Health Care Assistant - HMP Chelmsford
Location: Chelmsford
Salary: £24,071 - £25,674 pro rata
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Part Time (23 hours per week)
Closing Date: 2nd of June 2026
Make a real difference where it matters most.
We're looking for a compassionate, motivated Health Care Assistant to join our multidisciplinary team delivering high‑quality care within a residential detox and recovery service based at HMP Chelmsford. This is a part‑time role (23 hours per week), offering a hands‑on opportunity to support clients through medical detox and recovery, promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
You’ll work within an integrated healthcare framework, supporting individuals at a critical point in their recovery journey, alongside a dedicated team of healthcare professionals.
What you’ll be doing:
* Supporting nursing and medical staff to deliver care to clients undergoing medical detox, including those with complex needs
* Monitoring and reporting on physical, mental and psychological wellbeing
* Providing 1:1 support, brief crisis interventions, and contributing to community and conduct meetings
* Supporting safe medicines management and maintaining accurate electronic records
* Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team
* Promoting a safe, caring environment and escalating safeguarding or risk concerns
What we’re looking for:
* Experience within substance misuse services and/or residential settings
* Understanding of the impact of addiction on individuals and communities
* Knowledge of the 12 Step recovery model (minimum 3 years' abstinence if in recovery)
* A compassionate, proactive approach and strong teamwork skills
* Commitment to safeguarding, infection control and best practice care
If you’re passionate about recovery‑focused nursing and want to make a tangible impact in a unique and challenging environment, we’d love to hear from you.
All prison‑based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 5 months to complete. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of both checks.
Please note if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer.
Benefits
* Flexible working
* Training and development opportunities
* BHSF Cashback Scheme (optional)
* Season Ticket Loan Scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Crisis Loan Scheme
* Electric Car Scheme
* 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
* Access to Blue Light Card
* 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
* Contributory Pension Scheme - Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years' service and up to 9% thereafter
* Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
* Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
#J-18808-Ljbffr