Healthcare Assistant

St Peter & St James Hospice; Lewes; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A local hospice organization in Lewes is seeking a compassionate Healthcare Assistant to support the nursing team in delivering personalized palliative care. The ideal candidate should have kindness and empathy, excellent communication skills, and flexibility to work varied shifts. No previous experience is required as full training will be provided. This role is part-time and comes with a commitment to improving patients' lives.

Qualifications

• Experience in a care setting (hospital, community, or care home) is an advantage, but not essential.
• Confidence in the use of IT and good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Understanding of the confidentiality of information regarding patients.

Responsibilities

• Assist Registered Nurses in delivering individualised palliative care.
• Provide high-quality support to patients and their families.
• Work as part of a multi-professional team.

Skills

Kindness and empathy

Excellent communication

Teamwork skills

Independence

Flexibility for varied shifts

Education

Level 2 Apprenticeship or Diploma in a Health-related subject

Willingness to study for NVQ Level 2 or 3

Job description

Are you looking for a truly rewarding role where you can make a difference in the lives of people with life‑limiting illnesses?

As a Healthcare Assistant at St Peter & St James Hospice, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our dedicated nursing team, delivering compassionate, personalised palliative care to patients and their loved ones in our hospice ward. If you’re a caring, empathetic person who thrives in a team and wants to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!

• Location: North Common Rd, North Chailey, Haywards Heath BN8 4ED
• Contract: Permanent, part‑time
• Working hours: 34.5 hours per week
• Closing Date: Early applications encouraged as we will be shortlisting as applications are received
• Shifts: Flexible scheduling, Monday to Sunday, including nights and weekends

We encourage you to apply directly via our website, to give us the opportunity to contact you for an informal discussion ahead of the closing date – a chance to learn more about the role, our team, and how you could contribute. Please use the link provided in the ‘Supporting Links’ section of this advert to submit your application.

Main duties of the job

What You’ll Do:

• Assist Registered Nurses in delivering individualised palliative care
• Provide high‑quality, compassionate support to patients and their families
• Ensure dignity, respect and sensitivity in all aspects of care
• Work as part of a supportive, multi‑professional team

What We’re Looking For:

• Kindness, empathy and a passion for care
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and with confidence
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including nights and weekends
• Own transport is essential for commuting

Experience in a care setting (hospital, community or care home) is an advantage, but not essential – we will provide full training!

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is compassionate, eager to learn and ready to start a meaningful career in palliative care.

About us

At St Peter & St James Hospice, we believe that our people are at the heart of what we do. Join us and be part of a team that truly makes a difference every single day.

For more information or an informal chat about the role, please contact Alice, Ward Manager on [e-mail].

Job responsibilities

Work collaboratively with Registered Nurses in planning the delivery of quality holistic nursing care for patients.

Provide individualised patient‑centred personal care to patients in the Hospice and the community, under the guidance of Registered Nurses. Be responsive and available to the patient’s needs as appropriate.

Report changes in condition noticed in patients and work with the multi‑professional team to adapt care appropriately.

When working in the community and working without direct supervision, know how to responsibly report any concerns or changes about the patient’s condition in a timely manner.

Undertake extended healthcare assistant roles when assessed as competent, under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. This may include taking observations, drug checking, catheter care.

Ensure the patient’s dietary needs are evaluated and met by helping patients with their meal choices, issuing meals and feeding patients as appropriate.

Support the use of mobility equipment if necessary and practice its safe use with the patient (e.g. walking frames, leg lifters).

Contribute to the keeping of accurate and relevant records by recording and evaluating the care provided.

Care for the deceased patient by administering last offices in line with Hospice policy and ensuring the safe and timely removal of the body from the hospice.

Work to ensure that clinical areas are well maintained and comply with health and safety regulations, ensuring the safe use of equipment and storage of materials.

Develop and maintain effective communications with patients and those important to them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.

Contribute to emotional support for patients and/or carers, particularly during admission, breaking of bad news and time of death and bereavement, recognising own limitations and referring to the Registered Nurses as appropriate.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Evidence of level 2 Apprenticeship or Diploma in a Health‑related subject.
• Willingness to study for NVQ Level 2 or 3 and/or undertake further education in palliative care / attend study days.

Experience

• Experience working as part of a large team in a healthcare setting.
• Confidence in use of IT and able to demonstrate good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and good command of spoken English (assessed at interview).
• Understanding of the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business and requirements of the Data Protection Act (2018) and General Data Protection Regulation (2018).
• Understanding of the Code of Conduct for Health Care Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England.

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.

£22,508 a year – Band 2: £24,465 per annum FTE.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.