Heathcare Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Support to achieve Level 2 Diploma in

Rotas provided in advance

Job summary

Optalis is recruiting Healthcare Assistants for The Hollies and Bluebell House care homes in the Wokingham area. You will perform hands-on personal care for older residents, many living with dementia, following individual care plans alongside nursing staff.

Shifts rotate across days and nights; full or part time roles are available. Applicants should have a Level 2 Diploma in Care or commit to achieving it, and an Enhanced DBS check with barred list is required to ensure safe and compliant care

Qualifications

• Level 2 Diploma in Care or commitment to achieve it with support
• Basic numeracy and literacy assessed at interview

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care with dignity and privacy
• Support safe movement and use of mobility aids
• Assist with meals and hydration
• Follow individual care plans as directed
• Maintain accurate digital and paper records
• Follow infection control and health & safety rules
• Support residents’ daily skills, hobbies and social connections
• Collaborate with nursing staff and attend team meetings

Skills

Personal care

Safeguarding

Communication

IT literacy

Time management

Education

Level 2 Diploma in Care

Numeracy & Literacy

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Optalis, the adult social care delivery partner for two councils, is recruiting Healthcare Assistants for The Hollies and Bluebell House, both care homes. The work is hands‑on personal care and daily routines for older residents, many living with dementia, under individual care plans alongside nursing staff. Shifts are rota‑based across days and nights, full or part time. Applicants need a Level 2 Diploma in Care or a commitment to achieve one, and an Enhanced DBS check with barred list.

What the job involves

• Provide personal care, including washing, bathing and toileting, with dignity and privacy
• Support people to move safely, change position and use walking aids or mobility equipment
• Help people to enjoy their meals and drinks
• Get to know each person's preferences and support them to stay connected to their interests and abilities
• Follow individual care plans, responding flexibly to changes in support needs
• Spot changes in health or wellbeing and report them promptly to senior or clinical staff
• Keep clear, accurate digital and paper records
• Follow infection control, safeguarding and health and safety rules
• Support people to maintain everyday skills, hobbies and social connections
• Work with peers, clinical leads and senior management, sharing knowledge and providing coaching
• Occasionally escort people to appointments
• Take part in training, supervision and team meetings

What’s required

Qualifications

• Level 2 Diploma in Care, or a commitment to achieve it with the required support
• Basic numeracy and literacy, assessed at interview

Skills & knowledge

• Building trust and positive working relationships with residents, families, colleagues and external professionals
• Listening well and communicating clearly, by speaking, writing or alternative methods
• Knowing when to elevate queries or seek support
• Basic IT skills in Word and Excel, and ability to learn new systems and complete e-learning
• Following policy guidance and procedures
• Using judgement to manage risk, organising and prioritising work, and adapting to changing circumstances

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check with barred list
• Right to work in the UK

Other

• Staying calm under pressure and finding simple practical solutions quickly
• Flexible about finishing times in an emergency, putting residents' safety and wellbeing first
• Reliable, punctual and good at managing time
• Working well with others and contributing to a supportive team culture
• Willingness to learn and reflect on own practice
• Handling conflict and emotions with patience, keeping things safe and respectful

What’s offered

• Support and funding to achieve a Level 2 Diploma in Care if not already held
• Rotas agreed and provided in advance