Healthcare Assistant

Job summary

The post holder--Band 3 Healthcare Assistant--occupies a pivotal position in delivering high-quality, compassionate, and recovery-oriented care to individuals with complex, acute, chronic, and forensic mental health needs. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse , the post holder is responsible for supporting the implementation of individualised care plans, managing daily clinical priorities within established guidelines, and actively promoting a safe and therapeutic environment.Mandatory Working Requirements & Genuine Occupational Requirements (GOR)1. Full Shift Rotation (Day & Night Duty): Owing to the continuous 24/7 care demands of a forensic inpatient ward, the post holder must work a full rotational pattern, including compulsory internal rotation to night shifts, weekends, and bank holidays. This is a fundamental, non-negotiable requirement of the role and is in accordance with the Working Time Regulations 1998.2. Physical Intervention (PMVA): Ensuring safety within a forensic environment is a critical aspect of the position. The post holder is required to participate in physical restraint and emergency safety procedures, utilising approved Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) protocols. Physical fitness, capability, and willingness to undertake, pass, and annually re-certify in mandatory PMVA physical training are essential components of this role.

Main duties of the job

1. Deliver therapeutic activities and support daily living skills.2. Proactively manage challenging behaviors and participate in conflict resolution using Trust-approved protocols.3. Work flexibly across day and night shifts.4. Support safe admissions and discharges and digitally report safety incidents.5. Conduct routine physical health checks and continuously monitor service users.6. Maintain accurate electronic health records and communicate empathetically with service users, families, and carers.7. Securely handle cash, weekly allowances, and patient valuables, ensuring meticulous record-keeping.8. Safeguard ward equipment and property, making effective use of resources.9. Assist with orientation, training, and shadowing of new staff and Band 2 support workers in local routines and ward procedures.10. Participate actively in quality improvement projects, local audits, and data collection.11. Engage in ongoing professional development, including annual appraisals, clinical supervision, reflective practice, and statutory/mandatory training updates.

About us

North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people.

Our Five-Year Strategy:

1. We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home.
2. With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all
3. We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care.
4. We will be more effective as an organisation by pioneering research, quality improvement and technology.

Why NLFT?

• We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities.
• We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.
• NHS Discounts, generous annual leave and NHS pension scheme
• Excellent internal staff network

In order to meet the needs of the Trust you may be required from time to time to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that fall under Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington. The Trust reserves the right to require staff to work at such other places or locations as it considers reasonable and necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.