Forensic directorate.
* Experience working in mental health setting.
* Should have worked in the care industry or any other health field for at least 3 years.
Details
Date posted: 22 December 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £29,651 to £31,312 a year pa inc
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 277‑7685973‑HEATH
Job locations: Bracton and Memorial Hospital, Bracton Lane & Shooters Hill, Dartford & London, DA2 7AF
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer Details
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Bracton and Memorial Hospital
Bracton Lane & Shooters Hill
Dartford & London
DA2 7AF
Website: http://oxleas.nhs.uk/
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