Job summary
Pyrland Ward offers a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly, skilled and supportive team caring for older adults with both functional and organic mental health needs. We are looking for compassionate, motivated individuals who want to make a real difference to the lives of our patients.
As a Band 3 Health Care Assistant, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the assessment, treatment and recovery of patients with a wide range of mental health presentations. You will deliver safe, person-centred and holistic care under the supervision of registered nurses, contributing to a 24/7 service through rotational shifts.
We welcome applicants from a range of personal and professional backgrounds. Previous care experience is helpful but not essential--many of our team bring valuable life experience and transferable skills. What matters most is being caring, conscientious, friendly and dedicated to supporting others.
Staff on Pyrland Ward benefit from regular supervision, professional development opportunities, and the chance to build enhanced skills while contributing to care planning, quality improvement projects and therapeutic activities. Our ward is known for its warm, collaborative culture and consistently receives positive feedback from students, staff and service users.
You'll be required to work flexibly as part of a 24hour, 7day service, including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Main duties of the job
As a Health Care Assistant on Pyrland Ward, you'll play a vital part in supporting older adults with a wide range of mental health needs. You will provide compassionate, person-centred care every day, helping patients with personal care, nutrition, mobility, comfort and emotional wellbeing. Working as a key member of a multidisciplinary team, you'll help deliver therapeutic activities, promote independence and ensure each person feels valued, understood and supported throughout their stay.
You will build trusting relationships with patients and families, offering reassurance during moments of distress and helping to maintain a calm, welcoming ward environment. Your observations will be essential--spotting changes in physical or mental health and sharing this information promptly to keep care safe and responsive. You will assist with admissions, discharges and off ward activities, escorting patients safely and supporting them with confidence and dignity.
Accurate documentation is an important part of the role, and you'll contribute to high-quality recordkeeping using our electronic patient record system. You'll also help maintain a clean, safe and therapeutic environment by following infection control standards and reporting any concerns. Through regular supervision, training and team involvement, you'll continue to develop your skills and play an active part in improving the patient experience on the ward.
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 Pyrland Ward, you will play an essential role in supporting older adults with complex mental health needs, including dementia and acute functional illnesses.
Patient Care and Therapeutic Support
- Deliver delegated care tasks under the supervision of registered nurses, ensuring respect, privacy and dignity.
- Build trusting therapeutic relationships, offering emotional support during periods of distress.
- Support patients to engage in meaningful and therapeutic activities, both individually and in groups.
- Escort patients safely, offering reassurance and maintaining dignity during leave or off ward activities.
- Assist with physical healthcare tasks such as continence care, wound care and patient observations.
- Use de-escalation techniques when supporting individuals experiencing agitation or challenging behaviour, adopting least restrictive approaches and putting safety first.
Communication and Collaboration
- Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients, families, carers and the wider MDT.
- Support a positive ward culture through teamwork, inclusion and shared responsibility.
- Welcome and assist visitors sensitively, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to ward procedures.
Documentation and Information Management
- Record observations, interventions and care activities accurately on paper and electronic systems (RiO).
- Report incidents, accidents and concerns in line with Trust policy.
- Handle information sensitively, adhering to confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding requirements.
Ward Environment and Resources
- Assist with maintaining a safe, clean and well organised ward environment.
- Use equipment appropriately and escalate faults or hazards promptly.
- Support infection prevention and control standards at all times.
Professional Development
- Participate in mandatory training, clinical supervision and appraisal.
- Act as a positive role model for new staff and students, supporting a learning focused environment.
- Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and ongoing service development.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Health Care Assistant on Pyrland Ward, you will play an essential role in supporting older adults with complex mental health needs, including dementia and acute functional illnesses.
Patient Care and Therapeutic Support
- Deliver delegated care tasks under the supervision of registered nurses, ensuring respect, privacy and dignity.
- Build trusting therapeutic relationships, offering emotional support during periods of distress.
- Support patients to engage in meaningful and therapeutic activities, both individually and in groups.
- Escort patients safely, offering reassurance and maintaining dignity during leave or off ward activities.
- Assist with physical healthcare tasks such as continence care, wound care and patient observations.
- Use de-escalation techniques when supporting individuals experiencing agitation or challenging behaviour, adopting least restrictive approaches and putting safety first.
Communication and Collaboration
- Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients, families, carers and the wider MDT.
- Support a positive ward culture through teamwork, inclusion and shared responsibility.
- Welcome and assist visitors sensitively, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to ward procedures.
Documentation and Information Management
- Record observations, interventions and care activities accurately on paper and electronic systems (RiO).
- Report incidents, accidents and concerns in line with Trust policy.
- Handle information sensitively, adhering to confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding requirements.
Ward Environment and Resources
- Assist with maintaining a safe, clean and well organised ward environment.
- Use equipment appropriately and escalate faults or hazards promptly.
- Support infection prevention and control standards at all times.
Professional Development
- Participate in mandatory training, clinical supervision and appraisal.
- Act as a positive role model for new staff and students, supporting a learning focused environment.
- Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and ongoing service development.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- *Basic education, including literacy and numeracy skills sufficient to undertake the role
- *Willingness to complete all mandatory training required for the post
Desirable
- Care Certificate or equivalentNVQ / QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care (or willingness to work towards)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a caring, support or people focused roleExperience of working effectively as part of a team
Desirable
- Experience in a healthcare, mental health or social care settingExperience of working with older adults, including those with dementia or cognitive impairmentExperience of working in an inpatient or 24 hour care environmentExperience of contributing to care planning or recovery focused interventions
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Awareness of the Mental Health Act 1983 and safeguarding principles
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- *Basic education, including literacy and numeracy skills sufficient to undertake the role
- *Willingness to complete all mandatory training required for the post
Desirable
- Care Certificate or equivalentNVQ / QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care (or willingness to work towards)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a caring, support or people focused roleExperience of working effectively as part of a team
Desirable
- Experience in a healthcare, mental health or social care settingExperience of working with older adults, including those with dementia or cognitive impairmentExperience of working in an inpatient or 24 hour care environmentExperience of contributing to care planning or recovery focused interventions
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Awareness of the Mental Health Act 1983 and safeguarding principles
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.
