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- Tasks: Support patients in a mental health unit, working with a multi-disciplinary team.
- Company: Join Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in mental health services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a commitment to staff development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health care while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in mental health or care settings is preferred.
- Other info: Full and part-time shifts available; engage in lifelong learning and supervision.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the post of healthcare support worker (HCA) on Shakespeare ward, at band 3.
This post is ideal for highly motivated and compassionate individuals who want to deliver high standards of care to individuals on a busy female acute ward. Interventions expected of successful applicants included spending 1:1 time with patients, using compassion and empathy to help in challenging situations, supporting the wider team in areas such as infection prevention and control and proactively spending time delivering patient centred activities on the ward, among other things.
The successful candidate will need to have excellent communication skills both verbal and non-verbal and should be able to competently and confidently hand over information to other members of the team both verbally and by way of electronic communication and documentation on clinical systems.
- IPC and cleaning duties
- Supporting with meal service
- Escorting patients on periods of leave both on the grounds and into the wider community
- Supporting patients in times of crisis by way of excellent communication skills and when required utilising approved physical interventions such as PAS
- Being part of a large MDT on the ward, and further tasks may be delegated to you in line with patient care and staff safety
Shakespeare ward is a female adult acute ward at the Harbour, which has high standards of care. The ward itself typically has 18 patients, 18 years and upwards, and these patients are supported by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of medics, mental health nurses, support workers, health and wellbeing, pharmacy, occupational therapists and more.
For a discussion about the role, please reach out to:
Jennifer.bird@lscft.nhs.uk
LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you’d like to discuss your application, please ask.
We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.
LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification attached to this vacancy for the full responsibilities of this role.
This advert closes on Friday 23 Jan 2026
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Healthcare Assistant | Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust employer: Lancashire Care Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Lancashire Care Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Assistant | Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific mental health issues that the Dova Unit addresses. Understanding the challenges faced by patients will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in mental health settings. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to patient care and supported individuals facing mental health challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your communication skills during the interview. Since this role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team, showcasing your ability to collaborate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Assistant | Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Healthcare Assistant position. Highlight key skills such as compassion, teamwork, and communication that are essential for this role.
Personalise Your Application: Avoid generic applications. Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect your experiences in mental health settings. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of mental health issues and your ability to support patients effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have previous experience in healthcare or mental health settings, make sure to detail this in your application. Discuss any relevant training or certifications that align with the job requirements.
Be Mindful of AI Usage: As mentioned in the job description, avoid using AI to generate your application. Ensure that your submission is personal and reflects your unique qualifications and motivations for applying to this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire Care Foundation Trust
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Healthcare Assistant, demonstrating compassion is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've shown empathy and support in previous roles, especially in challenging situations.
✨Understand Mental Health Issues
Familiarise yourself with common mental health issues and the challenges faced by patients. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and show your commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
The role requires working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Be ready to discuss your experience in teamwork, how you contribute to group dynamics, and any specific instances where you helped resolve conflicts or supported colleagues.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Questions
Since the position involves shift work, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work various shifts. Share any past experiences that demonstrate your ability to adapt to different working hours.
