Healthcare Assistant

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust; Kendal; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Kendal is seeking a Band 3 Health Care Assistant for Kentmere ward, assisting with a range of mental health issues. The role entails supporting patients in a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring their safety and well-being. Ideal candidates will have six months' experience in mental health settings. Flexible working options are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• At least six months of previous experience working within mental health settings.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues contributing to mental health difficulties.

Responsibilities

• Support patients according to their care needs.
• Contribute to protection from abuse.
• Participate in the health and safety of patients.

Skills

Communication skills

Team player

Job description

Responsibilities

• Work as an integrated member of the multi‑disciplinary team (MDT), working within a rotational shift system to support patients according to their care needs, some of whom may present with problematic or challenging behaviour.
• Contribute to, and participate in, the ongoing support of patients and their carers.
• Contribute to the protection of patients from abuse.
• Contribute to the health, safety and security of patients and their environment.
• Obtain, transmit and store information relating to the delivery of a care service.

Are you a compassionate, respectful team player committed to promoting excellence, and accountability in mental health services?

Do you have excellent communication skills that would enable you to work within a challenging inpatient mental health unit, working in teams that constantly strive to provide the best possible experience for our service users and their carers?

The Unit provides assessment and interventions for clients, operates seven days a week and is accessible 24 hours per day.

Job Position

An opportunity has arisen for a Band 3 Health Care Assistant based on Kentmere ward at Westmorland General Hospital. Kentmere is a 12‑bedded unit supporting individuals with a range of mental health issues.

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• At least six months of previous experience working within mental health settings or in a care setting.
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the issues that contribute to individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.

The successful post holder will be expected to work shifts covering 24 hours, seven days a week. Both full‑time and part‑time contracts are available.

About the Trust

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services, including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services, including low and medium secure care. The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well‑being services in the community, in partnership with local providers.

Flexible Working

The Trust encourages flexible working. We believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours, flexi‑time and career breaks. Applicants are encouraged to state this request clearly on their application forms and discuss these options at interview.