Senior Healthcare Assistant

NHS; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive health care provider in Plymouth is seeking a Senior HealthCare Assistant to deliver compassionate care to patients facing mental health challenges. This role includes working closely with a Multi-Disciplinary Team, supporting patients in an acute health care setting. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and at least one year of experience in a mental health environment. Flexible working arrangements are available.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• 1 year experience in a mental health setting.
• Knowledge of vulnerable adult/protection issues.
• Ability to undertake baseline physical observations.

Responsibilities

• Support trained nurses in delivering care.
• Assist with patient personal care.
• Participate in training and development programmes.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Compassion

Teamwork

Leadership

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care

Care Certificate or equivalent

Job description

Job summary

Bridford Ward is offering an exciting opportunity for the role of Senior HealthCare Assistant. The HealthCare Assistant post is an integral part of the Multi‑Disciplinary Team on the Ward that provides both physical, social and psychological care to patients admitted to Bridford Ward. We are looking for someone with an aspiration to provide compassionate care and support to people admitted to the unit who are acutely mentally unwell and in crisis. This post is a rewarding role with career development opportunities for the successful individual.

The Glenbourne Unit is an acute mental health inpatient service provided by Livewell Southwest. The unit consists of one female 19‑bed acute ward (Bridford Ward) and a male 19‑bed acute ward (Harford Ward). We are currently rated outstanding by the CQC and provide a wide range of support and treatment available to those experiencing deteriorating mental health, to support and enable their recovery. The unit is an integral element of our Acute Care Pathway with links to the city‑wide Home Treatment Team and Community Mental Health Services.

Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route – please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information regarding eligibility.

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award‑winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values of kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programmes, and funding for qualifications such as the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programmes ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro‑diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.

Details

Date posted: 06 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year pa, pro‑rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full‑time, Part‑time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

B9832‑2025‑NM‑10087

Job locations

Bridford Ward, Glenbourne Unit Morlaix Drive, Derriford Plymouth Devon PL6 5AF

Job responsibilities

The role of the Senior Nursing Assistant is to assist the trained nurse in delivering physical, social, and psychological care to the patient/client with mental health problems or illness, admitted to the unit or within the community. The post holder will be required to work both within the ward unit and with clients in the community. This will involve contact with relatives, carers and other agencies. They will carry out interventions as part of the care plans and record information using the CPA process on electronic patients notes.

The post holder will be directed to undertake tasks once adequate instruction has been given by the trained nurse and both parties are confident that the task can be fulfilled competently. The post holder will provide support and mentorship to junior staff. However, the trained nurse is required to carry the responsibility for decision making and direction.

The role is also to support patients during their acute illness to prevent them being sent out of area, with the aim of supporting individuals to receive the best care close to home. The post holder will be dynamic and responsive to the needs of the patients across the hospital sites and may need to travel at short notice. They are required to work within all specified mental health wards of LWSW and will carry out interventions and record information under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Key responsibilities include: working under the direction of a registered nurse, carrying out tasks assigned by the trained nurse, maintaining confidentiality, reporting accidents and incidents promptly, supporting community activities, co‑facilitating groups, assisting with patient personal care, managing patient property, contributing to audits, and participating in training and development programmes. The post holder will also assist the registered nurse in administering care that meets the patient's physical and psychological needs as identified in the care plan.

Person Specification

Experience (Essential)

• Experience of one year in a mental health setting Band 2 or equivalent, or Band 3 or equivalent
• Knowledge of vulnerable adult/protection issues and guidance
• Recent experience of working in a care setting
• Team working, clinical governance, ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to undertake baseline physical observations
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Experience (Desirable)

• Experience of variety of mental health settings
• Previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team
• Working within an NHS setting
• Experience supporting individuals to identify and work towards personal goals in a related social care or health setting

Qualifications (Essential)

• NVQ Level 3 or QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent
• Care Certificate or other evidence of training relevant to mental health settings
• Ability to participate in activities with patients and contribute to the delivery of high standard care as planned in care programmes

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

Specific Skills (Essential)

• Effective communication skills with a range of people, even when there are barriers to understanding
• Ability to engage patients in activities and manage time and planning of work
• Complete clinical records accurately
• Take leadership and direction from qualified staff
• Work in a team effectively, with basic IT skills, at times in challenging and unpredictable environments
• Physical intervention skills, risk assessment, confidentiality, de‑escalation skills, motivation, compassion, empathy, reliability, confidence, and ability to work in stressful conditions

Specific Skills (Desirable)

• Flexible approach to working arrangements

Additional Requirements (Essential)

• Friendly and caring manner, approachable
• Appreciation of working with a wide age group of clients
• Flexibility to work rotational shift pattern over 24 hours

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer details

Livewell Southwest
Bridford Ward, Glenbourne Unit
Morlaix Drive, Derriford
Plymouth
Devon
PL6 5AF

Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/