Health Care Assistant - Rowan Ward

Rowan Ward 2 offers a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly, skilled and supportive team caring for adults of working age with acute mental health needs. We are looking for compassionate, motivated individuals who want to make a real difference to the lives of our patients.

As a Band 3 Health Care Assistant, you will be part of a multi disciplinary team supporting the assessment, treatment and recovery of patients experiencing a wide range of mental health presentations. You will deliver safe, person centred and holistic care under the supervision of registered nurses and will contribute to the 24/7 operation of the ward through rotational shifts, including nights, weekends and bank holidays.

We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Previous experience in care is helpful but not essential: many of our team bring valuable life experience and transferable skills. What matters most is being caring, conscientious, friendly and committed to supporting others.

Staff on Rowan Ward 2 benefit from regular supervision, ongoing training and opportunities to develop enhanced skills. The ward has a warm, collaborative culture and consistently receives positive feedback from students, staff and service users.

• Build therapeutic and supportive relationships with patients and carers.
• Support the monitoring of patient safety through observations and risk awareness.
• Assist patients with daily living tasks including eating, drinking and personal care, promoting independence wherever possible.
• Participate in therapeutic and activity based interventions on and off the ward.
• Support the delivery of individualised care plans as part of the wider team.
• Escort patients to appointments and off-ward activities as required.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean and dignified environment for all.
• Assist in the admission, transfer and discharge of patients.
• Undertake physical observations and support medication administration after training.
• Use deescalation skills to respond to distress, aggression or challenging behaviour, contributing to safe restraint when necessary and only after training.
• Update electronic patient records accurately and promptly.
• Participate in regular supervision, mandatory training and ward meetings.

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.

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Please note: this is a 24 hour service, and you will be required to work flexibly across days, nights, weekends and bank holidays.

• Must be willing to work towards NVQ level 3 in direct care or Certificate in Care if not already held.
• Related healthcare interests or education

• Experience of working with people in a caring situation
• Previous experience of working in mental health services

• Awareness of the Mental Health Act 1983 and safeguarding principles

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.