Job Description
Healthcare Assistant
Location: Northampton
Salary: From £23,879 plus enhancements
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours) fully flexible
The Role
Healthcare Assistants work in our Clinical areas, supporting staff teams in delivering and focusing on our Patients and their rehabilitation, daily activities and care. The role can be quite active and we would therefore require you to be able to cope with the demands of an active post. To join St Andrew’s as a Healthcare Assistant we are looking for the following:
Essential Criteria:
- Good standard of literacy, numeracy and IT skills
- Working within a mental healthcare setting will require resilience as it can be a challenging role
- Undertake personal care (washing, toileting, etc.)
- Excellent communication skills
- To be able to follow instructions and procedures
- To be able to work in a team but use your own initiative
- Observational skills
Due to the physical requirements of this role and the support we provide to our service users, successful candidates must meet minimum requirements of physical capability, including an ability to sit, stand and kneel for a prolonged period of time as well as the ability to transition between kneeling, sitting and standing with ease.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience within healthcare or care work
- A qualification in healthcare
- Experience working in a mental health setting
About us
St Andrew’s Healthcare is a charity providing specialist mental healthcare for patients with some of the most complex mental health needs in the UK. We provide care across a number of services including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Brain Injury, Dementia and Huntington’s Disease, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Learning Disability and Autism, Low Secure and PICU (Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit) and Medium Secure including the Deaf Service.
We develop innovative ways to help patients recover, creating a package of care designed around each individual, their preferences and needs. We focus on physical and spiritual wellbeing as well as mental health
Rewards
We offer an excellent benefits package including: Pension; Sickness policy on par with the NHS; Access to the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts schemes; 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing after 10 years' service; Life cover; Electric Car lease scheme; Cycle to work scheme; Healthcare cash plan; Free parking; Paid DBS application; Access to free vocational qualifications. On-site facilities such as gym and swimming pool access and cafés all set within beautiful grounds.
Our patients and your colleagues will expect you to live the St Andrew’s CARE values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence every single day.
Please note candidates will be required to attend a pre-screen appointment, where if shortlisted you will then be required to attend an interview assessment on site. The time scale from pre-screen to interview is 14 days on average.
*Please not we may close this advert early if we receive the required amount of applications before the closing date*
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Assistant - Full Time - Permanent in Northampton
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at St Andrew’s Healthcare for the Healthcare Assistant - Full Time - Permanent role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with St Andrew’s Healthcare, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at St Andrew’s Healthcare, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Andrew’s Healthcare
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at St Andrew’s Healthcare.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like St Andrew’s Healthcare appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how St Andrew’s Healthcare supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
