Healthcare Assistant - Female Acute Inpatient Ward

Overview

We are seeking a Healthcare Assistant to join the Female Acute Inpatient Ward (Cherrydown) at Basildon Mental Health Unit. This role involves supporting the professional team in delivering patient care in an inpatient setting. Although you will generally work under supervision, at times responsibilities will require independent action with oversight from qualified personnel. You will help implement and assess patient care plans under the Ward Manager's guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain effective relationships with patients, their families, carers, and multidisciplinary team members.
• Provide prescribed nursing care, functioning as an Associate/Co Worker under nurse supervision.
• Document and report on the outcomes of care plans implemented.
• Support and manage patients displaying challenging behaviors.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living such as personal hygiene and nutrition, adhering to the principle of normalization.
• Encourage patients to maintain independence by developing daily living, communication, domestic, and social skills.
• Help qualified staff monitor patients’ physical health.
• Perform duties to ensure a safe environment free from hazards.

Additional Information

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and the vacancy may close early if sufficient candidates apply. Sponsorship support is not available for this position, thus only eligible applicants will be considered.

Employees are expected to embody Trust values and NHS Constitution standards at all times.

New hires must cover the cost of their initial DBS check, which will be deducted from the first salary payment.

The Trust is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from individuals with lived mental health experience and those with disabilities.

Applicants will undergo robust safeguarding checks consistent with safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.

COVID-19 vaccination (two doses) is required for all Care Home-related roles per Health and Social Care regulations, unless exempt.

Work Environment & Benefits

• Provide a 24/7 service, working shift patterns including weekends and holidays, ensuring care continuity 365 days a year.
• Enjoy 27 days annual holiday plus bank holidays, increasing to 33 days after 10 years of service.
• Benefit from a pension scheme with contributions up to 14.5% of pensionable pay.
• Access various staff discounts such as Blue Light Card and NHS offers.
• Benefit from interest-free season ticket loans for commuting via public transport.
• Flexible working arrangements and job-share options are available from the start.
• Receive support including supervision, occupational health, mental wellbeing services, and participation in trust networks and recognition awards.

Application Notes

Please ensure your application includes professional references with contact information covering the previous three years’ employment. Personal or character references are not accepted.

Applications should be completed independently; the use of artificial intelligence tools in the application process may lead to rejection, except if support is needed due to a declared disability.