Rheumatology Health Care Assistant

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Taunton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Career development

Blue Light Card discounts

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Health Care Assistant to join the Rheumatology team at Musgrove Park Hospital, with travel across Somerset. You will support patients with rheumatological conditions, work under Clinical Nurse Specialists, and contribute to high-quality, patient-centred care.

The role is full-time, Monday to Friday, based in Rheumatology Outpatient Services, with travel between sites; car access essential.

Qualifications

• QCF Level 3 or equivalent in healthcare.
• Good English language skills.
• Car driver with reliable transport.

Responsibilities

• Carry out delegated clinical and non-clinical tasks under supervision.
• Deliver high-quality, compassionate care to patients with rheumatological conditions.
• Support patients in understanding their condition, treatment plans and self-management.
• Assist in monitoring patient wellbeing and report concerns promptly.
• Accurately document and report care provided per Trust policies.
• Participate in patient advice services and respond to inquiries under supervision.
• Work with the multidisciplinary team to support coordinated care.

Skills

Good communication

Teamwork

Lone working

English language skills

Education

QCF Level 3 or equivalent in healthcare

Job description

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, motivated, and compassionate Health Care Assistant to join our dedicated Rheumatology Team. This post is primarily based at Musgrove Park Hospital; however, the successful candidate will be required to support Rheumatology services across a variety of settings within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

As a Health Care Assistant, you will work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary Rheumatology team under the supervision of the Clinical Nurse Specialists. You will contribute to the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care, supporting patients with a range of rheumatological conditions and promoting self-management.

Working collaboratively within the team the post holder will contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of Rheumatology services across Somerset. The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a commitment to learning, and the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of an expanding service.

• Full-time position.
• Working hours Monday to Friday.
• Based within Rheumatology Outpatient Services, with travel between sites as required

Car driver with access to reliable transport to enable travel as required is essential.

• Carry out delegated clinical and non-clinical tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse.
• Deliver high-quality, compassionate care to patients with a range of rheumatological conditions.
• Support patients in understanding their condition, treatment plans, and self-management strategies.
• Assist in monitoring patient wellbeing and promptly report any concerns to the registered nurse or appropriate healthcare professional.
• Accurately document and report care provided, ensuring records are maintained in accordance with Trust policies and professional standards.
• Participate in patient advice services, including responding to telephone enquiries and emails within agreed protocols and under supervision.
• Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary team to support coordinated patient care.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe clinical environment and support service improvements where appropriate.
• Promote patient experience, safety, dignity, equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of care delivery.
• Assist with managing challenging situations, using effective communication and de-escalation techniques to support positive outcomes.
• Support the smooth running of rheumatology outpatient clinics and associated services.
• Use information technology systems competently, including electronic patient records, appointment systems, and other digital healthcare applications.
• Participate in training, competency assessment, and continuing personal development

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

For more details and further information about the role, please see the attached job description and person specification.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Level 3. This could be a Vocational NVQ, BTEC or equivalent international qualification in healthcare or able to demonstrate the equivalent level of experience.
• Able to demonstrate a good standard of English language skills.
• Car driver with access to reliable transport

Experience

• Experience of working in a healthcare setting
• Experience of lone working, working on own initiative.
• Experience of working in a team.
• Previous experience of working within an NHS setting
• Understanding of Rheumatology as a chronic condition and potential for associated health complications.
• Evidence of multi-professional working.

Additional Criteria

• Report writing, to include email, written communications, telephone, face to face
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to initiate and communicate changes in practice
• Communication with patients with cognitive and intellectual difficulties using appropriate systems.
• Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Able to take instruction and direction and work effectively as part of a team.

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.

Band

Band 3

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-Time