Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Assistant

The closing date is 29 January 2026

Job summary

We have several exciting permanent opportunities at Southend Hospital for Healthcare Assistants.

The job requires someone that exudes our Trust Values: Excellent, Compassionate and Respectful. Although experience is not necessary for this role as full training is provided, having worked in care, or provided care would be advantageous to the role.

If you are interested in starting a Career in Care, please apply today!

We are recruiting across several specialities - please specify the area that you are interested in, in your supporting information)

Interviews will be conducted on Saturday 7th February 2026 - the interview will be face-to-face , we are unable to accommodate virtual interviews.

Main duties of the job

The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will function as part of the multi-disciplinary team within the ward or department to provide a seamless service & high-quality care to patients under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. The HCA is expected to undertake care to meet the needs of the patients under the supervision of a qualified nurse, working within the Trust's policies and procedures and the philosophy of the ward. Being able to work as part of a team is essential to the role.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust encourages our Healthcare Assistants to continually develop their own capabilities and knowledge of nursing tasks in line with the Trust's career pathways.

These posts require you to commit to Shift work which will include, weekends, Bank holidays and nights. In general, our day shifts start at 7:00 and finish at 19:30. Night shifts start at 19:00 and finish at 7:30 (some wards may differ slightly). Shift Rota are planned 4-8 weeks in advance.

About us

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Date posted

27 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

390-HCA-Southend-26

Job locations

Southend

Prittlewell Chase

Westcliff-on-Sea

SS0 0RY

Job description

Job responsibilities

A full list of duties can be found in the attached Job Description.

At all times maintain the dignity and respect of patients.

Assist in the admission process by accurately recording patients demographic details.

To assist patients with personal and oral hygiene as instructed.

To assist patients with eating and drinking.

Monitoring and accurate recording of dietary and fluid intake appropriately reporting any abnormalities to the nurse in charge.

Enable patients to access appropriate toilet facilities, collecting and disposing of body waste.

Testing blood sugars, urine and stool specimens & accurately record results.

Removal of male/female indwelling urethral catheters.

Please be aware that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a high number of applications be received.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide Visa Sponsorship for this role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

A full list of duties can be found in the attached Job Description.

At all times maintain the dignity and respect of patients.

Assist in the admission process by accurately recording patients demographic details.

To assist patients with personal and oral hygiene as instructed.

To assist patients with eating and drinking.

Monitoring and accurate recording of dietary and fluid intake appropriately reporting any abnormalities to the nurse in charge.

Enable patients to access appropriate toilet facilities, collecting and disposing of body waste.

Testing blood sugars, urine and stool specimens & accurately record results.

Removal of male/female indwelling urethral catheters.

Please be aware that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a high number of applications be received.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide Visa Sponsorship for this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Good literacy demonstrated through minimal spelling and grammatical errors throughout application
Experience of working with the public
Must be keen to learn new skills and flexible in the workplace

Desirable

Previous experience of working in a healthcare setting
Healthcare Certificate
Good IT skills
Working within a team and experience of working in an environment with changing demands and priorities

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Good literacy demonstrated through minimal spelling and grammatical errors throughout application
Experience of working with the public
Must be keen to learn new skills and flexible in the workplace

Desirable

Previous experience of working in a healthcare setting
Healthcare Certificate
Good IT skills
Working within a team and experience of working in an environment with changing demands and priorities

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

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Southend

Prittlewell Chase

Westcliff-on-Sea

SS0 0RY

Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Southend

Prittlewell Chase

Westcliff-on-Sea

SS0 0RY

Employer's website

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