Opportunities have arisen to join our dedicated team atRydon Ward, part of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. As a Health Care Assistant, you will work within an inpatient unit supporting adults of working age who are experiencing acute mental health difficulties.
This is a role that can be emotionally challenging but also immensely rewarding, especially when patients recover and move forward in their lives. You will be part of a compassionate and professional team, contributing to patient-centred care and supporting individuals through their recovery journey.
We are looking for individuals with a positive outlook, dedication, and compassion who want to make a real difference.
Main duties of the job
* Support qualified nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team in delivering care.
* Engage with patients through listening, talking, and therapeutic activities.
* Observe and monitor patient behaviour to ensure safety and wellbeing.
* Assist patients with personal care, hygiene, and dietary needs.
* Escort patients within and outside the unit for therapeutic purposes.
* Help manage challenging behaviours using de-escalation techniques.
* Encourage adherence to care plans, including medication compliance.
* Participate in ward meetings and contribute to care planning.
* Maintain accurate records using electronic systems (e.g., RIO).
* Uphold infection control and safety standards within the ward environment.
Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
* Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
* NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
* Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
* A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job responsibilities
As a Health Care Assistant, you will:
* Recognise and respect each patient's individuality, supporting their emotional, social, and intellectual needs.
* Build effective relationships with patients, carers, and colleagues to facilitate open communication.
* Assist in the coordination and delivery of ward activities and therapeutic interventions.
* Support patients in group and individual activities, promoting recovery and engagement.
* Participate in the management of aggression and restraint procedures (following training).
* Carry out observations and contribute to the assessment of patients' functioning.
* Maintain patient dignity and privacy at all times.
* Be involved in the admission, transfer, and discharge processes.
* Adhere to Trust policies, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and infection control.
* Attend mandatory and role-specific training, including PMVA and First Aid.
* Be flexible and responsive to the therapeutic needs of the patient group.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Must be willing to work towards NVQ level 3 in direct care or Certificate in Care if not already held.
* Training and experience e.g. Lifting, first aid, food handling, care work. Related healthcare interests or education
Experience
* Experience of working with people e.g. in a caring situation, dealing with the general public; previous experience of working in mental health services; ability to transfer own life experience into helping relationship
Additional Criteria
* Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner. Problem solving skills. Good observation skills
* Basic understanding of Recovery Model, issues of dignity and privacy; Basic understanding of risk
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.
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