Health Care Assistant
At a glance
- Band
- Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Posted
- 02/09/2026
- Closes
- 16/09/2026
Sponsorship verdict
Sponsorship is not clearly stated in this advert.
The advert didn't contain a clear role-specific sponsorship line, so HiveMind can't confirm eligibility. Verify with the recruiting manager or trust HR before you apply.
Role summary
This Health Care Assistant role involves providing compassionate care to patients, supporting them through difficult times with kindness and reassurance. You will assist with daily living activities, observe patient behaviour, and ensure their safety within an inpatient unit. The position requires a flexible approach to shift patterns and participation in an on-call service after training.
Essential criteria
- Behaviours must align with Somerset Foundation Trust values, those being kindness, respect, teamwork, everyone, everyday.
- -Outstanding care.
- -Listening and leading.
- -Working together, as part of a team.
- Knowledge and Experience:
- -Caring and compassionate. Exceptional interpersonal skills and high quality communication skills. The ability to communicate well with patients, relatives and colleagues is integral to this role, whilst remaining empathetic and sensitive.
- -The ability to listen and respect other's values and beliefs, recognising and respecting individual needs.
- -Maintain a professional and patient-focused approach, acting as a role model to other colleagues.
- -Excellent organisational skills, punctuality and ability to manage own time effectively.
- -Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations, in a professional and calm manner.
- -Able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and escalate concerns when needed. Being focused and taking instructions when required is crucial to this role as healthcare assistant.
- -Ability to record and retrieve information on paper/electronic records, as appropriate, and maintain confidentiality.
- -High standards of written communication skills, with the ability to use email and the internet.
- -Remain compassionate, open minded, treats colleagues, patients, carers and relatives with dignity and respect.
- -Intuitive and caring nature.
- - Act in a ways that support equality and diversity, alongside Trust values.
- -To be able to demonstrate an awareness and responsibility, whilst recognising the impact of frequent exposure to distressing circumstances and the impact this has on care and compassion.
- -Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the patients and service as a whole.
- -Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills
- -Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients
- SUPPORTING BEHAVIOURS
- To carry out this role successfully the post holder needs to be fully aware of and adhere to Trust values/standards and reflect these as their behaviours:
- Outstanding Care:
- We treat everyone with dignity, kindness and respect.
- We involve patients, relatives, carers and colleagues in decision-making.
- I ensure that my actions contribute to outstanding care regardless of my role.
- I admit mistakes, apologise and learn from them.
- I champion the health, safety and wellbeing of patients, relatives, carers and colleagues.
- I speak up when others cannot.
- Listening and Leading:
- I lead with empathy, taking responsibility for how my emotions and actions affect others.
- I inspire others to embrace change, encouraging them to see their part in the bigger picture.
- I strive to be the best I can be.
- I value the opinions and contributions of colleagues, patients and others.
- I encourage innovation and am open to new ideas.
- I listen with interest and take action if I am able.
- Working Together:
- I collaborate with others to achieve shared goals.
- I communicate clearly and appropriately.
- We work together to overcome challenges.
- I ask for help and always assist those in need.
- I thank colleagues for their contributions and celebrate shared successes.
- I use resources effectively, treating every as if it were my own.
Desirable criteria
- Previous nursing or healthcare experience would be desirable for this post on Hadspen ward.
- Previous experience of working in an NHS environment.
- The job includes listening and talking to patients/relatives/carers, observing patients behaviour, providing close observation to ensure patient safety (one to one), encouraging them with eating, drinking, personal hygiene. Involving them in diversional activities, escorting patients out of the unit, dealing with anger (explanations, negotiation and de-escalation), assisting in the management of violent episodes, helping in the administration of medication.
- Works within an inpatient unit for the assessment and treatment of patients
- Is required to work in support of qualified nurses and other professionals
- Carries out assigned tasks involving direct care in support of, and supervised by, a registered nurse
- Will work a 24 hour rotational shift pattern
- Reporting and documenting observations.
- It would be desirable to have previous experience working in a ward or healthcare setting in the NHS.
- Additional Criteria
- It is desirable for applicants to have a driving license, as public transport links are limited. We have free parking on site.
- Behaviours must align with Somerset Foundation Trust values, those being kindness, respect, teamwork, everyone, everyday.
- -Outstanding care.
- -Listening and leading.
- -Working together, as part of a team.
- Knowledge and Experience:
- -Caring and compassionate. Exceptional interpersonal skills and high quality communication skills. The ability to communicate well with patients, relatives and colleagues is integral to this role, whilst remaining empathetic and sensitive.
- -The ability to listen and respect other's values and beliefs, recognising and respecting individual needs.
- -Maintain a professional and patient-focused approach, acting as a role model to other colleagues.
- -Excellent organisational skills, punctuality and ability to manage own time effectively.
- -Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations, in a professional and calm manner.
- -Able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and escalate concerns when needed. Being focused and taking instructions when required is crucial to this role as healthcare assistant.
- -Ability to record and retrieve information on paper/electronic records, as appropriate, and maintain confidentiality.
- -High standards of written communication skills, with the ability to use email and the internet.
- -Remain compassionate, open minded, treats colleagues, patients, carers and relatives with dignity and respect.
- -Intuitive and caring nature.
- - Act in a ways that support equality and diversity, alongside Trust values.
- -To be able to demonstrate an awareness and responsibility, whilst recognising the impact of frequent exposure to distressing circumstances and the impact this has on care and compassion.
- -Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the patients and service as a whole.
- -Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills
- -Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients
- SUPPORTING BEHAVIOURS
- To carry out this role successfully the post holder needs to be fully aware of and adhere to Trust values/standards and reflect these as their behaviours:
- Outstanding Care:
- We treat everyone with dignity, kindness and respect.
- We involve patients, relatives, carers and colleagues in decision-making.
- I ensure that my actions contribute to outstanding care regardless of my role.
- I admit mistakes, apologise and learn from them.
- I champion the health, safety and wellbeing of patients, relatives, carers and colleagues.
- I speak up when others cannot.
- Listening and Leading:
- I lead with empathy, taking responsibility for how my emotions and actions affect others.
- I inspire others to embrace change, encouraging them to see their part in the bigger picture.
- I strive to be the best I can be.
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 3 at £24,625 – £25,674 a year, across England.
This advert: £25,760 – £27,476 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 5d ago · Closes in 10d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Health Care Assistant
The closing date is 16 September 2026
Job summary
Caring for others may be the most rewarding job you could ever do. Alongside countless opportunities to enhance your clinical skills and receive support with your personal development, you could be the person to support our patients through their most difficult times. Often, a kind word, a smile, and the reassurance that they are safe and someone cares can make all the difference to a patient, could you be that person?"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."-- Maya Angelou
Main duties of the job
Experience of working in a care setting would be advantageous but all necessary skills training, professional updates and mandatory training as appropriate to the post will be provided.Full details of duties can be found in the job description.There will be an expectation of a flexible approach to shifts patterns with a commitment to participate in the on call service after appropriate training.Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust , we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We
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