Senior Healthcare Assistant

Job summary
37.5 hours per week.

Harford Ward is offering an exciting job 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 the patients that are admitted to Harford Ward. We are looking for the right person 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 consist of one female 19 bedded acute ward which is Bridford Ward and a male 19 bedded acute ward which is Harford Ward. We are currently rated outstanding by the CQC with the ward providing 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 with the citywide Home Treatment Team and Community Mental Health Services.

Main duties of the job
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 / 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 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. 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 with regards to eligibility.

Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline.

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

Job Share(s) Considered

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, 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 like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs 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.

Job responsibilities

• Assist the trained nurse in delivering physical, social, and psychological care to patients with mental health problems admitted to the Unit or within the community.
• Work within the ward unit and with clients in the community, including contact with relatives, carers and other agencies.
• Carry out interventions as part of care plans and record information using the CPA process on electronic patient notes.
• Provide support and mentorship to junior staff.
• Travel at short notice across hospital sites as directed by the senior nurse.
• Escort patients to other wards, departments or areas designated by trained staff, which may include the community.
• Maintain confidentiality, follow Health and Safety at Work Act requirements, and report accidents and untoward incidents promptly.
• Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating care to patients, including case review and admission/discharge processes.
• Make appropriate records in the multi-disciplinary patient file / electronic records, to be countersigned by a registered nurse.
• Assist with patients' personal care, record patient observations in accordance with the Care Plan, and record and manage patients' property.
• Participate in mandatory and other training, continuing role development through the appraisal system, and any audit process.

Person Specification
Qualifications (Essential)

• NVQ level 3 or QCF level 3 in Health and Social care or equivalent experience or qualification.
• Care Certificate.
• Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.
• Ability to participate in activities with patients and contribute to the delivery of high standard care as planned in the care programme.

Qualifications (Desirable)

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

Experience (Essential)

• Experience within a Mental Health setting at Band 2 or Band 3 level or equivalent.
• Awareness of vulnerable adult / protection issues and guidance.
• Recent experience of working in a care setting; team working; clinical governance.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and undertake baseline physical observations.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Experience (Desirable)

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

Specific Skills (Essential)

• Effective communication skills with a range of people, including where there may be barriers in understanding for clients/carers.
• Ability to engage patients in activities off the Unit, manage time, plan work and complete clinical records.
• Ability to take leadership and direction from qualified staff and participate in unsupervised tasks with accurate feedback.
• Ability to work effectively in a team; demonstrate basic IT skills; awareness of personal safety.
• Ability to work in challenging and unpredictable environments, managing dynamic risks.
• Physical intervention in a ward environment; care plans and risk assessments; confidentiality; de-escalation skills.
• Motivated, compassionate, empathetic, reliable, confident in dealing with patients, and able 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; flexible approach.
• Ability to work a 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 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer details
Employer name: Livewell Southwest
Address: Glenbourne Unit, Morlaix Drive, Derriford, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 5AF, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/

Contact: Acting Ward Manager Marie Rossington, marie.rossington@nhs.net, 01752435572

Date posted: 23 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year pa, pro-rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Reference number: B9832-2026-NM-10428-2

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