Senior Healthcare Assistant

Harford Ward is offering an exciting job opportunity for the role of Senior Health Care 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 the patients that are admitted to Harford Ward.

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. The service is rated outstanding by the CQC and provides a wide range of support and treatment to those experiencing deteriorating mental health, supporting and enabling recovery. The Unit forms an integral element of our Acute Care Pathway with links to the city‑wide Home Treatment Team and Community Mental Health Services.

The role of the 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.

The post holder will be required to work both within Glenbourne 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 our electronic patient 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 the task can be fulfilled competently. However, the trained nurse is required to carry the responsibility for decision making and direction.

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information on eligibility.

All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7‑day service.

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 programs 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.

• Work under the direction of a registered member of nursing staff, but may not have direct supervision at times.
• Carry out tasks and instructions assigned by the trained nurse efficiently and effectively.
• Undertake only those tasks for which you have had instruction and are competent to fulfill.
• Maintain confidentiality in respect of the patient/client at all times.
• Be aware of the Health and Safety at Work Act and its implications for the work environment.
• Report accidents and untoward incidents promptly.
• Understand the patient's needs and risks; obtain knowledge of Trust policies, procedures and practices and carry out duties in accordance with them.
• Be aware of legal issues and have an understanding of the Mental Health Act.
• Support community activities either on a 1:1 basis or in…