Healthcare Assistant

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a compassionate and motivated Health Care Assistant to join Rydon Ward, an adult acute mental health inpatient service at Wellsprings Hospital Site. The ward provides care and support to adults experiencing acute mental health difficulties, working within a supportive multidisciplinary team environment.

As a Health Care Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting patients throughout their recovery journey. Working alongside Registered Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists and other healthcare professionals, you will provide high-quality, person-centred care, assist with therapeutic activities, support patients with their daily living needs and contribute to maintaining a safe and therapeutic ward environment.

This role operates across a 24-hour rotational shift pattern and offers an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about mental health care and making a positive difference to people's lives.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver compassionate, person-centred care to individuals experiencing acute mental health difficulties.
• Support patients with personal care, nutrition, hydration, comfort, dignity and wellbeing.
• Observe, monitor and report changes in patients' physical and mental wellbeing.
• Assist in delivering therapeutic and recreational activities both on and off the ward.
• Build positive therapeutic relationships with patients, carers and colleagues.
• Support patients to engage with their care and treatment plans, including medication compliance where appropriate.
• Assist in managing challenging situations through de-escalation techniques and, following appropriate training, support the management of violent or aggressive behaviour.
• Maintain accurate patient records using electronic systems and complete relevant documentation.
• Participate in ward activities, team meetings, training, supervision and continuous professional development.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.