Overview
We are looking for experienced or aspiring Healthcare Assistants to start a rewarding career within our Mental Health, Learning Disability & Neurodiversity Services. Candidates who share our trust values, enjoy working as part of a proactive Multi-Disciplinary team, and want to make a difference in improving people\'s lives are encouraged to apply.
We offer entry into our apprenticeship programme, with potential to progress toward a recognised nursing qualification in the future. Our inpatient services operate on a 24/7 shift basis, with unsocial hour enhancements in addition to basic pay for unsociable shifts.
The role may require you to possess a Care Certificate, but we can support you to achieve this while learning in the role. Our Secure Services focus on supporting people with experiences in the legal system related to mental health needs, providing a safe and secure environment with a range of treatments, therapies and care options.
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
Successful applicants will assist multi-disciplinary team members in delivering care and treatment to people using our services, addressing social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs. You will undertake practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.
We value diverse backgrounds and experience; previous care experience is desirable but NOT essential. We provide training and support if you share our Trust values, are ready to learn, and can demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Shifts include 07:30-15:30, 12:30-20:30, or 20:00-08:00 (night shift). Langdon Hospital is committed to involving patients, families and carers in service design wherever possible.
About us
About Devon Partnership NHS Trust
We provide mental health and learning disability services, plus specialist and secure services for the wider south west region and nationally. We are committed to promoting good mental health and wellbeing and to delivering high-quality services focused on people\'s recovery.
Our values
We recruit individuals who demonstrate the core values of our organisation, including quality of care, improving lives, respect, dignity and compassion. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all sections of the community. We support flexible working where possible and particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Details Date posted: 12 September 2025 | Pay scheme: Agenda for Change | Band: Band 3 | Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year plus unsocial hours enhancements | Contract: Permanent | Working pattern: Full-time | Reference: C9369-25-0079 | Location: Langdon Hospital, Exeter Road, Dawlish, Devon, EX7 0NR
Job responsibilities
Job purpose
* To assist multi-disciplinary team members in delivering care and treatment to people using services; care will address social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs.
* Be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.
Duties and responsibilities
Communication & working relationships
* Communicate effectively with people using services, considering any communication difficulties and responding appropriately.
* Form and maintain therapeutic relationships with individuals, and with other professionals and agencies.
* Maintain accurate records in line with legislation, policies and procedures.
* Communicate professionally in accordance with legal and policy requirements.
* Take, record and report telephone messages; provide and receive routine information as needed; participate in ward and team meetings.
Planning & organisation
* Involve in assessment and implementation of individual treatment programmes and recovery care plans under supervision of qualified staff.
* Prioritise tasks and manage shift workload with the Nurse-in-Charge.
* Be flexible to work days, evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays, and work in other areas as directed by Line Manager/Nurse-in-Charge.
Responsibility for judgement & analysis
* Work within own limits and competencies; participate in risk assessment and management with qualified staff; adhere to Health and Safety requirements.
* Be punctual and professional in line with Trust policies.
Responsibility for patient care, treatment & therapy
* Be aware of each individual\'s recovery care plan and participate in clinical formulation and delivery of allocated plans.
* Participate in the nurse role, support group and individual activities, and assist in engaging individuals in positive activities.
* Participate in procedures involving distressed or aggressive individuals; support daily living skills and physical nursing care under supervision of a registered nurse.
* Recognise signs of abuse and know escalation procedures; provide support to individuals and carers; maintain dignity and wellbeing; monitor nutritional needs.
* Escort individuals as directed; help access resources including benefits and welfare rights; participate in MDT meetings; maintain accurate electronic records and report progress of care plans.
Policy, service, research, innovation & improvement
* Complete core training and maintain professional development; comply with DPT policies and procedures; report incidents or faulty equipment; participate in service development and audits; comply with infection control.
Finance, equipment & other resources
* Maintain safety and cleanliness of the environment; understand counter fraud; follow policies regarding patients\' property and monies; maintain documentation; assist in stock monitoring and ordering.
Supervision, leadership & management
* Participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal; support student learning within the team.
Information resources & administrative duties
* Use the Trust\'s IT systems (RiO), rostering, e-learning and other IT systems; maintain confidentiality and stay updated with changes.
Freedom to act
* Work within standard procedures, using initiative while receiving supervision.
Other tasks
* Contribute to a safe therapeutic environment; assume duties as assigned; ensure fitness for post and up-to-date training; declare fitness for physical intervention if required; act to protect safety of others and work within competency.
Person specification
Qualifications
* Essential: Basic education; Care Certificate to be completed within first 6 months of employment (trainee position if not yet completed)
* Desirable: NVQ/ QCF Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent; other relevant training
Knowledge & skills
* Awareness of safeguarding; IT skills; ability to form professional therapeutic relationships; good communication and listening; group and individual work; personal boundaries; problem solving; planning and record keeping; ability to lead and take direction; ability to provide practical support with daily living activities; respond quickly to emergencies; patience and resilience.
Experience
* Essential: Previous care or related mental health experience; desirable: previous care experience with people with mental health difficulties.
Preferred area of work
* Please indicate preferred ward to work on
Employer details
Employer: Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Address: Langdon Hospital, Exeter Road, Dawlish, Devon, EX7 0NR
Employer website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/
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