Health Care Assistant

Matrix Staffing Solutions Ltd; South Molton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Matrix Staffing Solutions Ltd is seeking a Healthcare Assistant to support nurses and patients with personal care, mobility, and daily activities in a compassionate, patient-centred manner.

You will take vital signs, assist with observations, maintain cleanliness, follow infection prevention procedures, and document care accurately.

This role requires shift work including evenings and weekends; NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care or willingness to work towards it, and right to work.

Qualifications

• Previous care experience is desirable but not essential.
• NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards it).
• Right to work and satisfactory background checks.
• Willingness to undertake mandatory training (e.g., safeguarding, manual handling).

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with personal care, including washing, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
• Support individuals with eating and drinking, ensuring dietary needs are met.
• Help maintain patient comfort, dignity, and independence wherever possible.
• Take and record vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
• Assist with patient observations and report any changes to senior staff.
• Support nurses with basic clinical tasks under supervision.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in patient areas.
• Prepare and clean equipment before and after use.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
• Provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and families.
• Communicate effectively with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
• Accurately document care provided in line with organisational policies.

Skills

Compassionate

Communication

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Confidentiality

Education

NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

Position Overview

A Healthcare Assistant provides essential support to nurses, clinicians, and patients by delivering high-quality personal care and assisting with daily activities. This role is vital in ensuring a safe, compassionate, and dignified care experience for all service users.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Assist patients with personal care, including washing, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
• Support individuals with eating and drinking, ensuring dietary needs are met.
• Help maintain patient comfort, dignity, and independence wherever possible.

Clinical Support

• Take and record vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
• Assist with patient observations and report any changes to senior staff.
• Support nurses with basic clinical tasks under supervision.

Environment & Safety

• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in patient areas.
• Prepare and clean equipment before and after use.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.

Communication & Teamwork

• Provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and families.
• Communicate effectively with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
• Accurately document care provided in line with organisational policies.

Skills & Qualities

• Compassionate, patient-centred approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well in a team and follow instructions.
• Reliable, organised, and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous care experience is desirable but not always essential.
• NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards it).
• Right to work and satisfactory background checks.
• Willingness to undertake mandatory training (e.g., safeguarding, manual handling).

Working Conditions

• Shift-based work, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
• May involve manual handling and supporting patients with limited mobility.
• Fast-paced environment requiring empathy, resilience, and adaptability