Job summary
We are looking to appoint health care support Assistants who are enthusiastic, motivated with a passion for caring to join our dedicated Team on Hadspen Ward, Wincanton Community Hospital.
The unit consists of a 16 bedded ward, focused on rehabilitation of patients.
As a health care Assistant you will work as part of a large multidisciplinary team and will play a key role in delivering the fundamentals of care for patients under the supervision of a nurse, whilst supporting patients to achieve the shared goals. Individuals should be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills who are willing to learn and take on new challenges as the service develops.
Main duties of the job
Experience of working in a care setting would be advantageous but all necessary skills training, professional updates and mandatory training as appropriate to the post will be provided.
Full details of duties can be found in the job description.
There will be an expectation of a flexible approach to shifts patterns with a commitment to participate in the on call service after appropriate training.
Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Communication and key working relationships:
Service Users
Supervisor/Line Manager
Service Manager
Consultants and doctors
- Planning and organisation:
Maintenance of the highest clinical standards in the management of the ward.
Fulfilling duties of weekly timetable including any 'out of hours' responsibilities.
Duties as instructed by your manager or appropriate authority and attending meetings as appropriate.
Participating in the process of recruitment, selection and induction of new staff where appropriate if relevant training has been completed.
Promoting staff morale and maintaining supportive relationships within the Team.
-Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy:As detailed in job purpose. Acting as a link person between the team and other agencies, maintaining and promoting positive working relationships with all referring agencies. Participating in the development of initiatives within the Team and wider service.
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
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Behaviours must align with Somerset Foundation Trust values, those being kindness, respect, teamwork, everyone, everyday.
- -Outstanding care.
- -Listening and leading.
- -Working together, as part of a team.
- Knowledge and Experience:
- -Caring and compassionate. Exceptional interpersonal skills and high quality communication skills. The ability to communicate well with patients, relatives and colleagues is integral to this role, whilst remaining empathetic and sensitive.
- -The ability to listen and respect other's values and beliefs, recognising and respecting individual needs.
- -Maintain a professional and patient-focused approach, acting as a role model to other colleagues.
- -Excellent organisational skills, punctuality and ability to manage own time effectively.
- -Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations, in a professional and calm manner.
- -Able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and escalate concerns when needed. Being focused and taking instructions when required is crucial to this role as healthcare assistant.
- -Ability to record and retrieve information on paper/electronic records, as appropriate, and maintain confidentiality.
- -High standards of written communication skills, with the ability to use email and the internet.
- -Remain compassionate, open minded, treats colleagues, patients, carers and relatives with dignity and respect.
- -Intuitive and caring nature.
- - Act in a ways that support equality and diversity, alongside Trust values.
- -To be able to demonstrate an awareness and responsibility, whilst recognising the impact of frequent exposure to distressing circumstances and the impact this has on care and compassion.
- -Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the patients and service as a whole.
- -Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills
- -Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients
- SUPPORTING BEHAVIOURS
- To carry out this role successfully the post holder needs to be fully aware of and adhere to Trust values/standards and reflect these as their behaviours:
- Outstanding Care:
- We treat everyone with dignity, kindness and respect.
- We involve patients, relatives, carers and colleagues in decision-making.
- I ensure that my actions contribute to outstanding care regardless of my role.
- I admit mistakes, apologise and learn from them.
- I champion the health, safety and wellbeing of patients, relatives, carers and colleagues.
- I speak up when others cannot.
- Listening and Leading:
- I lead with empathy, taking responsibility for how my emotions and actions affect others.
- I inspire others to embrace change, encouraging them to see their part in the bigger picture.
- I strive to be the best I can be.
- I value the opinions and contributions of colleagues, patients and others.
- I encourage innovation and am open to new ideas.
- I listen with interest and take action if I am able.
- Working Together:
- I collaborate with others to achieve shared goals.
- I communicate clearly and appropriately.
- We work together to overcome challenges.
- I ask for help and always assist those in need.
- I thank colleagues for their contributions and celebrate shared successes.
- I use resources effectively, treating every as if it were my own.
Desirable
- Previous nursing or healthcare experience would be desirable for this post on Hadspen ward.
- Previous experience of working in an NHS environment.
Experience
Essential
- The job includes listening and talking to patients/relatives/carers, observing patients behaviour, providing close observation to ensure patient safety (one to one), encouraging them with eating, drinking, personal hygiene. Involving them in diversional activities, escorting patients out of the unit, dealing with anger (explanations, negotiation and de-escalation), assisting in the management of violent episodes, helping in the administration of medication.
- Works within an inpatient unit for the assessment and treatment of patients
- Is required to work in support of qualified nurses and other professionals
- Carries out assigned tasks involving direct care in support of, and supervised by, a registered nurse
- Will work a 24 hour rotational shift pattern
- Reporting and documenting observations.
Desirable
- It would be desirable to have previous experience working in a ward or healthcare setting in the NHS.
Additional Criteria
Desirable
- It is desirable for applicants to have a driving license, as public transport links are limited. We have free parking on site.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Behaviours must align with Somerset Foundation Trust values, those being kindness, respect, teamwork, everyone, everyday.
- -Outstanding care.
- -Listening and leading.
- -Working together, as part of a team.
- Knowledge and Experience:
- -Caring and compassionate. Exceptional interpersonal skills and high quality communication skills. The ability to communicate well with patients, relatives and colleagues is integral to this role, whilst remaining empathetic and sensitive.
- -The ability to listen and respect other's values and beliefs, recognising and respecting individual needs.
- -Maintain a professional and patient-focused approach, acting as a role model to other colleagues.
- -Excellent organisational skills, punctuality and ability to manage own time effectively.
- -Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations, in a professional and calm manner.
- -Able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and escalate concerns when needed. Being focused and taking instructions when required is crucial to this role as healthcare assistant.
- -Ability to record and retrieve information on paper/electronic records, as appropriate, and maintain confidentiality.
- -High standards of written communication skills, with the ability to use email and the internet.
- -Remain compassionate, open minded, treats colleagues, patients, carers and relatives with dignity and respect.
- -Intuitive and caring nature.
- - Act in a ways that support equality and diversity, alongside Trust values.
- -To be able to demonstrate an awareness and responsibility, whilst recognising the impact of frequent exposure to distressing circumstances and the impact this has on care and compassion.
- -Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the patients and service as a whole.
- -Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills
- -Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients
- SUPPORTING BEHAVIOURS
- To carry out this role successfully the post holder needs to be fully aware of and adhere to Trust values/standards and reflect these as their behaviours:
- Outstanding Care:
- We treat everyone with dignity, kindness and respect.
- We involve patients, relatives, carers and colleagues in decision-making.
- I ensure that my actions contribute to outstanding care regardless of my role.
- I admit mistakes, apologise and learn from them.
- I champion the health, safety and wellbeing of patients, relatives, carers and colleagues.
- I speak up when others cannot.
- Listening and Leading:
- I lead with empathy, taking responsibility for how my emotions and actions affect others.
- I inspire others to embrace change, encouraging them to see their part in the bigger picture.
- I strive to be the best I can be.
- I value the opinions and contributions of colleagues, patients and others.
- I encourage innovation and am open to new ideas.
- I listen with interest and take action if I am able.
- Working Together:
- I collaborate with others to achieve shared goals.
- I communicate clearly and appropriately.
- We work together to overcome challenges.
- I ask for help and always assist those in need.
- I thank colleagues for their contributions and celebrate shared successes.
- I use resources effectively, treating every as if it were my own.
Desirable
- Previous nursing or healthcare experience would be desirable for this post on Hadspen ward.
- Previous experience of working in an NHS environment.
Experience
Essential
- The job includes listening and talking to patients/relatives/carers, observing patients behaviour, providing close observation to ensure patient safety (one to one), encouraging them with eating, drinking, personal hygiene. Involving them in diversional activities, escorting patients out of the unit, dealing with anger (explanations, negotiation and de-escalation), assisting in the management of violent episodes, helping in the administration of medication.
- Works within an inpatient unit for the assessment and treatment of patients
- Is required to work in support of qualified nurses and other professionals
- Carries out assigned tasks involving direct care in support of, and supervised by, a registered nurse
- Will work a 24 hour rotational shift pattern
- Reporting and documenting observations.
Desirable
- It would be desirable to have previous experience working in a ward or healthcare setting in the NHS.
Additional Criteria
Desirable
- It is desirable for applicants to have a driving license, as public transport links are limited. We have free parking on site.
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.
