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- Tasks: Support a young lady transitioning from hospital to home, ensuring her safety and happiness.
- Company: Join Leaf Complex Care, part of the Catalyst Care Group, dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a new team, building trust and stability in a rewarding role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while having fun and engaging in activities.
- Qualifications: Experience with learning disabilities or autism; Makaton knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
At Leaf Complex Care, part of the Catalyst Care Group, we are committed to providing expert complex care that transforms lives. We stand on the pillars of Compassion, Impact, and Community, values that guide our actions and our approach to compassionate care. We are seeking dedicated, patient, and energetic healthcare assistants to support a young lady as she transitions from a hospital setting into her new home. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to be part of building a brand-new team around her, supporting her to feel safe, understood, and excited about this next chapter in her life.
She is a non-verbal young lady who communicates fluently using Makaton. She is currently a wheelchair user. She has a playful and spirited sense of humour, and is caring, funny, adventurous, and kind, with a truly big heart. This role is about more than support; it’s about building trust, creating stability, and helping her thrive in her new environment.
About the Role
You will initially support her within a hospital setting, working alongside professionals to ensure a smooth and safe transition into her own home, while helping establish a consistent and supportive team around her. She loves to be active, outdoors, and engaged, so this role requires someone who can match her energy and enthusiasm for life. She also loves dancing and listening to music.
Her favourite activities include:
- Water play
- Soft play
- Trips to the park
- Cinema outings
- Trampolining
- Playing football
- Shopping
- Messy play
- Story time (bonus points for character voices!)
She is also working towards returning to activities such as cinema trips, trampolining, and playing football, and will need support to gradually build back up to these. In her downtime, she enjoys watching Peppa Pig, Thomas the Tank Engine, Spiderman, and Teletubbies, so being able to engage with her in these moments is just as important.
Working Patterns
Based on package needs – likely a mix of shifts including days and community support.
Responsibilities
- Support a safe and positive transition from hospital to the community
- Use Makaton, visual aids, and PECS to communicate effectively
- Build trusting relationships through consistency and understanding
- Support daily routines and promote independence
- Facilitate meaningful activities aligned with her interests
- Encourage community access and engagement
- Work collaboratively with family and multidisciplinary teams
- Maintain accurate records and follow care plans
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism
- Experience supporting individuals with trauma-informed approaches is highly desirable
- Prior knowledge or experience using Makaton, PECS, or other visual communication tools is highly desirable
- Minimum of 6 months of experience in similar healthcare settings
- Driving is essential for this role due to the location of the home and limited transport links. Access to a vehicle will be required to support community activities
However, if you have the right attitude, passion, and willingness to learn — we would still love to hear from you.
Candidate Traits & Competencies
- Patient, kind, and emotionally intelligent
- Calm and confident in challenging situations
- Energetic and proactive in their approach
- Fun, engaging, and able to build rapport
- Reliable with strong timekeeping
- Open to learning new communication methods
- Trustworthy and consistent
- Passionate about making a real difference
In the words of the young lady: “If you give me time and help me feel safe in the world, I’m a cheeky monkey!” If you think this sounds like the role for you then get in touch.
What We Offer:
Financial & Practical Support
- Refer-a-friend bonus – incentives for introducing new workers to the company (recently rolled out)
- Tax relief – the ability to claim through the government for work-related clothing and tools (e.g., uniforms, mileage, and equipment)
Development & Support
- On-shift support and guidance through the on-call system
- Regular supervisions
- Specialist training opportunities such as safeguarding, medication management, and more
- All mandatory training is free
Work-Life Balance and Community
- Flexible working hours – option to choose shifts based on availability
- Recognition programmes – celebrating and rewarding outstanding contributions
- Social events – opportunities to connect and build team spirit
Healthcare Assistant in Colchester employer: Leaf Complex Care Group
Contact Detail:
Leaf Complex Care Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Assistant in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Leaf Complex Care's values and mission. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your Makaton skills! Since the role involves supporting a non-verbal young lady, brushing up on your Makaton can really impress during the interview. Plus, it shows you're ready to engage and communicate effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to share your experiences! Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact in previous roles. This will help you demonstrate your passion for care and how you embody the qualities they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Assistant in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how you embody our values of Compassion, Impact, and Community in your own experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Healthcare Assistant. Highlight any relevant experience you have with individuals who have learning disabilities or autism, and mention your familiarity with Makaton or PECS if applicable.
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for someone fun and engaging, so share a bit about your interests and how you can connect with the young lady you’ll be supporting.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leaf Complex Care Group
✨Know the Core Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the core values of Leaf Complex Care: Compassion, Impact, and Community. Think about how your own experiences and values align with these principles, and be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to compassionate care.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves using Makaton and other visual communication tools, it’s essential to highlight any relevant experience you have. If you’ve worked with individuals who use alternative communication methods, share those stories! If not, express your willingness to learn and adapt, showing your enthusiasm for supporting the young lady effectively.
✨Engage with Her Interests
Familiarise yourself with the activities and interests mentioned in the job description, like dancing, outdoor play, and her favourite shows. During the interview, mention how you would incorporate these into your daily routine with her. This will show your genuine interest in making her transition enjoyable and meaningful.
✨Demonstrate Your Energy and Enthusiasm
This role requires someone energetic and proactive, so make sure your personality shines through during the interview. Share examples of how you’ve engaged with others in a fun and lively way, and express your excitement about the opportunity to support someone in their journey towards independence and happiness.