Livewell Southwest

Healthcare Assistant - Developmental role

The closing date is 25 March 2026

Job summary

Up to 37.5 hours per week. An exciting developmental opportunity has arisen to appoint a Band 2 Healthcare Assistant on Plym Neuro Rehab Unit based on the grounds of Mount Gould Hospital, Plymouth, due to additional funding from NHS England.

You will initially be appointed to a Band 2 position and you will be expected to complete specific competencies within a period of 6-months. You will be fully supported by a team of Ward-based Registered Nurses. Upon successful review, you will then be uplifted to a Band 3 position.

We are a 15 bedded neurological regional unit taking patients from 16 years and above. All our patients have neurological conditions ranging from spinal injuries to those who have an acquired brain injury.

The work is challenging and fulfilling and above all interesting. We work as a multi- disciplinary team addressing the complex holistic needs of the patients. The team includes Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapist, neuro psychologists, dietitians and other voluntary agencies.

We encourage growth in our team and the potential for training and enrolment into the care certificate. We have a superb reputation throughout the south west and work closely with NHS England

If you are committed to the delivery of patient centred care with dignity and respect; we would like to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

1. To carry out treatment programmes under the direction of the multi-disciplinary team with older patients requiring rehabilitation following medical or surgical intervention and/or who have complex physical disabilities.

2. To provide a high standard of care under the direction and supervision of more senior staff

3. To assist the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery and evaluation of patient care.

4. To ensure the patients environment is clean and tidy adhering to Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control guidelines at all times.

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility.

Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.

Details

Date posted

11 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year pa, pro-rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

B9832-2026-NM-10209

Job locations

Plym Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit

Mount Gould Road

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7QD


Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical:

1.Under the direction and supervision of more senior / registered health care professionals, carry out holistic care, according to the patients treatment plan.

2.Support patient care through provision of key skills including emotional and spiritual care, positioning, communication, tissue viability, oral and personal hygiene and nutritional awareness.

3.Assist the patients to meet personal hygiene needs according to the treatment plan, maintaining their comfort and dignity at all times.

4.Report any changes in the patients condition or care needs to the supervising trained nurse and / or relevant therapist and document accordingly.

5.Assist patients to move in accordance with safer handling plan.

6.Maintain accurate and complete patient records in accordance with organisational guidelines ensuring countersignature by registered nurse.

7. Be aware of patients cognitive, psychological, physical and social needs, including end of life care and always perform duties in such a way as to preserve the patients dignity and freedom of choice.

8.The post holder is required to comply with all infection prevention and control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate to Director of Operations/Chief Executive Office.

9. Recognise life threatening events and respond to emergency procedures

according to organisational policies

Organisational:

1.Use resources responsibly being aware of cost effectiveness and report any problems/deficiencies to the appropriate senior person

2.Maintain patient and professional confidentiality at all times, including confidentiality of information.

3.Maintain the cleanliness of the ward at all times, reporting any areas of concern to the nurse in charge / housekeeper

4.Always address staff, patients and members of the public in a polite and respectful manner either in person or on the telephone.

5.Be conversant with and comply with all relevant organisational protocols and policies and have valid organisational IT access.

6.Identify own education/training needs through annual appraisal / supervision, agreeing a personal development plan appropriate to service and personal need and take personal responsibility for mandatory training in liaison with Ward Manager.

7.On admission and discharge document patients personal property and valuables according to organisational policy.

8.Contribute to the audit process as required

9.Demonstrate own duties to new / less experienced staff and agency staff

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical:

1.Under the direction and supervision of more senior / registered health care professionals, carry out holistic care, according to the patients treatment plan.

2.Support patient care through provision of key skills including emotional and spiritual care, positioning, communication, tissue viability, oral and personal hygiene and nutritional awareness.

3.Assist the patients to meet personal hygiene needs according to the treatment plan, maintaining their comfort and dignity at all times.

4.Report any changes in the patients condition or care needs to the supervising trained nurse and / or relevant therapist and document accordingly.

