Healthcare Assistant - Paediatrics

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Tees Valley is seeking a Paediatric Healthcare Assistant to deliver high-quality care to children and their families. The role involves assisting registered nurses, performing clinical observations, and providing personal care. Candidates should possess a Care Certificate and GCSEs in English and Mathematics. This position offers opportunities for professional development in a challenging yet rewarding environment.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
• Experience in caring for others.
• Understanding of the role of HCSW.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the assessment, planning, and delivery of care.
• Undertake clinical observations and document findings.
• Assist with personal care and promote independence.

Skills

Good verbal and written command

Ability to work under pressure

Knowledge of care procedures

Education

Care Certificate or willingness to complete

GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics

Job description

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Assistant - Paediatrics

The closing date is 04 December 2025

The Paediatric Healthcare Assistant supports the multidisciplinary team in delivering high-quality, compassionate, and family-centred care to children, young people, and their families. The post holder assists registered nurses and doctors in providing safe, effective, and holistic care within a paediatric setting, ensuring the child's comfort, dignity, and wellbeing are maintained at all time.

Main duties of the job

• Assist in the assessment, planning, and delivery of care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
• Undertake clinical observations (e.g., temperature, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation, blood pressure) and accurately document findings using POPS.
• Support in the collection of specimens such as urine, stool, or swabs as directed.
• Assist with personal care, including washing, dressing, toileting, and feeding, while promoting independence where possible.
• Prepare clinical areas and equipment for procedures, maintaining cleanliness and infection prevention standards.
• Support registered staff with procedures such as wound care, cannulation preparation, or holding children safely during clinical interventions.
• Recognise and promptly report any changes in a child's condition to the nurse in charge.
• Assist in the safe transfer of patients within the department and to other areas.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre‑employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under‑represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on AI‑generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

For the most up‑to‑date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

From April 9th 2025 – Healthcare assistants – You must have been employed for a minimum of two years as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).

Job responsibilities

The Paediatric Healthcare Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the nursing and medical teams to deliver high-quality, family‑centred care to children, young people, and their families. The role involves working under the supervision of registered nurses to assist in the delivery of both clinical and non‑clinical care within the paediatric setting.

HCAs are responsible for carrying out routine observations such as temperature, pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturations, and for accurately recording and reporting any abnormalities. They assist with personal care needs, including washing, toileting, feeding, and ensuring comfort, while promoting independence and dignity at all times.

The HCA helps prepare clinical areas and equipment for procedures, maintains cleanliness, and follows infection prevention and control standards. They may support clinical staff during examinations or minor procedures by safely holding or reassuring children.

In addition to direct patient care, HCAs provide emotional support and reassurance to children and families, use age‑appropriate communication, and ensure a calm, safe, and welcoming environment. They play an important role in safeguarding by recognising and reporting any concerns promptly.

The role also includes supporting the wider team through stock management, maintaining equipment, assisting with patient transfers, and ensuring documentation is completed accurately. HCAs are expected to participate in ongoing learning, attend training sessions, and develop paediatric‑specific competencies to enhance their clinical skills and confidence.

Overall, the Paediatric HCA contributes significantly to the smooth running of the department by ensuring children receive compassionate, safe, and effective care throughout their hospital experience.

Person Specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Good verbal and written command of (??)
• Ability to act upon own initiative.
• Able to work under some pressure.
• Ability to show leadership.
• Ability to plan own work.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Willing to take and record patient observations.
• Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.

Special Requirements

• Self‑motivated and able to motivate others.
• Skills.
• Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.
• Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.

Qualifications

• Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post.
• GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.
• Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.

Experience

• Ability to learn new skills.
• Previous experience in caring for others.

Personal Attributes

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
• Understanding of the role of HCSW.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.

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.

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust