Job summary
An opportunity has arisen to join our dedicated team at Rowan Ward, part of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. As a Health Care Assistant (Band 3), you will work within an inpatient unit supporting adults of working age who are experiencing acute mental health difficulties.
This is a role that can be emotionally challenging but also immensely rewarding, especially when patients recover and move forward in their lives. You will be part of a compassionate and professional team, contributing to patient-centred care and supporting individuals through their recovery journey.
We are looking for individuals with a positive outlook, dedication, and compassion who want to make a real difference.
This is a
24-hour service, and you will work on a rotational shift pattern, including days, nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
Main duties of the job
- Support qualified nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team in delivering care.
- Engage with patients through listening, talking, and therapeutic activities.
- Observe and monitor patient behaviour to ensure safety and wellbeing.
- Assist patients with personal care, hygiene, and dietary needs.
- Escort patients within and outside the unit for therapeutic purposes.
- Help manage challenging behaviours using de-escalation techniques.
- Participate in ward meetings and contribute to care planning.
- Maintain accurate records using electronic systems (e.g., RIO).
- Uphold infection control and safety standards within the ward environment.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Health Care Assistant on Rowan Ward, you will:
- Patient Engagement: Build therapeutic relationships through active listening, meaningful conversations, and emotional support for patients and their carers.
- Observation & Safety: Monitor patient behaviour, provide close observation when required, and ensure a safe environment for all.
- Daily Living Support: Encourage and assist patients with eating, drinking, and personal hygiene, promoting independence wherever possible.
- Therapeutic Activities: Involve patients in diversional and structured activities to support recovery and well-being.
- Escorting Duties: Safely accompany patients outside the unit for appointments or therapeutic leave.
- Managing Distress: Respond to anger or aggression using de-escalation techniques, negotiation, and explanation; assist in managing violent episodes when necessary.
- Treatment Adherence: Support patients in following their care plans, including medication compliance and engagement with therapeutic interventions.
- Administrative Tasks: Record information accurately in patient charts and electronic systems, and maintain confidentiality in line with Trust policies.
- Team Contribution: Attend ward meetings, participate in audits, and engage in supervision to support your professional development.
- Compliance: Adhere to Trust policies, safeguarding procedures, and infection control standards at all times.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Health Care Assistant on Rowan Ward, you will:
- Patient Engagement: Build therapeutic relationships through active listening, meaningful conversations, and emotional support for patients and their carers.
- Observation & Safety: Monitor patient behaviour, provide close observation when required, and ensure a safe environment for all.
- Daily Living Support: Encourage and assist patients with eating, drinking, and personal hygiene, promoting independence wherever possible.
- Therapeutic Activities: Involve patients in diversional and structured activities to support recovery and well-being.
- Escorting Duties: Safely accompany patients outside the unit for appointments or therapeutic leave.
- Managing Distress: Respond to anger or aggression using de-escalation techniques, negotiation, and explanation; assist in managing violent episodes when necessary.
- Treatment Adherence: Support patients in following their care plans, including medication compliance and engagement with therapeutic interventions.
- Administrative Tasks: Record information accurately in patient charts and electronic systems, and maintain confidentiality in line with Trust policies.
- Team Contribution: Attend ward meetings, participate in audits, and engage in supervision to support your professional development.
- Compliance: Adhere to Trust policies, safeguarding procedures, and infection control standards at all times.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Must be willing to work towards NVQ level 3 in direct care or Certificate in Care if not already held.
Desirable
- Related healthcare interests or education
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people in a caring situation
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in mental health services
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Ability to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner
- Able to generate ideas for activities
Desirable
- Understanding of how to support patients to recover their mental health
- An understanding of risk
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Must be willing to work towards NVQ level 3 in direct care or Certificate in Care if not already held.
Desirable
- Related healthcare interests or education
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people in a caring situation
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in mental health services
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Ability to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner
- Able to generate ideas for activities
Desirable
- Understanding of how to support patients to recover their mental health
- An understanding of risk
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.