5.Assist patients to move in accordance with safer handling plan.

6.Maintain accurate and complete patient records in accordance with organisational guidelines ensuring countersignature by registered nurse.

7. Be aware of patients cognitive, psychological, physical and social needs, including end of life care and always perform duties in such a way as to preserve the patients dignity and freedom of choice.

8.The post holder is required to comply with all infection prevention and control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate to Director of Operations/Chief Executive Office.

9. Recognise life threatening events and respond to emergency procedures

according to organisational policies

Organisational:

1.Use resources responsibly being aware of cost effectiveness and report any problems/deficiencies to the appropriate senior person

2.Maintain patient and professional confidentiality at all times, including confidentiality of information.

3.Maintain the cleanliness of the ward at all times, reporting any areas of concern to the nurse in charge / housekeeper

4.Always address staff, patients and members of the public in a polite and respectful manner either in person or on the telephone.

5.Be conversant with and comply with all relevant organisational protocols and policies and have valid organisational IT access.

6.Identify own education/training needs through annual appraisal / supervision, agreeing a personal development plan appropriate to service and personal need and take personal responsibility for mandatory training in liaison with Ward Manager.

7.On admission and discharge document patients personal property and valuables according to organisational policy.

8.Contribute to the audit process as required

9.Demonstrate own duties to new / less experienced staff and agency staff

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Basic Food Hygiene (or willingness to undertake)
  • Vocational Qualification Level II or equivalent, or able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and ability to work to this level
  • Maths & English GCSE Grades 4 and above or equivalent

Desirable

  • CFQ at level 2 or willing to work towards
  • Care certificate or willing to undertake

Skills

Essential

  • Demonstrate effective communication skills with a range of people in various situations
  • Should have ability to demonstrate basic IT skills
  • Ability to problem solve and create innovative solutions to help empower
  • patients and carers

Desirable

  • Be willing to work towards basic IT skills
  • Experience in a Physical Health setting
  • Ability to work with minimum of supervision

Other requirements

Essential

  • Friendly and caring manner
  • Approachable
  • An appreciation of working with a wide age group of clients
  • Flexible approach

Knowledge

Essential

  • Team working
  • Evidence of literacy and numeracy skills
  • Demonstrates an understanding of patients physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs according to speciality

Desirable

  • Has the ability to provide care under the guidance and supervision of qualified staff

Experience

Essential

  • Awareness of safeguarding principles

Desirable

  • Recent experience of working in a care setting
  • Team working
  • Clinical governance
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Basic Food Hygiene (or willingness to undertake)
  • Vocational Qualification Level II or equivalent, or able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and ability to work to this level
  • Maths & English GCSE Grades 4 and above or equivalent

Desirable

  • CFQ at level 2 or willing to work towards
  • Care certificate or willing to undertake

Skills

Essential

  • Demonstrate effective communication skills with a range of people in various situations
  • Should have ability to demonstrate basic IT skills
  • Ability to problem solve and create innovative solutions to help empower
  • patients and carers

Desirable

  • Be willing to work towards basic IT skills
  • Experience in a Physical Health setting
  • Ability to work with minimum of supervision

Other requirements

Essential

  • Friendly and caring manner
  • Approachable
  • An appreciation of working with a wide age group of clients
  • Flexible approach

Knowledge

Essential

  • Team working
  • Evidence of literacy and numeracy skills
  • Demonstrates an understanding of patients physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs according to speciality

Desirable

  • Has the ability to provide care under the guidance and supervision of qualified staff

Experience

Essential

  • Awareness of safeguarding principles

Desirable

  • Recent experience of working in a care setting
  • Team working
  • Clinical governance

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

Plym Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit

Mount Gould Road

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7QD


Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

Plym Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit

Mount Gould Road

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7QD


Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward Manager

Cara Mitchell

cara.mitchell4@nhs.net

01752434899

Details

Date posted

11 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year pa, pro-rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

B9832-2026-NM-10209

Job locations

Plym Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit

Mount Gould Road

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7QD


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Livewell Southwest's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)