Job summary
As a healthcare assistant you will be working with the ward team to deliver an individual plan of care to our patients.
We are looking for candidates who are compassionate, respectful, professional, and reliable. This means demonstrating a non-judgemental and caring attitude but also the ability to uphold both personal and workplace boundaries to ensure safety of self, patients, colleagues and the public.
Unsocial Hours payments are time plus 35% for all time on Saturday (midnight to midnight) and any week day after 8 pm and before 6 am and time plus 69% for all time on Sundays and Public Holidays (midnight to midnight).
'In line with the Equality Act 2010 there is a genuine Occupational Requirement to appoint males to these posts on the grounds of decency and privacy'.
Please demonstrate In your application why you are interested in working at Wathwood and having read the main duties of the job and the person specification, why this is the job for you.
Previous Healthcare experience is not required, but experience and an understanding of and experience in caring for people with mental health, learning disability or autism is. If you do not have care experience, please let us know about your transferable skills and experience in your application, which is equivalent to previous experience.
Interviews will be held on 21 April 2026.
Please note: this vacancy is based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
Main duties of the job
Wathwood Hospital is a purpose-built 78 bed adult male medium secure Hospital with four wards. Wathwood Hospital is part of Nottinghamshire Healthcare, caters for those aged over 18 years who require assessment and treatment of mental health difficulties in a secure environment.
You will be required to work 150 hours over a 4-week period. We work long days, which are12 hourshifts. Shifts are day or night (24/7, 365 days per year). Part time work is available however shift flexibility is required in addition to working a share of weekends, nights and bank holidays. Flexibility is offered through roster requests. Rosters are set 12 weeks in advance to support planning
You will develop therapeutic relationships with patients through engagement in meaningful activities with them and role model appropriate behaviour to support their progress along the treatment journey.
You will be assisting with daily activities that support the physical and mental health of our patients. This will include observing and talking with patients, supporting structured days, serving meals, planned therapy or activities, and engaging in meaningful activities on the ward with individual or groups of patients.
You will be working in a highly demanding environment in which, daily, you may come across complex emotionally and physically challenging situations. A degree of resilience as well as being a good team player is essential in the role.
About us
#TeamNottsHC comprises over 11,000 dedicated colleagues who #MakeADifference every day. We deliver intellectual disability, mental health, community health, forensic, and offender healthcare services across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire. Our care is provided from over 200 sites, spanning community locations, acute settings, and secure environments, including prisons.
We are one of the largest mental health and community Trusts in the East Midlands and one of Nottinghamshire's biggest employers. We also host national and regional services, such as the National High Secure Deaf Service and the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health.
We offer a variety of employee-led staff networks, including Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) groups, the Green Champions network, the Freedom to Speak Up network, the Health and Wellbeing Champions network, and the Menopause Champions network. These networks play a vital role in supporting our diverse workforce and promoting a culture of inclusivity.
The health and wellbeing of colleagues is a top priority. We invest significantly in this through our in-house occupational health and staff counselling services, supported by a dedicated Health and Wellbeing team.
The Trust is committed to reducing its carbon emissions, with a specialised Energy and Environmental team working to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, enhance our environmental performance, and achieve our net-zero commitment
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please note that this post does not meet the pay level required for a Skilled worker visa.
Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience would normally be placed at the bottom of the band in line with Agenda for Change. This salary is below the minimum salary required for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. In these circumstances the Trust would not, therefore, be able to sponsor for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa.
Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT £24,937-£26,598 per annum plus unsocial hours payments* Male Only Applications. Wathwood, Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
You will participate as a member of the nursing team in delivering, monitoring and contribute towards evaluating individual care/treatment plans and collaborate with other disciplines as required.
In support of a registered nurse, you will participate in the development and maintenance of a high quality of care within a secure environment, through involvement in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. You will act as a role model to Band 2 Care Assistants. You will monitor and supervisor the work of junior grades as directed by the Nurse in Charge, subject to Trust policy and procedure.
