Healthcare Assistant Apprenticeship

Oxford Health NHS Trust; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS healthcare provider in Oxford is seeking compassionate Healthcare Assistants for various positions across community hospitals. The role involves assisting patients with daily activities, monitoring health, and providing a supportive environment. Ideal candidates should have excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a positive impact on patients' lives. Excellent opportunities for career progression and flexible working arrangements are offered.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

NHS Discount

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in a healthcare role is desirable.
• Ability to provide personal care and monitor patient health.
• Understanding of working in a multi-disciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with daily activities like washing and dressing.
• Monitor patient conditions for comfort and safety.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment on the ward.
• Interact with patients and families for support.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Positive attitude

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Healthcare related qualification

Job description

Ready for a truly rewarding career? We are hosting a Recruitment Day on Thursday 29th January 2026 in Oxford for Healthcare Assistants. Please read on for further information about the job, format of the day and how to apply.

Whether you're new to the field or have years of experience, we have a range of permanent, full-time, and part-time positions open across various wards and locations. We're committed to helping you grow and will work with you to find a role that fits your unique skills and career goals.

We have established very effective ways of working with the patients to help them identify and reach their goals, whilst keeping them safe and supporting them onwards to a new life in the community.

We'll need you to have excellent communication skills with positive attitude. We share a caring, non-judgmental and inclusive attitude, committed to the delivery of safe, high-quality care.

Please note that this recruitment day is by invitation only and is open exclusively to applicants who have successfully passed the screening stage.

If you have recently attended or applied to one of our recent recruitment / assessment days please do not reapply.

Main duties of the job

All our services are staffed by full multi-disciplinary teams including nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists, and supported by a variety of other professional colleagues.

As a Healthcare Assistant you'll contribute and participate in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of care and treatment for people within a healthcare or community setting. You'll play a vital role in improving patients' wellbeing.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Personal Care: Assisting patients with daily activities like washing, dressing, and eating.
• Patient Monitoring: Keeping an eye on patient conditions to ensure their comfort and safety.
• Ward Environment: Helping to maintain a clean, welcoming, and safe environment on the ward.
• Communication: Interacting with patients and their families to provide reassurance and support.

Before applying, please see below eligibility for the apprenticeship and a link to further information.

• Be 16 or over.
• Not be in full-time education.
• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Meet any entry requirements set by the employer or training provider (e.g., English/Maths level, prior experience).

About us

We are recruiting for a number of HCA roles across the following services:

• Community Hospitals (Oxfordshire)

Oxford Health provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"

Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"

At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:

• Excellent opportunities for career progression
• Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
• 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
• NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
• Lease car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists may apply)
• Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team

Job responsibilities

Recruitment Day: what to expect on the day

If you are successfully shortlisted, our Recruitment Day on Thursday 29th January 2026 at Unipart House in Oxford is designed to give you a real feel for life at Oxford Health. You'll have an extended period to meet our teams, learn about our services, and show us what you can do.

The day will include:

• Numeracy/Literacy Test: A short assessment to evaluate your foundational skills.
• Group Activity: An exercise that allows you to demonstrate your collaboration and problem-solving abilities.
• Interview: A chance for us to get to know you better and understand your skills and for you to ask us any questions you have.
• Networking: An opportunity to meet our staff and learn more about the roles, our wards, and our commitment to your professional development.

This is your opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and values we're looking for in our next Healthcare Assistants.

What We Offer

We are committed to investing in our staff and providing a rewarding career path.

• Support & Development: We offer comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure you have everything you need to succeed in your role.
• Flexible Working: We have a range of permanent, full-time, and part-time positions with various shift patterns available. We'll also consider flexible working arrangements.
• A Rewarding Career: This is more than just a job—it's a chance to provide compassionate care and be a critical part of a team that makes a genuine difference in people's lives every day.

Please note that this recruitment day is by invitation only and is open exclusively to applicants who have successfully passed the screening stage.

Person Specification

• Please outline which patient groups you have worked with, in a healthcare capacity for example - Community Hospital wards, Older Adults, Adults, Children and Forensic
• Have you worked in a Community Hospital inpatient ward, if so please provide full details below

Question 2: Working environment

• Can you describe a situation from your previous role as a healthcare assistant where you had to provide care under pressure or in a challenging environment? What was the situation, how did you handle it, and what was the outcome?

Question 3: Patient care

• Can you describe a time when you had to explain something important to a patient who was confused, anxious, or had difficulty understanding? How did you ensure they felt heard and understood, and how did you adapt your approach to meet their needs?

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.