Healthcare Assistant (34.5)

St Peter & St James Hospice; Lewes; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days holiday

Enhanced maternity/adoption pay

Monthly occupational health clinics

20% discount in charity shops

Job summary

St Peter & St James Hospice is seeking Healthcare Assistants for our inpatient ward to support Registered Nurses in delivering compassionate, patient-centred palliative care. You will assist with personal care, meals, mobility and documentation while working within a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires prior healthcare experience, IT literacy, and excellent English communication. A flexible rota includes nights, weekends, and bank holidays, with opportunities for training and development.

Qualifications

• Experience working as part of a healthcare team in a healthcare setting.
• Confidence using IT systems and good literacy/numeracy skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a good command of spoken and written English.
• Willingness to develop knowledge and undertake ongoing learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality personal care under the guidance of Registered Nurses.
• Support delivery of patient-centred palliative care.
• Monitor and report changes in patients' conditions to the nursing team.
• Assist patients with meals, hydration and mobility needs.
• Maintain accurate patient records and contribute to care evaluations.
• Provide emotional support to patients and families.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Healthcare team experience

IT systems confident

English communication

Independence and initiative

Compassionate care

Education

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Health-related Diploma

NVQ Level 2/3 eligibility

Job description

Are you a caring and compassionate individual who wants to make a real difference in the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses? Do you have experience working in a healthcare setting and a passion for delivering person-centred care?

We're looking for dedicated Healthcare Assistants to join our inpatient ward team at St Peter & St James Hospice. In this rewarding role, you'll support Registered Nurses in delivering high-quality, individualised palliative care to patients and those important to them, helping to ensure comfort, dignity, and wellbeing throughout their hospice journey.

Shifts: Flexible rota across Monday to Sunday, including nights, weekends and bank holidays

Closing Date: Early applications encouraged – we will shortlist and interview as applications are received.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide high-quality personal care to patients under the guidance of Registered Nurses
• Support the delivery of individualised, patient-centred palliative care
• Monitor and report changes in patients' conditions to the nursing team
• Assist patients with meals, nutrition, hydration and mobility needs
• Undertake extended Healthcare Assistant duties, when assessed as competent, under appropriate supervision
• Maintain accurate patient records and contribute to care evaluations
• Provide emotional support to patients and those important to them during challenging times
• Help maintain a safe, clean and supportive ward environment
• Work collaboratively as part of the wider multidisciplinary team

What We're Looking For:

• Experience working as part of a healthcare team in a healthcare setting
• Confidence using IT systems, alongside good literacy and numeracy skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a good command of spoken and written English
• Understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection requirements
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and respond effectively to changing situations
• Motivation to develop your knowledge and skills and undertake ongoing learning
• Ability to provide compassionate care while managing sensitive and emotional situations appropriately
• Commitment to treating all patients with dignity, respect and cultural sensitivity
• Access to your own transport due to our rural location
• Evidence of a Level 2 Apprenticeship or Diploma in a health-related subject
• Willingness to work towards a Care Certificate, NVQ Level 2 or 3, or further study in palliative care
• Understanding of the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England
• An appreciation of palliative care principles and philosophy

Please find the full job description and person specification at the bottom of this webpage.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive and compassionate team committed to delivering outstanding palliative and end-of-life care. We offer ongoing training and development opportunities, a welcoming working environment, and the chance to make a meaningful difference every day. For informal enquiries, please contact our IPU Ward Manager, Alice [e-mail].

The Organisation

St Peter & St James Hospice is a leading provider of specialist palliative and end of life care for our Mid-Sussex community.

People affected by life-limiting illness are central to everything we do and it is our mission to ensure they receive the best possible care, in the right place, at the right time.

Our services are free of charge can be accessed at home, in a care setting, or at the Hospice in North Chailey.

We achieve our goals through the organisation’s talented people, by attracting, retaining and developing a highly skilled, diverse and engaged workforce.

Over 150 employees and 400 volunteers work in a variety of roles across our Clinical Services, Retail and Support Functions. If you're looking to put your skills to use in an organisation that makes a difference for its local community and values Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, Excellence and Inclusivity then

The Benefits

• 27 days holiday
• Enhanced maternity/adoption pay
• Monthly occupational health clinics
• 20% discount in our charity shops

Our people

• Trainee Nursing Associate

"I worked in Housekeeping, then on the In-Patient Unit and am now in the Community Team undertaking a degree supported by the Hospice."

• Dr Rob Kidway
• Speciality Doctor

"It's the people we work with and the community we serve that make it such a special place."

"I've been here for nearly 25 years and continue to enjoy supporting our patients, their loved ones and carers both at home and at the hospice."

• Vrishali Pawar
• People Services Assistant

"If you have the appetite to develop your skills, you are encouraged and empowered to learn and grow within the organisation."

• Jon Anderson
• Community Clinical Nurse Specialist

"Being a part of someone’s end of life care and supporting their loved ones through their grieving process is a real privilege."

• Jess Stobbart

"Working here, I've learnt that the smallest actions can create the biggest changes in people's lives."

Our people are our strength. We value diversity and inclusion so encourage applications from everyone, regardless of race, national origin, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability or age.

Please ensure you have your own means of transport as the hospice is not accessible by bus and is located on a main road without public footpath. Our precise location can be found here: https://stpjhospice.org/contact-us/.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please contact us on [e-mail].

Please note we may shortlist and interview candidates as applications are received. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory results from pre-employment checks (right to work, references, Occupational Health, and DBS if applicable).