Oxford Health NHS Trust

Healthcare Assistant - CAMHS PICU

The closing date is 20 January 2026

Job summary

Are you seeking a rewarding career and an opportunity for career progression?

Do you want an opportunity that would help support vulnerable young people?

We are looking for Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) to join our energetic, friendly, supportive and caring team at the Meadow Unit.

HCAs are crucial to the running of our Mental Health Unit. They work alongside nurses, doctors, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, family therapists, and dieticians to provide 24/7 compassionate care to young people admitted to the our Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for children and young people.

We provide care for young people with a range of difficulties including eating disorders, anxiety OCD, depression and bipolar mood disorders, unusual experiences and psychosis, trauma, self-harm, and relationship and attachment-based difficulties. Families are often contending with multiple and complex psycho-social difficulties, and we aim to take a holistic approach guided by evidence and best-practice.

We are seeking individuals who are compassionate and enthusiastic and who are able to work collaboratively with our service users and family during an acute phase of a young person's illness.

If you are looking for a career where you can develop yourself and grow within, or you are looking for a new opportunity, a career change and challenge we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

Our CAMHS services are staffed by full multi-disciplinary teams including nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists, and supported by a variety of other professional colleagues.

As a Healthcare Assistant you'll contribute and participate in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of care and treatment for people within a healthcare or community setting. You'll play a vital role in improving patients' wellbeing.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Personal Care: Assisting patients with daily activities like washing, dressing, and eating.
  • Patient Monitoring: Keeping an eye on patient conditions to ensure their comfort and safety.
  • Ward Environment: Helping to maintain a clean, welcoming, and safe environment on the ward.
  • Communication: Interacting with patients and their families to provide reassurance and support.

About us

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.

Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible

Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive:"Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"

Our values are:"Caring, safe and excellent"

At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:

  • Excellent opportunities for career progression
  • Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
  • 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
  • NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
  • Competitive pension scheme
  • Lease car scheme
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Mental Health First Aiders
  • Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists may apply)
  • Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team

Details

Date posted

13 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum/pro-rata (with PICU Enhancement of £1475.00 per annum)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

267-OC6836669-A

Job locations

Meadow Unit CAMHS PICU, Warenford Hospital

Warneford Lane

Oxford

OX3 7JX


Job description

Job responsibilities

We hope that the advert has given you a clear understanding of the skills we are seeking and the opportunity at hand. You will need to use the supporting statement element of your application form to demonstrate your suitability for this role and you should refer to the job description, person specification and the guidance notes attached to this role to help you tailor your application.

The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview, and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.

Job description

Job responsibilities

We hope that the advert has given you a clear understanding of the skills we are seeking and the opportunity at hand. You will need to use the supporting statement element of your application form to demonstrate your suitability for this role and you should refer to the job description, person specification and the guidance notes attached to this role to help you tailor your application.

The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview, and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.

Person Specification

Knowledge Requirements

Essential

  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to organise workload & time efficiently under supervision
  • Ability to support & motivate patients

Skills

Essential

  • Able to handle complaints sensitively and effectively
  • Demonstrate a willingness to be involved in the induction of new staff and bank staff under supervision

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Ability to manage challenging behaviours and an emotional robustness
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Genuine interest and commitment to working with young people and their families.
  • Able to maintain boundaries with the client group and their families

Experience

Essential

  • Experience or Interest in providing care (e.g. child / elderly relative)
Person Specification

Knowledge Requirements

Essential

  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to organise workload & time efficiently under supervision
  • Ability to support & motivate patients

Skills

Essential

  • Able to handle complaints sensitively and effectively
  • Demonstrate a willingness to be involved in the induction of new staff and bank staff under supervision

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Ability to manage challenging behaviours and an emotional robustness
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Genuine interest and commitment to working with young people and their families.
  • Able to maintain boundaries with the client group and their families

Experience

Essential

  • Experience or Interest in providing care (e.g. child / elderly relative)

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Oxford Health NHS Trust

Address

Meadow Unit CAMHS PICU, Warenford Hospital

Warneford Lane

Oxford

OX3 7JX


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Oxford Health NHS Trust

Address

Meadow Unit CAMHS PICU, Warenford Hospital

Warneford Lane

Oxford

OX3 7JX


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

CAMHS PICU Ward Manager

Sarah Firth

sarah.firth@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

01865901400

Details

Date posted

13 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum/pro-rata (with PICU Enhancement of £1475.00 per annum)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

267-OC6836669-A

Job locations

Meadow Unit CAMHS PICU, Warenford Hospital

Warneford Lane

Oxford

OX3 7JX


Supporting documents

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