Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Assistant

The closing date is 02 March 2026

Job summary

We are seeking a compassionate, motivated, and patient-centred Healthcare Assistant to join our Care of the Elderly ward. The post holder will work under the supervision of registered nurses to support the safe, effective, and dignified care of older adults with a range of acute and long-term health needs.

You will play a vital role in delivering high-quality personal care, supporting patients with daily living activities, assisting with mobility, monitoring observations, and helping to maintain a calm, safe, and therapeutic ward environment. Building trusting relationships with patients and their families is an essential part of this role, as many of our patients require reassurance, emotional support, and continuity of care.

This role requires someone who embodies our Trust Values: Excellent, Compassionate, and Respectful. While previous experience in care is beneficial, it is not essential, as full training and support will be provided. A genuine interest in caring for older adults, strong communication skills, and a kind, patient approach are key to succeeding in this role.

***Please note we are unable to sponsor this role***

Main duties of the job

The role involves delivering high-quality, person-centred care, supporting patients with personal hygiene, mobility, and daily activities while always maintaining their dignity. You will assist with washing, dressing, toileting, eating, and drinking, ensuring individual nutritional and hydration needs are met. The post holder will safely support patient movement using appropriate equipment such as hoists and mobility aids, monitor and record observations, and promptly report any changes to the registered nurse.

A key part of the role is helping to maintain a calm, therapeutic, and safe environment for older adults with a wide range of physical and cognitive needs, including those living with dementia. You will communicate sensitively with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team, offering reassurance, orientation, and emotional support. The position also includes upholding strict infection-control standards, maintaining clean and safe bed spaces and equipment, and assisting with admissions, transfers, and discharges to ensure patients feel supported throughout their stay.

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.

Details

Date posted

26 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

390-DoM-SO-3459

Job locations

Southend

Prittlewell Chase

Westcliff-on-sea

SS0 0RY


Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you looking for an exciting new role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you looking for an exciting new role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Basic literacy and numeracy (often evidenced by GCSEs or equivalent)

Knoweldge and Experience

Essential

  • Completion of the Care Certificate
  • Previous experience in a healthcare or care setting

Desirable

  • NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or willingness to work towards it
  • Previous experience in renal care or haemodialysis
  • Experience in an acute hospital setting

Communication

Essential

  • Good communication (verbal & non-verbal) and interpersonal skills

Desirable

  • Ability to recognize and respond to changes in patient condition
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Basic literacy and numeracy (often evidenced by GCSEs or equivalent)

Knoweldge and Experience

Essential

  • Completion of the Care Certificate
  • Previous experience in a healthcare or care setting

Desirable

  • NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or willingness to work towards it
  • Previous experience in renal care or haemodialysis
  • Experience in an acute hospital setting

Communication

Essential

  • Good communication (verbal & non-verbal) and interpersonal skills

Desirable

  • Ability to recognize and respond to changes in patient condition

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)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward Manager

Julie Londesborough

julie.londesborough@nhs.net

03004435659

Details

Date posted

26 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

390-DoM-SO-3459

Job locations

Southend

Prittlewell Chase

Westcliff-on-sea

SS0 0RY


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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