Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Nursing Assistant

The closing date is 09 March 2026

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for enthusiastic individuals to join our specialist ECT service based in Exmouth and Exeter. We are looking to appoint people who are passionate about caring for people with mental health difficulties and contributing to making a difference to their lives.

The job offers a challenging yet rewarding environment with opportunities to consistently learn and develop.

We are looking for people who share our trust values in delivering high quality care and treatment, who enjoy working as part of a proactive Multi-Disciplinary team and want to make a difference in improving peoples lives every day.

The main purpose of the team is to deliver Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) to those who require this intervention. ECT is an effective treatment for depression, mania, and catatonia and can be administered to adults and older adults alike.

Our service operates clinics 2 days a week.

Please note this vacancy may close early if volume of applications are high.

Main duties of the job

If you require a certificate of sponsorship to work in the UK you are advised to review the "Coming to work in the UK Visa Information" link in the supporting links section to ensure this role and your current circumstances meet the requirements for sponsorship

If you would like to discuss the certificate of sponsorship and whether your current circumstances meet the requirement for sponsorship email dpt.recruitment@nhs.net for further advice

The post holder will be required to assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using our services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals.

You will also be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.

We know at Devon Partnership NHS Trust that Health Care Assistants from different employment backgrounds can bring a range of knowledge and new ideas - previous care experience is desirable but NOT essential.

Our fantastic colleagues can teach you the required skills if you share our Trust values, are ready to learn and you can demonstrate that you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The role will require you to hold a Care Certificate but it's not essential that you already hold this, as we can support you to achieve this whilst learning in the role.

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

Our values

We not only recruit employees based on their qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess and demonstrate the behaviours which underpin the core values of our organisation. These values include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health & learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader Employer.

Date posted

20 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year pro rata (15 hours per week)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-26-0143

Job locations

Franklyn House

Franklyn Drive

Exeter

Devon

EX29HS

Exmouth Hospital

Claremont Grove

Exmouth

EX8 2JN

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Awareness of safeguarding principles
IT skills
Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships
Good communication and listening skills
Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis
Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries
Problem solving skills
Able to plan work, time management, completing records and recording observations etc.
To take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties
To demonstrate an ability to provide practical support and physically perform nursing duties.
To be able to respond promptly to physical and mental health emergencies, be able to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner.
To be patient and tolerant in challenging situations.

Desirable

Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.

Qualifications

Essential

Basic Education
To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion

Desirable

NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Awareness of safeguarding principles
IT skills
Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships
Good communication and listening skills
Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis
Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries
Problem solving skills
Able to plan work, time management, completing records and recording observations etc.
To take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties
To demonstrate an ability to provide practical support and physically perform nursing duties.
To be able to respond promptly to physical and mental health emergencies, be able to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner.
To be patient and tolerant in challenging situations.

Desirable

Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.

Qualifications

Essential

Basic Education
To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion

Desirable

NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

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.