At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate care and support to patients in a hospice setting.
- Company: Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, dedicated to expert palliative care.
- Benefits: Enhanced pay for unsociable hours, generous holiday, and pension schemes.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those facing life-limiting conditions.
- Qualifications: Experience in health or social care and a passion for patient well-being.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
Location: Grove Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2AE.
Hours: 37.5 Hours Per Week (Rotational Days, Nights and Weekends).
Pay: £12.71 per hour (plus a 30% enhancement for nights and weekends).
About Us
Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice is in the heart of Headingley, Leeds. We provide expert palliative care at a time when people need this the most. We support people aged 18 and over who are living with life‑limiting conditions such as cancer, heart failure and lung disease, combining specialist medical care for managing pain and other symptoms with emotional, practical and spiritual support. Care is provided in our inpatient unit and through our CNS team who visit patients in their own homes.
About the Role
Sue Ryder Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) play a vital role in our hospice, providing essential support to patients, families, and the broader care team. Their work ensures that patients receive compassionate, hands‑on care tailored to their physical, emotional and personal needs in their most vulnerable moments.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Monitoring the physical and emotional well‑being of all clients
- Ensuring accurate reporting and documentation
- Promoting choice in the delivery of care and support
- Enabling concerns and complaints to be raised freely by the individual and their families
HCAs work on a rotational shift pattern, including early shifts, late shifts, long days, nights and weekends. Flexibility to work a range of shifts is required to support our 24/7 service.
About You
We are looking for dedicated healthcare assistants with sound clinical skills, a genuine passion for improving the lives of those with life‑limiting conditions, and at least one year’s experience in a health or social care role. Prior experience or a strong understanding of palliative care is desirable, but a willingness to learn and develop expertise is highly valued.
Minimum Essential Criteria
- Experience delivering personal care with respect for patient dignity
- Ability to follow care plans and make reasonable adjustments
- Effective verbal and written communication with individuals of varying needs
- Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and inclusion
Desirable Criteria
- Experience in hospice or palliative care settings
- Training in dementia, end‑of‑life or communication support
- NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent
Benefits
- Enhanced pay for unsociable hours
- Company pension scheme
- Continuation of NHS pension (terms and conditions apply)
- 27 days holiday, rising to 33 with length of service plus bank holidays
- NHS annual leave honoured (terms and conditions apply)
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Enhanced sick pay
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Healthcare Cash plan to claim back costs of routine healthcare
- Death in Service benefit
- Staff discount of 10% on new goods online at shop.sueryder.org
- Structured induction programme with learning and development opportunities
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
At Sue Ryder, we recognise that a diverse workforce allows us to provide the best care and support. We are committed to encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and to eliminating unlawful discrimination. We welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds, and those living with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we’re proud to support the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme, offering an interview to all disabled applicants who best meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. Once in post you’ll have access to staff and volunteer networks for LGBTQ+ colleagues, ethnic diversity and equity, people with disabilities, and women and non‑binary individuals, plus an Inclusion Passport to record and carry your workplace adjustments. Join us in creating a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and able to thrive.
Healthcare Assistant in Leeds employer: Sue Ryder
Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, dedicated to providing compassionate palliative care. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer enhanced pay for unsociable hours, generous holiday allowances, and a structured induction programme that fosters professional growth. Our inclusive work culture values diversity and supports staff through various networks, ensuring that every team member feels respected and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our patients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Assistant in Leeds
✨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 Sue Ryder for the Healthcare Assistant role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Assistant in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Sue Ryder, 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 Sue Ryder, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sue Ryder
✨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 Sue Ryder.
✨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 Sue Ryder appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Sue Ryder 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.
