Healthcare Assistant (Ward 1)

NHS; Tooting; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a compassionate Healthcare Assistant to join their multidisciplinary team at Springfield University Hospital. The role involves providing personalized care to service users with severe mental health issues, supporting their recovery, and engaging in various clinical tasks. Opportunities for career progression to Nursing Associate or Assistant Practitioner are available, making this a rewarding position for dedicated individuals passionate about mental health.

Benefits

Flexible working

Career development opportunities

Supportive environment

Qualifications

• Experience as a Healthcare Support Worker or equivalent (minimum 1 year).
• Understanding of multidisciplinary team working and mental health challenges.
• Commitment to continuous learning and local services.

Responsibilities

• Deliver quality nursing care under supervision, addressing various needs.
• Engage with service users and support their recovery principles.
• Monitor clinical observations and escalate concerns to a Registered Nurse.

Skills

Compassion

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Care Certificate

Basic qualifications in English and Mathematics (e.g., GCSE grade C or above)

Level 2/3 Health and Social Care qualification

Job description

Go back to South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust

Healthcare Assistant (Ward 1)

The closing date is 28 May 2025

Ward 1 is a 13-bedded male PICU based at Springfield University Hospital, providing 24-hour care for adults aged 18-75 years with severe and enduring mental health problems, in accordance with the recovery model.

You will join a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering high-quality, service user-centered care. Our teams seek a compassionate and dedicated Healthcare Assistant who wants to make a meaningful impact.

It is important that you understand multidisciplinary team working, leadership, and the challenges faced by individuals with acute mental health issues. You should be passionate about mental health, believe in the recovery model and our Trust values, and work collaboratively with service users and their families. A commitment to continuous learning and staying informed about local and national services is essential.

Main duties of the job

The Healthcare Assistant role is suited for those with experience and training in clinical practice within a ward or similar setting.

Healthcare Assistants provide personalized care to service users, performing clinical tasks under supportive supervision. The role involves significant engagement with service users.

There are opportunities for career progression to roles such as Nursing Associate or Assistant Practitioner upon completing the necessary training and demonstrating required competencies.

About us

We are proud to belong to South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.

Our services are highly regarded, with a rich history and a strong commitment to quality mental health care. The Care Quality Commission rates our services as 'good', and we aim to be 'outstanding'.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we transform our care approach to better serve our communities. We have invested £150 million into new world-class mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, with further developments planned.

We are committed to inclusivity and diversity, actively promoting anti-racism. We seek individuals from all backgrounds to enrich our work. We also co-produce and involve local communities in our initiatives.

We offer flexible working, career development, and various benefits to foster a positive and supportive environment for our staff and their careers.

Springfield University Hospital, Tooting

Our largest site, comprising 19 wards, located in Springfield Village, following a £150 million investment in new facilities. A 32-acre public park, shops, and cafes are forthcoming. The location is accessible via Tooting Bec (Northern Line), Earlsfield, Tooting rail stations, and bus routes.

Job responsibilities

Clinical Skills

1. Working under the guidance of a Registered Nurse, AP, NA, or B4, to deliver quality nursing care, addressing physical, psychological, social, recreational, and spiritual needs through therapeutic engagement and activities, and addressing arising issues.
2. Leading activities to meet fundamental care needs—nutrition, hydration, hygiene, comfort, emotional and social support.
3. Supporting junior staff and providing hands-on care, including:

• Engaging with service users honestly, openly, and non-judgmentally.
• Respecting and valuing individuals, maintaining dignity, and ensuring care respects diversity and equality.
• Escalating concerns to a Registered Nurse.
• Monitoring and recording clinical observations, vital signs, and escalating signs of deterioration.
• Supporting recovery principles by encouraging healthy lifestyles and psychosocial activities.

Escorting service users as needed, following Trust policies.

Facilitating admissions and discharges, ensuring needs are met, including property checks and community support planning under senior clinician guidance.

Advocating for service users' needs and rights within Trust policies.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

• Care Certificate
• Basic qualifications in English and Mathematics (e.g., GCSE grade C or above) or equivalent
• Level 2/3 Health and Social Care qualification or working towards it

Experience

• At least one year as a Healthcare Support Worker or equivalent experience

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required to identify any previous convictions.

South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust

Salary: £30,039 to £31,088 per year, pro-rata, inclusive of Inner London HCAs