Healthcare Assistant IPU

The Methodist Church in Britain; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Michaels Hospice in the United Kingdom is seeking a Healthcare Assistant for its inpatient unit (IPU) to provide compassionate, patient-centered care in palliative and end-of-life settings. The role supports families and works within a multidisciplinary team, with training provided for medication administration and other clinical tasks.

Hours are 24-hour, five-over-seven, with part-time or full-time options and nights/weekends. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Qualifications

• Evidence of formal training or continuing professional development in care, particularly palliative care.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-level care, including palliative, end-of-life, complex and social care within a multidisciplinary approach.
• Provide compassionate personal care and support with patients' daily needs, including palliative and end-of-life care.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, carers and healthcare professionals.
• Follow care plans, policies and procedures, including infection control and safety guidelines.
• Carry out basic clinical tasks such as medication administration and monitoring within training and competence.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and volunteers.
• Keep accurate records and documentation of the care provided.
• Uphold patient dignity, hygiene and safeguarding, including care after death.
• Use manual handling and equipment safely to support patient independence.

Skills

Communication skills

Emotional resilience

Education

Formal training in care (palliative)

Job description

A permanent Healthcare Assistant post on the inpatient unit (IPU) at Saint Michaels Hospice. The work centres on palliative and end-of-life care for patients and support for their families, with basic clinical tasks such as medication administration carried out within training and competence. Hours run part-time or full-time on a 24-hour, five-over-seven pattern that includes nights and weekends, with around 45% of hours unsocial. Applicants who need sponsorship to work in the UK cannot be considered.

What the job involves

• Deliver high-level care, including palliative, end-of-life, complex and social care, within a multidisciplinary approach across the hospice care services
• Provide compassionate personal care and support with patients' daily needs, including palliative and end-of-life care
• Communicate well with patients, families, carers and healthcare professionals
• Follow care plans, policies and procedures, including infection control and safety guidelines
• Carry out basic clinical tasks such as medication administration and monitoring within training and competence
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and volunteers
• Keep accurate records and documentation of the care provided
• Uphold patient dignity, hygiene and safeguarding, including care after death
• Use manual handling and equipment safely to support patient independence

What’s required

Qualifications

• Evidence of formal training or continuing professional development in care, particularly palliative care

Experience

• Experience as a Healthcare Assistant
• Experience delivering individualised care in dynamic, needs-led settings such as ward or complex community services

Skills & knowledge

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence and emotional resilience with complex or sensitive situations

  Checks & eligibility

  • Identity checks
  • DBS clearance at a level appropriate to the role
  • Verification of right to work in the UK without sponsorship
  • Satisfactory employment references and employment history