At a Glance
- Tasks: Support nursing and facilities teams with patient care, catering, and housekeeping.
- Company: Join Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, a leading healthcare provider.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to pursue a Level 3 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while developing your skills in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Basic education and willingness to learn; customer service experience is a plus.
Ward Assistant - The Vale
Closing date: 28 September 2025
As a Ward Assistant, you will be a hugely valuable support to our Nursing and Facilities teams providing support to ward care, the catering team and the housekeeping team.
You will need to be:
- Caring and kind
- Cheerful and friendly
- Able to follow instructions
- Happy to work in a team but also able to use own initiative
- Have good listening and communication skills
Main duties of the job
- Contributing to the cleanliness of the ward
- making beds
- tidying rooms
- re-stocking supplies
- Assisting with food and drink preparation
- refilling water jugs
- setting tables
- clearing plates and cutlery
- Recreational support
- providing encouragement for patients
- taking patients out to the garden
- helping patients settle in
- Administration
- Answer the door for visitors
- Showing visitors to the right room to see a patient
- Answering the telephone
The qualification, training & experience requirements for the role are underlined in the Job Description/Person Specification.
About us
We have a skilled and dedicated workforce of over 5000 colleagues working in a diverse range of services over 55 sites and within people\'s homes. We strive to enable a welcoming workplace culture that builds and celebrates civility, inclusivity and diversity, while providing a sense of belonging and trust.
Annual staff surveys, regular Pulse surveys and other engagement opportunities provide our people with lots of opportunity to tell us about their experiences of working with us. In the latest staff survey, 61% of colleagues gave us their views. It was great to hear that:
- 72% of colleagues would recommend the Trust as a place to work, ranking us 1st for Provider Trusts in the South West region on this question.
- 76% would recommend the standard of care provided in our services if a friend or relative needed treatment, also ranking us 1st in the South West region.
- 81% said that care of patients and service users is the Trust\'s priority, compared with an average in comparable NHS Trusts in England of 64%.
This high-level overview shows we are in a healthy position, with higher scores than average for comparable organisations, alongside a great response rate, indicating good staff engagement. However, we also know we have plenty of room for improvement in many areas. To that end, we continue to prioritise and invest in our commitment to genuinely becoming a Great Place to Work with consistent top-quartile performance in the annual staff survey and Pulse surveys.
Job responsibilities
As a Health Care Assistant/ Support Worker you will be responsible for participating and assisting in the delivery of care / services to patients and service users as part of a Mental Health and Social Care Health Service. Health Care Assistant, Social Care Workers and other Healthcare Support Workers employed by the Trust are required to follow the guidance set out in Code of Conduct for Health Care Assistants/ Health Care Support Workers to provide safe and compassionate care of a high standard, and to challenge others who are not.
You will receive direct supervision and partake in reflective practice / training on a regular basis and be required to meet the Care Certificate standards. All successful applicants will also have the opportunity to discuss the prospect of undertaking a Level 3 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship alongside their substantive post. This apprenticeship would include the Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare.
Person Specification
Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience of being customer or patient facing
- Flexible and adaptable
- work as part of a team and independently
- Evidence of commitment to training and learning
Knowledge
- Knowledge of infection control
Qualifications
- Basic level of education
- NVQ Level 2 in Cleaning or equivalent qualification or experience (or willing to undertake)
- Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (or willing to undertake)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Employer name
Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Ward Assistant - The Vale in Dursley employer: Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
At Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Ward Assistants. With over 5000 dedicated colleagues across 55 sites, we foster a culture of civility and diversity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and heard. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through opportunities for training and apprenticeships, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in healthcare.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ward Assistant - The Vale in Dursley
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
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Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust for the Ward Assistant - The Vale role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Ward Assistant - The Vale in Dursley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
