Healthcare Assistant

Job summary

Are you a caring and motivated individual looking to make a difference in the lives of children and young people with complex health needs? We are looking for a Healthcare Assistant to join the dedicated team at Chailey Clinical Services, part of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.

As a Healthcare Assistant you will provide direct, hands‑on care to children and young people with complex health needs in the Short Breaks Service or School setting. You will assist with personal care, mobility, mealtimes and daily activities, promote independence and dignity, support therapeutic and developmental activities, contribute to care planning and documentation, communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team, maintain high hygiene and safety standards, participate in household tasks and undergo training for specific needs such as gastrostomy feeding.

• Assist with personal care, feeding, dressing and mobility for children with complex health needs.
• Support therapeutic and developmental activities on‑site and in the community.
• Maintain a safe, stimulating environment and contribute to care planning and documentation.
• Communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and uphold high hygiene and safety standards.
• Participate in household tasks and receive training for specific healthcare needs.
• Work flexible hours across a 24‑hour rota including nights, weekends and additional teams within Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in children/care work.
• Experience working with children, especially those with complex health needs.
• Experience with daily living tasks such as personal care, feeding and dressing.
• Willingness to learn medication administration, gastrostomy care and rehabilitation programmes.
• Valid driving licence (car driver) and ability to travel between sites.

• Ability to work in partnership with families and children.
• Good verbal and written communication skills for assessments and care planning.
• Team player and ability to work across all services at Chailey Clinical Services and other SCFT locations.
• Understanding of safeguarding and equal opportunities principles.

• Experience undertaking a key HCA role for children taking a lead in their social, emotional and play needs.
• Proven ability to carry out rehabilitation programmes and other clinical instructions.

• Positive NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing.
• Flexible working options and compressed hours.
• Excellent training, development and research opportunities.
• Active networks for Disability, LGBTQIA+ and Religion & Belief.
• Beautiful Sussex location near the South Downs and coast.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnic diversity, disabled, LGBTQIA+ and underrepresented groups. We ensure reasonable adjustments during recruitment.

Band 3, permanent, full‑time or part‑time, pro‑rata salary £24,937 to £26,598 per annum.

Full‑time, part‑time, flexible working, compressed hours, 24‑hour rota including nights and weekends.

Chailey Heritage Foundation, Shripney Rd, North Chailey, BN8 4EF
.

This post requires a DBS check for previous convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust;
Chailey Heritage Foundation, Shripney Rd, North Chailey, BN8 4EF
.