Healthcare Assistant / Support Worker

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, person-centred support to individuals with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, physical disabilities, dementia, or other complex needs.
• Assist service users with daily living activities, including personal care, dressing, bathing, grooming, toileting, and maintaining personal hygiene where required.
• Support individuals to maintain their independence while respecting their dignity, privacy, choices, and individual preferences.
• Encourage and promote independence by assisting service users in developing life skills and achieving personal goals.
• Support with meal planning, food preparation, nutrition, hydration, and any dietary requirements.
• Administer or assist with medication in accordance with company policies, training, and medication administration procedures.
• Accompany service users to medical appointments, community activities, education, work placements, shopping, and social events.
• Provide emotional support, companionship, and reassurance to promote positive mental health and overall wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records, including daily notes, care documentation, incident reports, and medication records.
• Observe and report any changes in an individual's physical, emotional, or behavioural condition to the appropriate manager or healthcare professional.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns relating to abuse, neglect, or welfare in accordance with organisational policies.
• Work in compliance with the Health and Social Care Act, CQC regulations, safeguarding legislation, health and safety requirements, and company policies.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, dignity, and respect in all aspects of care and support.
• Build positive relationships with service users, families, colleagues, and external healthcare professionals.
• Support individuals with mobility, moving and handling, and the safe use of mobility equipment where required.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision sessions, mandatory training, and continuous professional development activities.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment while following infection prevention and control procedures.
• Respond calmly and professionally to emergencies, incidents, and challenging situations while following established procedures.
• Work flexibly across various shifts, including days, nights, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in shifts where required.

Essential Requirements

• Right to work in the UK.
• Compassionate, caring, patient, and reliable approach to supporting vulnerable individuals.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage workload effectively.
• Willingness to undertake mandatory training and ongoing professional development.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
• Flexible approach to working hours and shift patterns.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience working as a Support Worker, Healthcare Assistant, Care Assistant, or in a similar health and social care role.
• NVQ/QCF Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
• Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, dementia, or challenging behaviours.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, medication administration, infection control, moving and handling, and person-centred care.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (where required).

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Empathy, compassion, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Professionalism, honesty, and integrity.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate documentation.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care and support.