Healthcare Assistant

Healthcare Assistant – Devon Partnership NHS Trust

We are searching for experienced or aspiring Healthcare Assistants who would like to start a career within our Mental Health, Learning Disability and Neurodiversity Services. This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at the Regional Learning Disability and Autism Unit in Dawlish (The Brook). The Brook provides high quality care and treatment for people who have learning disabilities, and autistic patients with complex mental health needs.

The building and environment is state of the art and the service aims to become a centre of excellence. We are committed to the ongoing training and development of all our staff and offer a range of opportunities for career progression. The Care Certificate is the nationally recognised qualification for all staff working within the health and social care sector.

Within Devon Partnership Trust we are committed to all staff at Band 3 holding this qualification. If you have not yet completed the Care Certificate you will be supported to attain this within your first 3 months of employment as part of your mandatory training. We know that Healthcare Assistants from different employment backgrounds can bring a range of knowledge and new ideas – previous care experience is desirable but not essential.

• Assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using our services, encompassing social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs.
• Perform practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.
• Work flexible shifts, including 7am starts, short days, long days (10‑12 hours), evenings (until 8pm) and nights (from 7pm). Unhappy shift enhancements apply.
• Support daily living activities and provide practical support with nursing duties.
• Respond promptly to physical and mental health emergencies, thinking quickly and dealing calmly.
• Maintain accurate records and complete observations.
• Participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties.

Essential

• Basic Education.
• Complete the Care Certificate within the first 3 months of employment unless already obtained or equivalent evidence signed off by the appointing manager.
• Previous employment or experience in a caring situation or former role within mental health, learning disability or autism services.
• Awareness of safeguarding principles.
• IT skills.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Ability to work with people in a group and individually.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain personal boundaries.
• Problem solving skills.
• Ability to plan work, time management, complete records and observations.
• Take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
• Respond quickly to emergencies with calm, sensible action.
• Patient and tolerant in challenging situations.

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.
• Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.
• Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.

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

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

The Brook, Learning Disability and Autism (LDA) Unit, Exeter Road, Dawlish, Devon, EX7 0NR

Band 3 – £24,937 to £26,598 a year

Permanent, full‑time, part‑time, flexible working.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community, including those with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.