Healthcare Assistant

Optalis Limited; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

Optalis Limited is recruiting Healthcare Assistants to join Hollies Care Home in Burghfield Common and Bluebell House in Wokingham. You will provide residential and nursing support to older adults, including those living with dementia, promoting independence, dignity and wellbeing.

You will work rota-based day and night shifts, develop caring relationships, follow care plans, and contribute to a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Level 2 Diploma in Care or commitment to achieve this with support.
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills required; interview assesses these.
• Ability to build trust with people we support, families and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Get to know each person as an individual and understand what matters to them.
• Provide personal care with dignity, privacy and respect.
• Follow care plans and report changes to senior staff promptly.
• Support mobility, meals, and everyday routines to promote wellbeing.
• Maintain records, observe infection control and safety rules.
• Participate in training, supervision and team meetings.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team player

IT skills

Numeracy & literacy

Flexibility

Education

Level 2 Diploma in Care

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title: Healthcare Assistant

Location: Burghfield Common, Wokingham

Optalis is the adult social care delivery partner on behalf of Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council. Optalis is owned and funded by the 2 Councils. Optalis is not a private provider or an employment agency.

Main duties of the job

Recruiting now for our Nursing Homes – Hollies Care Home Burghfield Common RG7 and Bluebell House RG41.

Our dedicated team provide residential and nursing care to older people living with dementia, and nursing care for people aged 65 and over who are living with long term health conditions.

To provide physical and social care for residents whilst promoting the company policy of independence, choice, rights, fulfilment, privacy, dignity and equal opportunity.

We are looking for our Healthcare Assistants to be caring and compassionate. You could work with residents who have significant care needs, so it's important that they are made to feel safe and comfortable.

HCA's are the first face of Optalis and must be observant and have excellent communication skills when dealing with residents and their colleagues.

To be calm under pressure and flexible enough to deal with a variety of tasks and a quickly changing schedule.

Communicating effectively and respectfully with patients and those important to them, sometimes in difficult circumstances.

Looking to secure full and part time days and nights shifts 7am-7pm and 7pm - 7am for The Hollies and 8am-8pm for Bluebell House.

Purpose of the Service/Team

Bluebell House is a characterful period property, located within walking distance of Wokingham Town Centre, the railway station and local shops. We providing support to older people living with dementia, and nursing care for people aged 65 and over who are living with long term health conditions.

Hollies Care Home near Reading lies at the heart of the picturesque village of Burghfield Common. Hollies Care Home is set within a charming mansion house. Our dedicated team provide residential and nursing care to older people living with dementia, and nursing care for people aged 65 and over who are living with long term health conditions.

Primary Purpose of Role

In this role, you will spend your time alongside people who live in a nursing and care home, supporting them to live each day as comfortably and confidently as possible, with careful attention to their wellbeing.

As a Healthcare Assistant, you will help with personal care and everyday routines, always treating people with dignity, respect, and kindness.

You will also take time to notice what matters to each person and support them to stay connected to their interests and abilities.

All care is guided by individual care plans, and you will work closely with nursing and senior care staff to make sure support is safe, consistent and person centred.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Getting to know each person as an individual, what they enjoy, what matters to them, and how they like to be supported.
• Being a steady, reliable presence who listens well and treats people with warmth and respect.
• Being flexible and responsive to care plans, offering practical help while always respecting someones dignity, privacy, and choices.
• Support people to move safely, change position, and use their walking aids or other mobility equipment.
• Helping people to enjoy their meals and drinks, offering support when needed so eating and drinking feels relaxed and maintains wellbeing.
• Providing support with all aspects of personal care, such as washing, bathing, or using the toilet, in a way that feels comfortable, respectful, and dignified.
• Working alongside the person to recognise any changes in their health, wellbeing or support needs, and ensuring these are shared promptly with senior team members or clinical staff so they receive the right support at the right time.
• Keeping clear, accurate digital and paper records so everyone involved understands what support has been given.
• Follow all rules around infection control, safeguarding, and health and safety.
• Support people to maintain the everyday skills that matter to them, such as enjoying hobbies, chatting with others, building friendships, and staying socially connected.
• Working closely with peers, Clinical leads, senior management - sharing ideas, experience, and knowledge, providing support, guidance and coaching.
• Whilst infrequent you may be required to escort those we support to appointments.
• Take part in training, supervision sessions, and team meetings to keep skills and knowledge up to date.
• Attend and participate in team meetings keeping up to date on changes, policies and procedures.

Requirements for the Role

Training and Development

Being open to learning new things and developing your skills. We want all our HCAs to be professionally recognised for the vital role they play in others lives. If you have not already achieved your level 2 diploma in care, we will support and fund you to achieve this.

Working arrangements

This role follows a rota-based shift pattern to make sure support is available when its needed most. Shifts may include early shifts, late shifts, long days and nights.

So that you can plan and balance your work and personal life all rotas are agreed and provided in advance.

DBS

Optalis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and those we support. All successful applicants must undertake a DBS check and provide proof of their right to work in the UK.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The DBS clearance level required is Enhanced with Barred list.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 2 Diploma in Care or commitment to work to achieve this with the required support.
• Basic level of numeracy and literacy skills. You will be asked at interview to carry out a short assessment which will assess these skills.
• Able to build trust and positive working relationships with people we support, families, colleagues, and external professionals.
• Excellent listening skills with the ability to communicate clearly, whether speaking, writing, or using alternative communication methods.
• Experience of working as part of a team or independently with the ability to know when to elevate queries or seek support and advice.
• IT skills: Basic knowledge and understanding of using software packages such as Word and Excel, with the ability to learn new systems and successfully carry out e-learning.
• Able to follow and understand policy guidance and procedures.
• Able to use judgment and manage risk.
• Effective organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances to meet the needs of the services and people we support.
• Able to stay calm under pressure and help others through tricky or stressful moments, with the ability to think quickly and find simple practical solutions.
• In the event of an emergency, you will be flexible about finishing times, putting residents' safety and wellbeing first.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to manage your time well.
• Able to work well with others and contribute to a supportive team culture.
• A willingness to learn and reflect on your own development and practices.
• Able to handle conflict and emotions with patience and understanding, keeping things safe and respectful for everyone.

Employer details

Employer name: Optalis Limited

Address: Trinity Court, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 2PY, United Kingdom

Employer's website: https://www.optalis.org/

For questions about the job, contact

Resourcing Specialist, Alison Reeves, [e-mail], 07710117620

Closing date

31 March 2027

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Optalis Limited's privacy notice is available on request.