IPU Health Care Assistant

Job summary
Reports to: Associate Director for In-Patient Unit & Care at Home

Are you looking for the opportunity to work within a holistically focused, multi-disciplinary team; improving the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses?

Main duties of the job

• To work predominantly within the in patient unit (IPU) with flexibility to work across community as service requires.
• To work as a part of the Hospice multidisciplinary team to provide exceptional standards of individualised, holistic care to patients on IPU under the guidance and direction of the registered nurse.
• When required to support guests in the Respite for Good beds, assisting with care and social needs as necessary.
• Maintain accurate record keeping and clear handover to colleagues, recognising when to escalate concerns to nursing team.
• Flexibility to work within a variable staff roster, working 12.5 hr day and night shifts, covering a 365 days a week service.
• Work closely with Hospice volunteers, supporting their valuable role within the IPU.

About us
We are so proud of what we do, and we know you will be to. Communication and media are absolutely key to making the Hospice the incredible place it is. And you could be part of that. Today our free care supports 2,000 local people and their families, in Herts and Bucks.

Details
Date posted: 14 October 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £22,865.57 a year £22,865.57 p.a. (FTE: £24,852.66)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: B0249-26-0015
Job locations: The Hospice Of St. Francis, Spring Garden Lane, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 3GW, United Kingdom

Person Specification
Essential

• Evidence of good general education
• Competence to deliver direct and intimate personal care
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced level DBS check

Desirable

• Current driving licence, with use of own car
• Previous experience working in a Hospice or Palliative Care setting
• Experience of using electronic patent record systems
• Care certificate/NVQ qualified level 2
• Qualified by experience in a similar role working in a healthcare setting or community care
• Experience delivering care as part of a rostered team working 24/7 365 days a year
• Previous experience of rehabilitative care

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: The Hospice of St Francis
Employer's website: https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/

For questions about the job, contact: Caroline Wheeldon, recruitment@stfrancis.org.uk, 01442869550

The Hospice of St Francis's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)