Health Care Assistant - Rowan Ward 1

NHS; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated Health Care Assistant in Yeovil to support individuals facing mental health challenges. This role involves providing compassionate care within a multidisciplinary team, assisting patients with their daily living activities, and engaging them in therapeutic interventions. Applicants should be willing to pursue NVQ level 3 in direct care. Offering a 24-hour service, the position includes flexible working patterns including evenings and weekends, contributing to patient recovery and wellbeing in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Access to Blue Light Card discounts

Qualifications

• Willingness to work towards NVQ level 3 in direct care or Certificate in Care.
• Experience in working with people in a caring situation.
• Previous experience in mental health services is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build therapeutic relationships through engagement and support.
• Assist with personal care, nutrition, and hygiene.
• Monitor and document patient wellbeing.
• Participate in therapeutic activities and structured interventions.
• Manage challenging behavior calmly and effectively.

Skills

Empathic communication

Monitoring patient wellbeing

Personal care support

Crisis management

Record keeping

Education

Willingness to work towards NVQ level 3 in direct care

Related healthcare interests or education

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting people through their most challenging times? Do you want a role where every day you can make a positive impact on someone's life? If so, this opportunity is for you.

We are looking for a Health Care Assistant to join our dedicated team on a 15-bedded mental health ward in Yeovil. You will work within a multidisciplinary team that includes Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, and medical professionals. Together, we provide compassionate, evidence‑based care tailored to individual needs.

This is a 24‑hour service, and you will work on a rotational shift pattern, including days, nights, weekends, and bank holidays.

As a valued member of our team, you will provide care and support to adults of working age who are experiencing acute mental health difficulties. Your role is central to helping patients feel safe, supported, and empowered on their journey to recovery.

Main duties of the job

• Build therapeutic relationships through listening, empathy, and meaningful engagement.
• Monitor patient wellbeing and ensure safety through observation and proactive care.
• Support daily living activities such as eating, drinking, and personal hygiene.
• Encourage participation in therapeutic and diversional activities.
• Escort patients safely outside the unit for appointments or therapeutic leave.
• Use de‑escalation techniques to manage distress and aggression, and assist in crisis situations.
• Help patients adhere to their care plans, including medication and treatment.
• Maintain accurate records and communicate effectively with patients, carers, and colleagues.

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 offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long‑term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

As a Health Care Assistant, you will:

• Recognise each patient as an individual and support their social, emotional, and physical needs.
• Assist with personal care, nutrition, and hygiene, promoting independence wherever possible.
• Participate in therapeutic activities and structured interventions to aid recovery.
• Carry out physiological observations and support medication administration under supervision.
• Respond to challenging behaviour using approved techniques, including restraint when trained.
• Escort patients to appointments and therapeutic activities both on and off the ward.
• Adhere to infection control policies and report concerns promptly.
• Engage in regular supervision and training to maintain high standards of care.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Must be willing to work towards NVQ level 3 in direct care or Certificate in Care if not already held.
• Related healthcare interests or education

Experience

• Experience of working with people in a caring situation
• Previous experience of working in mental health services

Additional Criteria

• Able to recognise and manage situations in a calm manner
• High standards of written communication and the ability to use email and internet
• Excellent organisational skills
• Able to plan and manage own time and respond to instruction as needed

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.