Healthcare Assistant Older Persons Care Unit (OPCU)
The closing date is 13 January 2026
We are looking for enthusiastic, hardworking and compassionate Healthcare Assistants to join our Inpatient Services at Blossomwood based in Sutton- in-Ashfield. Our wards provide assessment and treatment for people over 65 with a mental health diagnosis.
The band 3 post requires you to have good communication skills and the ability to work within a clinical team under the guidance of registered nursing colleagues. This post also requires you to be able to actively lead and engage. You will be able to deliver compassionate, holistic care and be able to positively engage with patients and their carers.
Main duties of the role
As a Senior Healthcare Assistant you will proactively support, guide and advise junior staff, ensuring that direct clinical practice remains at a high standard at all times. You will complete a clinical scope of practice which will enable you to carry out routine physical health monitoring of patients, with an opportunity for you to develop skills in blood taking and ECG monitoring. Positive thinking, hard work, teamwork and a commitment to high quality patient care and treatment to individuals in crisis are essential.
We are looking for a caring individual who can demonstrate initiative, be resilient in sometimes challenging situations, and have excellent communication skills. You must be over 18.
Whilst previous experience with older adults is advantageous, we are also interested in hearing from exceptional individuals who can demonstrate equivalent skills and experience relatable to care and have a keen interest to work clinically caring for older people.
About us
#TeamNottsHC comprises over 11,000 dedicated colleagues who #MakeADifference every day. We deliver intellectual disability, mental health, community health, forensic, and offender healthcare services across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire. Our care is provided from over 200 sites, spanning community locations, acute settings, and secure environments, including prisons. We are one of the largest mental health and community Trusts in the East Midlands and one of Nottinghamshire's biggest employers.
We offer a variety of employee-led staff networks, including Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) groups, the Green Champions network, the Freedom to Speak Up network, the Health and Wellbeing Champions network, and the Menopause Champions network. These networks play a vital role in supporting our diverse workforce and promoting a culture of inclusivity.
Job responsibilities
The main duties and responsibilities of the role include:
* Assisting with ADLs and addressing physical and mental health care needs of patients.
* Undertaking, recording and reporting clinical observations as directed.
* Assessing and supporting the management of risk.
* Assisting in treatment/activities which may involve accompanying and escorting patients to activities/appointments.
* Maintaining accurate and timely records both written and computerised.
* Supporting junior staff by providing monthly supervision sessions.
* Engaging in link roles and projects.
* Ensuring IPC guidance is adhered to and managing the ward environment.
A full range of job roles and responsibilities are included in the job description.
Career development and training
We offer a comprehensive induction programme and opportunities for continued personal and professional development through ongoing training, education, supervision and appraisals. Our Healthcare Assistants have the exciting opportunity to apply to join the Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA) programme, a two‑year course, resulting in Nursing Associate registration and making you eligible to train as a Registered Nurse via a shortened Nursing degree or Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA). The TNA course acts as a stepping stone to becoming a Nurse, and we are proud to offer this opportunity to our Healthcare Assistants.
Benefits
* Annual leave of 27 days plus bank holidays (this will increase up to 33 days depending on NHS Service).
* Generous NHS pension scheme.
* Enhanced maternity and sick pay.
* Comprehensive induction and training.
* Commitment to career development and promotion of work/life balance.
* Salary sacrifice schemes such as public transport loans, cycle to work scheme.
* Staff discount schemes including discounted leisure centre membership, free on‑site parking (dependent on site).
* An extensive health and wellbeing package including occupational health, physiotherapy and staff counselling services.
* Retail discounts.
* Regular support and clinical supervision including CPD opportunities.
Patient testimonials
"There is a therapeutic atmosphere on the ward in every way, meals are of high quality and to me it was home from home."
"There is a strong team feeling amongst staff and all are friendly and caring. Examples of excellent practice – nurses, HCA are always free for 1‑1." (Kingsley Ward)
"The Healthcare Assistants helped me so much. They explained things well and helped with my care plan. The Healthcare Assistants made me feel better." (IRC Morton Hall – Primary Care)
"All the nurses and healthcare assistants are so caring." (Forest Ward, Lings Bar Hospital)
Application information
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.
You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.
Please note that this post does not meet the pay level required for a Skilled worker visa. Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience would normally be placed at the bottom of the band in line with Agenda for Change. This salary is below the minimum salary required for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. In these circumstances the Trust would not, therefore, be able to sponsor for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
* NVQ III in Health and Social Care, Care Certificate or equivalent experience.
* Willingness to undertake training that will enhance service delivery.
Experience
* Experience of working in a Healthcare setting.
Knowledge
* To have a basic understanding of the different types of mental illness and maintain an understanding and caring approach to patients.
Skills
* Ability to work as part of a team.
* Ability to be flexible.
* Developed observation skills with the ability to record and report physical/mental health changes or any other concerns/observations of incidents or events and behaviours in an accurate and timely manner.
Values and behaviours
* All colleagues are expected to demonstrate that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust values: Trust, Honesty, Respect, Compassion, Teamwork.
* All colleagues are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how it applies to their role. The Trust's expectations are highlighted within our EDI Policy, and associated EDI and Human Rights legislation.
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 name
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
£24,937 to £26,598 a year (pro rata for part time)
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