Job summary
Employer heading
Healthcare Assistant/Trainee - Durham, Tees Valley and Forensics
NHS AfC: Band 3
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care —our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We’re committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
We won’t rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Job overview
Do you want to make a difference to our patients lives? Are you compassionate about meeting the needs of our patients and carers? Then joining our Trust as a Healthcare Assistant may be the job for you!
Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) are currently recruiting for Band 3 Healthcare Assistants to join us, with multiple vacancies available across our sites in the Durham and Tees Valleys Area. As part of the recruitment process, you will be asked for your preference of location and if successful, will be matched to a vacancy as close to this as possible. There are a range of roles available, with varied hours and working patterns across a 24/7 period.
At TEWV, we want people to lead their best possible lives and Healthcare Assistants play a pivotal role in improving the lives of people under our care and delivering patient centred care. We want to recruit individuals who are flexible, enthusiastic and have a positive, caring attitude.
Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate the competencies to perform at this level and be a role model of the Trust’s core values; Respect, Compassion and Responsibility. Post holders will ensure that at all times, they promote a positive image of people with mental ill health and the Trust.
If shortlisted, you will be invited to interviews which will take place during the week commencing 6th January 2025.
Main duties of the job
Post holders will contribute to the creation of a physical and psychological environment conducive to the provision of high quality care.
The successful candidate will undertake delegated activities to assist with the implementation of intervention plans as part of the multidisciplinary team. Patients have a range of mental health conditions and may demonstrate behaviours that challenge and may have difficult family situation of relevance.
Healthcare Assistants are responsible for accurately recording and reporting psychological observations (e.g. temperature, blood pressure and pulse). You may also be required to carry out venepuncture and ECGs, as required.
Post holders will also be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records in accordance with the Trust and professional record keeping standards.
The successful candidate must have completed the Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2 or equivalent. Candidates must also have Literacy and Numeracy level 2 or equivalent and must complete the Trust HCA competencies within their probationary period (first 6 months in role).
The successful candidates who do not have the required qualifications will be expected to enrol on the HCA Framework which will include the acquisition of the level 2 Diploma Health and Social Care, level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy or equivalent and achievement of competencies. You will have a maximum of 2 years to complete this.
Working for our organisation
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Postholders will plan and organise their own delegated workload, prioritising appropriately in accordance with safety and patient need.
You will be expected to recognise your own limitations and make judgements within level of own competency when undertaking enhanced observations, escort duties and physiological measurements without close supervision.
You will also be expected to maintain up to date knowledge and competency in the skills required for the role.
Full details of the roles and responsibilities can be found in the attached job description and person specification. Please ensure you illustrate how you meet the criteria outlined in your application form.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
- Previous experience as a Band 2/3 HCA or equivalent in a relevant care environment
- (Trainee post: no essential experience required).
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs or learning disabilities.
- Previous experience working with children or young people.
Skills
Essential criteria
- Effective communication skills
- Time management and ability to prioritise effectively
- Competent in record keeping
- Approved techniques in physical intervention (within agreed timescale)
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Person centred care
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Diploma in Health and Social Care level 2 or equivalent or Trainee Diploma in Health and Social Care level 2 must be achieved within 2 years of commencement in post
- Care Certificate or Trainee must be achieved within 12 weeks of commencement in post
- Key skills in Literacy and Numeracy level 2
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- The Recruitment Team
- Job title
- Recruitment
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0300 200 0023
List jobs with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust in Nursing and Midwifery or all sectors