Nursing Assistant

We are searching for a 22.5 hours per week (There may also be the potential of a second post for 30 hours per week - TBC) Band 3 Healthcare Assistant to join us on Beech Ward based in Torquay, Torbay Hospital. Beech ward is a 16 bedded inpatient Mental Health Ward that supports primarily older adults with functional mental health difficulties.

At Beech Ward, we pride ourselves on being a dedicated, passionate and skilled team, driven by the motivation to improve the lives and mental health of older adults.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to work within a dynamic team in a service that has been rated as Outstanding by the CQC. Working alongside the Nursing Team, and within the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), you will ensure that service users receive a high standard of person-centred care which enables them to recover in a timely way.

As a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant you play an essential role in supporting peoples recovery. On the ward you'll be a named point of contact and spend the majority of your time with patients with the full back up of your team. You'll be a valued member of our wider multi-disciplinary team, work in a supportive environment, have access to training and supervision and the opportunity to develop your career with us.

Band 3 Healthcare Assistants are the backbone of patient care, promoting the smooth operation of healthcare facilities and fostering a supportive environment for both patients and medical professionals.

To assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals. Be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.

The Band 3 Healthcare Assistant job often serves as a stepping stone for those seeking to enter the healthcare industry. Every day is different and varied and there's nothing better than getting feedback from the people who use our services about the difference you've made to their lives. With opportunities for career development and progression, individuals in these roles can acquire valuable hands-on experience and may choose to pursue further education and specialisation in healthcare.

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do.

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Date posted: 12 June 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 3

Salary: £24,625 to £25,674 a year pro rata (22.5 hours per week)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number: C9369-25-0468

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role.

Qualifications:

• Essential: Basic Education to complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion.
• Desirable: NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care. Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships
• Good communication and listening skills
• Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis
• Good written communication.
• Able to work in a team effectively
• Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries
• Able to plan work, time management, completing records and recording observations etc.
• To take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
• To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties
• To demonstrate an ability to provide practical support with daily living activities, and physically perform nursing duties.
• To be able to respond promptly to physical and mental health emergencies, be able to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner.
• To be self motivated.
• Able to work changing shift patterns as required
• To maintain confidentiality, empathy, compassion and patience, towards individuals with mental health illness.
• To maintain professionalism at all times.
• To be patient and tolerant in challenging situations.

Experience:

• Essential: Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services
• Aware of safeguarding principles
• IT skills

• Desirable: Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.
• Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.

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: Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address: Beech Unit, Torbay Hospital, Lawes Bridge, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 7AA

Employer's website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/