Job Summary
Previous applicants need not apply.
Health Care Assistants for Mental Health
An opportunity has arisen for enthusiastic and caring people to work as health care support workers within our adult and older adult wards. There are a number of mental health wards across ELFT and we are seeking enthusiastic people with the right mindset to come and join our supportive and progressive teams.
We are looking for caring and compassionate people, both experienced and inexperienced, to join our dedicated teams.
About us
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.
Details
Date posted: 08 March 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum inc HCAS (Hcas to be confirmed on appointment)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 363-L&B-HCSW-Mar26
Job locations: Multiple sites across Luton and Bedford (LU1 2PJ)
Responsibilities
To be successful in a Health Care assistant or Support Worker role, you will need to be forward-thinking and have a keen interest in working with patients being nursed in a mental health setting. You will be working within a supportive multidisciplinary team, caring for patients with a wide range of needs.
Our care and treatment programmes are underpinned by principles of recovery and social inclusion and much of our work is co‑produced with patients. You will help to ensure that the people we care for always have a strong voice. If you are committed to providing outstanding patient care with a sound knowledge of best practice, this is the opportunity for you.
Person Specification
Essential
* Educated to GCSE level of equivalent
* Completed or the willingness to undertake Care certificate
* Working in a care setting
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Able to manage time to meet deadlines
* Ability to work autonomously
* Ability to work as part of a team
* Be able to respond with compassion and empathy Demonstrate an understanding of caring for people with mental health problems
* Demonstrate a degree of emotional intelligence and self-reflection
Desirable
* GCSE Grade A-C in Maths & English or skills level 2 Maths & English or equivalent
* Dealing with challenging situations
* Working with Mental Health Service Users
* Experience of providing and receiving complex, sensitive information
* Demonstrate an understanding of the specialty
* Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
* Ability to deal with non‑routine and unpredictable nature of workload and individual patient contact
* Knowledge of when to seek advice and elevate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice
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 Details
East London NHS Foundation Trust
Multiple sites across Luton and Bedford (LU1 2PJ)
Employer's website
https://www.elft.nhs.uk/
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