Healthcare Assistant

NHS; Bishop Auckland; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A local healthcare provider in Bishop Auckland is seeking a Healthcare Assistant. This role involves supporting the nursing team in patient care, requiring effective communication and the ability to work under pressure. Candidates should have a Care Certificate or be willing to complete it within six months. The position offers a salary between £24,465 and £26,598, with opportunities in a friendly and supportive team.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in caring for others is beneficial.
• Demonstrates competence in clinical observations.
• Must complete a Care Certificate within the first 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursing team in providing care to patients.
• Assist in admitting patients to the ward.
• Recognize changes in patient’s condition and report to a nurse.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Interpersonal skills

Education

Care Certificate

GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics

Job description

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust – Healthcare Assistant

The closing date is 17 November 2025

Ward 10 is a 24‑bed nurse‑led step‑down unit recruiting staff to join the team. This is an exciting opportunity for Health Care Assistants who are highly motivated and enthusiastic, with a keen interest in caring for patients with nursing needs.

Applicants should display effective communication skills and deliver high‑quality patient‑focused care. The unit is friendly and supportive and has a commitment to providing high‑quality nursing care.

The post holder will support the Nursing team in providing care to patients acting under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. The post holder should work effectively within a team environment, have good communication skills, initiative, demonstrate enthusiasm about the role and share our passion and vision for providing high‑quality patient care.

If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.

We are unable to sponsor Healthcare Assistants without 2 years band 3 NHS experience.

If you are new to care you must complete a Care Certificate when you commence employment with CDDFT and be paid on Annex 21 arrangements (£24,465) until completion.

Please note this advert will close when sufficient applications have been received.

The reliance upon AI to complete job applications is strongly discouraged.

Main duties of the job

• Assist in admitting patients to the ward, completing demographic details and recording baseline observations.
• Provide care to patients following instructions in the care plan, programme or pathway.
• Demonstrate competence in the accurate recording of routine clinical observations.
• Recognise abnormal recordings or signs of change in a patient’s condition and report changes to a registered nurse.
• Assess patient level of dependence in meeting personal care needs and give appropriate assistance (includes hygiene, mobility, nutrition, elimination and comfort).
• Assist patients to eat and drink in a sensitive and supportive manner.
• Accurately record information on patient food charts and fluid balance charts, reporting concerns to a registered nurse.
• Carry out clinical skills relevant to the ward/department and patient group (eg phlebotomy, ECG recording, simple dressings).
• Assist clinical team with data entry, filing and maintaining accurate documentation of care.
• Assist in escorting, transferring and discharging patients, ensuring all property is packed and the bed area is prepared for the next patient.
• Ensure treatment rooms and ward areas are adequately stocked and tidy.
• Participate in clinical supervision.
• Assist in resolving conflict by responding to concerns and complaints in a positive manner.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre‑employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester‑le‑Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community‑based settings and providing care in patients’ homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under‑represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

From April 9th 2025 – Healthcare assistants – You must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).

Job responsibilities

The post holder will support the clinical team in providing care to patients acting under the direction of a registered nurse.

See person specification for full details.

Person Specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Good verbal and written command of
• Ability to act upon own initiative.
• Able to work under some pressure.
• Ability to show leadership.
• Ability to plan own work.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Willing to take and record patient observations.
• Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.

Personal Attributes

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
• Understanding of the role of HCSW.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.

Experience

• Ability to learn new skills.
• Previous experience in caring for others.

Qualifications

• Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post.
• GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.
• Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.

Special Requirements

• Self‑motivated and able to motivate others.
• Skills.
• Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.
• Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.

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.

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

£24,465 to £26,598 a year per annum/pro rata