Healthcare Assistant - Adult IPU

Havens Hospices; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare charity in Southend on Sea is seeking a Healthcare Assistant to join their multidisciplinary care team. This role involves participating in patient care, working closely with families, and adhering to strict infection control protocols. The position offers flexible shifts and a competitive salary package. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and be able to work compassionately with patients and their families in challenging circumstances.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Qualifications

• Experience in providing care to vulnerable individuals.
• Knowledge of handling and lifting equipment for patient care.
• Understanding of infection control policies.

Responsibilities

• Participate in moving and handling of patients.
• Communicate effectively with patients and families.
• Adhere to infection prevention policies.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Ability to work flexibly

Infection prevention knowledge

Job description

Overview

We have an opportunity for a Healthcare Assistant to join our multidisciplinary care team, based at our modern Fair Havens Hospice, overlooking beautiful Priory Park in Southend on Sea.

This role will consist of 3 x 13 hour shifts per week for the full time role, and 2 x 13 hour shifts per week for the part time position. There is a requirement for flexibility, and these shifts will be over a variety of days, nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Unfortunately, the charity does not offer employment visa sponsorship of any kind.

You will work in partnership with patients/ families allowing them to guide routines of care, creating a welcoming, caring, safe and supportive environment for patients, families and all involved in the work of the hospice.

At Havens Hospices, we care for children, young people and adults with complex or incurable conditions. Our specialist Care Teams can support them and their family living throughout illness, death and bereavement in the comfort of their own home and through our hospice services, Fair Havens and Little Havens.

Working at Havens Hospices allows you to give the gift of time to patients and families, creating memories. Although you may not be giving direct care to our patients, your contribution will have an immediate effect on our care services.

In return for your expertise and passion, you will receive a competitive salary package, and most of all, by making the most of every day you work at Havens Hospices you’ll be helping us continue ‘Making every day count’ for those who need us most.

At Havens Hospices we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and patients and expect all colleagues to share this commitment.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the moving and handling of vulnerable patients, often involving specialist lifting and handling equipment
• Risk of exposure to bodily substances defined as hazardous.
• Rigorous adherence to organisational infection prevention policies and procedures including the use of personal protective equipment
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families, some of whom may have significant barriers to understanding.
• Be aware of the needs of the whole family and to encourage trust and open communication, as well as offering emotional and practical support in times of distress.
• Communicate effectively with members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Provides and receives routine, confidential and sensitive information concerning patients, requiring tact, empathy, persuasion, and reassurance.

This advert closes on Monday 23 Feb 2026