Healthcare Assistant | Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust; North Chailey; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in North Chailey is seeking a compassionate Healthcare Assistant to support children and young people with complex health needs. You'll assist with personal care, promote independence, and engage in therapeutic activities. The role is flexible requiring shift work, including nights and weekends, and ideally requires a care qualification. Join a dedicated team making a positive impact in the community.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Excellent training opportunities

Workplace nurseries

Qualifications

• Experience in care settings, particularly with children.
• Willingness to learn and a hands-on approach.
• Understanding of professional boundaries and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, hands-on care to children and young people.
• Assist with personal care, mealtimes, and daily activities.
• Support therapeutic activities and contribute to care planning.

Skills

Communication skills

Confidence in personal care

Ability to work with children

Flexibility

Education

Relevant care qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3)

Job description

Are you a caring and motivated individual looking to make a difference in the lives of children and young people with complex health needs? We are looking for a Healthcare Assistant to join the dedicated team at Chailey Clinical Services, part of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.

In this rewarding role, you will support the qualified nursing team in delivering high-quality, individualised care within either our Short Breaks Service or School environment. Under supervision, you will play a key part in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and effective care setting that meets the unique needs of each child or young person.

If you’re passionate about supporting others and want to be part of a service that truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Please note: Due to recent changes in UK immigration and visa rules, this role is unlikely to be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be considered. Candidates requiring sponsorship should review the eligibility criteria on the gov.uk website before applying to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.

As a Healthcare Assistant within Chailey Clinical Services, you will provide direct, hands‑on care to children and young people with complex health needs, supporting their physical, social, and emotional wellbeing during their stay in the Short Breaks Service or School setting.

Under the guidance of senior staff, you will assist with personal care, mobility, mealtimes, and daily activities, always promoting independence and dignity. You will use each child’s preferred methods of communication to ensure their individual needs, wishes, and rights are respected and met.

Your role will also involve supporting therapeutic and developmental activities, both on‑site and in the community, and contributing to care planning and documentation. You will play a key part in ensuring a safe, stimulating environment and helping young people engage fully in everyday life.

You will be expected to communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team, maintain high standards of hygiene and safety, and participate in household tasks. Training will be provided to meet specific healthcare needs such as gastrostomy feeding or medicine administration.

Flexibility is essential, as the role involves working across a 24‑hour rota, including nights and weekends, and may include working in other teams within Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.

We are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays.

Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support, and corporate services.

Why work for us?

• Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing
• Varied environments: community hospitals, patients’ homes, and bases across Sussex
• Flexible working options: part‑time, flexi‑time, annualised hours, and flexi‑retirement
• Excellent training, development, and research opportunities
• Cost‑effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brighton
• Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networks
• Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust
• Beautiful Sussex location near the South Downs and coast

Our values – Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence – guide everything we do.

We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnically diverse, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We aim to create an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during recruitment.

This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.

At Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, we’re looking for compassionate individuals with a strong commitment to supporting children and young people with complex needs. You’ll ideally hold a relevant care qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3) and have experience in care settings, particularly with children.

You’ll be confident in supporting daily living tasks such as personal care, feeding, and dressing, and ready to develop skills in clinical areas like medication administration and gastrostomy care. A willingness to learn and a practical, hands‑on approach are essential, as is the ability to contribute to rehabilitation goals and structured care plans.

Strong communication skills and a collaborative spirit are key – you’ll work closely with families and professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team. You’ll be expected to understand professional boundaries, safeguard vulnerable children, and champion equality and inclusion in everything you do.

This is a flexible role, requiring shift work including nights and weekends, and the ability to travel between sites. Being a car driver is essential. We’re looking for someone who can embrace the values of SCFT and make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.

This advert closes on Sunday 30 Nov 2025.