Support registered nurses in maintaining general and specific patient observations and record all relevant information countersigned by a registered nurse.
Demonstrate, by example, an understanding of the responsibilities in relation to patient property and valuables, respecting cultural values.
Actively promote a responsible caring attitude at all times treating patients with dignity and respect.
Always act in a manner that ensures no patient is the subject of any form of abuse.
To report any incident of patient abuse which you become aware of to an appropriate person.
Always act in a manner as to promote and safeguard the interests and wellbeing of patients.
Participate and assist in coordinating in the escorting of patients as per hospital procedures.
Accompany patients, liaise and participate as needed, in recreational activities.
Maintain good order and cleanliness on the ward.
To provide support and supervision to Band 2 Care Assistants on areas allocated by qualified nursing staff.
To act as a role model for Band 2 Care Assistants participating in induction and buddying arrangements.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.
You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please note that this post does not meet the pay level required for a Skilled worker visa.
Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience would normally be placed at the bottom of the band in line with Agenda for Change. This salary is below the minimum salary required for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. In these circumstances the Trust would not, therefore, be able to sponsor for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa.
Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT £24,937-£26,598 per annum plus unsocial hours payments* Male Only Applications. Wathwood, Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
You will participate as a member of the nursing team in delivering, monitoring and contribute towards evaluating individual care/treatment plans and collaborate with other disciplines as required.
In support of a registered nurse, you will participate in the development and maintenance of a high quality of care within a secure environment, through involvement in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. You will act as a role model to Band 2 Care Assistants. You will monitor and supervisor the work of junior grades as directed by the Nurse in Charge, subject to Trust policy and procedure.
Support registered nurses in maintaining general and specific patient observations and record all relevant information countersigned by a registered nurse.
Demonstrate, by example, an understanding of the responsibilities in relation to patient property and valuables, respecting cultural values.
Actively promote a responsible caring attitude at all times treating patients with dignity and respect.
Always act in a manner that ensures no patient is the subject of any form of abuse.
To report any incident of patient abuse which you become aware of to an appropriate person.
Always act in a manner as to promote and safeguard the interests and wellbeing of patients.
Participate and assist in coordinating in the escorting of patients as per hospital procedures.
Accompany patients, liaise and participate as needed, in recreational activities.
Maintain good order and cleanliness on the ward.
To provide support and supervision to Band 2 Care Assistants on areas allocated by qualified nursing staff.
To act as a role model for Band 2 Care Assistants participating in induction and buddying arrangements.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.
You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.
Person Specification
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Ability to perform the full range of duties
Contractual Requirements
Essential
- Shift working
- 24 hour rotational systems
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in care or able to demonstrate possession of equivalent experience/training
- Good general education e.g. GCSE English and Maths
Training
Essential
- Evidence of training and experience in delivery of therapeutic and/or diversional interventions
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a healthcare setting o
- Experience of working with patients who display challenging behaviour
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in a forensic environment
- Experience of shift working patterns
Skills
Essential
- Good verbal/written communication skills
- Ability to work as part of a team and induct/supervise junior staff
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate at interview that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust Honesty Respect Compassion Teamwork
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how it applies to their role. The Trust's expectations are highlighted within our EDI Policy, and associated EDI and Human Rights legislation
Person Specification
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Ability to perform the full range of duties
Contractual Requirements
Essential
- Shift working
- 24 hour rotational systems
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in care or able to demonstrate possession of equivalent experience/training
- Good general education e.g. GCSE English and Maths
Training
Essential
- Evidence of training and experience in delivery of therapeutic and/or diversional interventions
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a healthcare setting o
- Experience of working with patients who display challenging behaviour
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in a forensic environment
- Experience of shift working patterns
Skills
Essential
- Good verbal/written communication skills
- Ability to work as part of a team and induct/supervise junior staff
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate at interview that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust Honesty Respect Compassion Teamwork
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how it applies to their role. The Trust's expectations are highlighted within our EDI Policy, and associated EDI and Human Rights legislation
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.
