Healthcare Support Worker

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A health service provider in Dartford is seeking compassionate Healthcare Assistants at Band 3 level for their Forensic Inpatient Directorate. This permanent, full-time role involves providing quality patient care under supervision, focusing on emotional support and safe engagement. Ideal candidates should possess a Care Certificate, be passionate about patient care, and have experience with forensic patients. Salary ranges from £29,651 to £31,312 per annum, with full training provided.

Qualifications

• Passionate about patient care and compassionate towards patients with mental health difficulties.
• Experience working with forensic patients is essential.
• Experience in a forensic directorate or mental health setting is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Work under supervision to provide quality nursing care.
• Ensure fundamentals of care are met, including safety and comfort.
• Engage in one-on-one interactions with service users.

Skills

Compassion for patients

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Care Certificate or NVQ3

Health related certificate

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking motivated individuals to work as Healthcare Assistants at Band 3 level for our Forensic Inpatient Directorate (Bracton Centre and Memorial Hospital). Previous experience in healthcare is not necessary as full training will be provided, but applicants must possess a positive attitude to mental health, recovery, and social inclusion.

We are a Trauma Informed Service, looking for dynamic and compassionate individuals. You will be supported to deliver high quality care to patients, helping them feel safe, listened to, valued, engaged and empowered. You will be trained to be trauma responsive, developing practices that avoid causing further harm and promote engagement and healing.

Main Duties of the Job

The role is designed for staff with little or no experience of caring work. You will provide hands‑on personalised care to service users under supervision, supporting safety, emotional regulation and self‑reflection. You will gain clinical experience and contribute to a multidisciplinary team that prioritises relationships, communication, safety and patient choice.

Job Responsibilities

• Work under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse or Senior Healthcare Support Worker to deliver quality nursing care.
• Ensure the fundamentals of care are met, including safety, emotional and social support, nutrition, hydration, hygiene and comfort.
• Provide patient‑centred care, offering choices and opportunities to empower patients whenever possible.
• Engage in 1‑1 interactions with service users in an honest, open and non‑judgemental manner.
• Respect service users as individuals, maintaining dignity and equality and respecting diversity.
• Escalate any concerns to a Registered Nurse.
• Record clinical observations as directed and report any signs of deterioration.
• Access staff support to manage the emotional demands of the work.
• Encourage and support service users to engage in healthy lifestyles and community activities.
• Escort service users as required, following Trust policies and under supervision.
• Advocate for service users’ needs and rights within Trust policy.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Care Certificate, NVQ3 or Health related certificate.
• Passionate about patient care with a compassionate and positive attitude towards patients with mental health difficulties.
• Experience working with forensic patients.

Desirable:

• Experience in a forensic directorate.
• Experience working in a mental health setting.
• At least 3 years of experience in the care industry or other health field.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a DBS check for previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Bracton and Memorial Hospital
Bracton Lane & Shooters Hill
Dartford & London
DA2 7AF

Salary & Contract

Band 3 – £29,651 to £31,312 per annum (inc. pay scheme). Permanent, full-time contract.