Healthcare Assistant careers

Make a difference to patients and families as a Healthcare Assistant. No previous care experience is needed. Training and support are provided.

You’ll provide practical and emotional support, helping each person remain comfortable and cared for in familiar surroundings. Just as importantly, you’ll have time to listen, talk and support the people closest to them.

Your role may include:

• Helping with washing, dressing, toileting and skincare.
• Supporting patients with food and drinks.
• Repositioning patients so they are comfortable.
• Observing and reporting changes in a patient’s wellbeing.
• Spending time talking and listening to patients and families.
• Providing reassurance during a difficult time.

What is the Rapid Personalised Care Service (RPCS)? Our Rapid Personalised Care Service supports people who are approaching the last 12 weeks of life and want to remain at home. The team can visit up to four times a day, including morning, lunchtime, teatime and bedtime visits. Care is based on each person’s individual needs and wishes.

What you’ll get out of the role:

• Impacting peoples lives: You will have an incredibly important job of ensuring patients are comfortable in their final weeks of lives as well as being there to support the family.
• Working as a team: You’ll be a part of a strong team of people who are there to support you, as well as working with the wider team in delivering different elements of care.
• Flexible shift patterns: Whether you’re looking for a full time or part time role, we can offer a variety of shift patterns to suit you.

You don’t need previous experience in healthcare. We’re looking for people who are:

• Compassionate, patient and respectful.
• Able to support people at a difficult and emotional time.
• Dependable and able to work as part of a team.
• Able to travel between patients’ homes.
• Legally entitled to work in the UK.
• Able to commit to at least 23 hours each week.
• Valid UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is required.

Please check individual vacancy details for current working hours and eligibility requirements. We’re unable to provide visa sponsorship for Healthcare Assistant roles.

Want a job where you can see the difference you make? Enjoy caring for and spending time with people. Are looking to begin a career in healthcare. Already working in care and want a more personalised role. Can remain calm and compassionate in emotional situations. Value being part of a close and supportive team.

Qualifications and requirements:

• You must have a valid UK driver’s licence and be able to commit to a minimum of 23 hours per week.
• You must also have a valid visa to work in the UK.
• You’ll be supporting people living with a life-limiting illness who are in the last 12 weeks of life.
• This includes providing care in line with individual needs, wishes, and dignity.
• Typical tasks include helping with personal care (washing, dressing, toileting), repositioning for comfort, offering emotional support, monitoring wellbeing, and assisting with meals or drinks.
• You may also provide support to families and carers.

The starting salary for a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant is from £24,625 – £25,674 per annum (pro rata) which aligns with the NHS bands. You will also receive mileage when travelling to a patient's home.

Yes – many HCAs go on to complete further qualifications, move into nursing, or take on more specialist roles within palliative care. We offer regular supervision, training, and peer support. Wellbeing support is available to help you manage the emotional aspects of the role.

You’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team that includes nurses, doctors, therapists, and volunteers. In the community, you may sometimes work alone during visits but are always supported by the wider team.

Hospice care is more focused on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment. There’s more time to spend with each person, and a strong emphasis on emotional and spiritual support alongside physical care.