In house Health Care Assistant

The Vacancy

Job Title: In house Health Care Assistant

Salary: £28,534 per annum

Team: In-house CHR

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Christopher's Hospice Guildford, GU3 1LP

About the role

Your key purpose will be to take a role in creating a welcoming, safe and caring environment in which families can be relieved of all or some of the care needs of their child, working alongside them and supporting them. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team in providing high quality, compassionate care and support to children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

You will assist in meeting the physical, emotional and social needs of children and young people, supporting planned respite, symptom management and end-of-life care as required. Working under the direction of registered nurses, you will contribute to maintaining a safe, caring and family-centred environment, promoting dignity, comfort and wellbeing at all times.

About you

This role requires experience of working with babies, children and young people within a social or health care environment.

We are looking for someone who is kind, reliable and compassionate, with a genuine commitment to supporting babies, children, young people and their families. You will be a confident communicator who can work well as part of a team, remain calm and sensitive in challenging situations, and approach each shift with professionalism, warmth and respect.

Please see the attached job description for more information about this opportunity at Shooting Star Children's Hospices.

What we offer

In return you will receive a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, which include:

Pension scheme

• NHS Pension Scheme (for eligible employees) or our stakeholder pension scheme, with up to 7% employer contributions

Annual leave

• 27 days plus Bank Holidays rising with length of service
• 2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years' service

Contractual benefits

• Generous sick pay scheme
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave pay
• Flexible working arrangements
• Death in service benefits
• Reimbursed professional membership fees
• Eye care
• Employee referral scheme
• Blue Light discount card

Health and wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health
• Mindfulness sessions
• Mental Health First Aiders

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Also, we are committed to equal opportunities and consider all applicants to be in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Shooting Star Children's Hospices is committed to inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that getting things right is critical for us to live our organisation's values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.

We are always trying to improve our way of working to be more inclusive and equal. Our vision is for Shooting Star Children's Hospices to be a place where people of all backgrounds, groups and communities feel welcomed to work and volunteer.

Please contact Emma Johnston,emma.johnston@shootingstar.org.uk or 07467741641 if you have any questions about this role.

Anticipated closing Date: 18/09/2026

Interview Date: 06/10/2026

About Shooting Star Children's Hospices

Shooting Star Children's Hospices provides specialist care and support to families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or who have been bereaved. At the heart of what we do are our dedicated staff; their exceptional commitment and professionalism means every family has the opportunity to make every moment count.

To help each member of our team to excel in their role, we provide a range of skills training, staff benefits, discounts and wellbeing events. Discover the difference you can make today.

The Benefits

• Annual Leave
• Pension Scheme
• Starlight Academy
• Retail Discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Recognition 'Star' Awards
• Employee Referral Scheme

The Team

• Ellie
• EMDR and Art Therapist

"Shooting Star has supported my professional development from day one - enabling me to broaden my knowledge and expertise in bereavement care and trauma-informed practice, as an EMDR and Art Therapist. Their ongoing investment in my learning has made me feel valued and strengthened my confidence, ensuring that I am able to provide high-quality, evidence-informed, and compassionate care to the families that I support."

• Jess
• Nurse

"I started as a newly qualified nurse, now I have the skills and confidence to care for any child that comes into the hospice no matter how complex their care needs are."

• Cian
• Individual Giving Fundraiser

"I feel like a valued part of a collaborative team in Shooting Star. There's a genuinely supportive working environment here, where creativity is encouraged."