At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate care to patients in their homes, supporting them and their families.
- Company: Sue Ryder, a leading charity providing palliative care.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, enhanced leave, pension scheme, and healthcare cash plan.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their most challenging times.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care preferred; strong interpersonal skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 27400 - 27600 £ per year.
We offer full and part‑time hours (12‑hour shifts with options for 23, 34.5, or 37.5 hour contracts). Pay ranges from £13.18 to £13.26 per hour, plus a 30% enhancement for nights and weekends.
About the role
As a Senior Healthcare Assistant in our Hospice at Home team, you will:
- Deliver hands‑on care in patients’ homes across Berkshire West and South Oxfordshire.
- Work closely with community nursing teams, doctors, therapists and volunteers to provide holistic, person‑centred care.
- Support patients and their families with dignity, compassion and empathy.
- Play a vital role in ensuring people can stay at home, surrounded by loved ones, with the right care and support in place.
No two days are the same in palliative and end‑of‑life care. You’ll work across a variety of situations, supporting patients in their last months, weeks or days of life, helping them live as fully as possible.
About you
You should bring:
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (strongly preferred; substantial relevant experience with evidence is also acceptable).
- A UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (essential).
- Strong clinical and interpersonal skills (essential).
- An understanding of person‑centred, inclusive care principles (essential).
- A real passion for providing high‑quality palliative and end‑of‑life care (essential).
- Experience of community care or lone working is desirable but not essential – we provide full induction, training, and ongoing support.
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 and learning and development opportunities.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
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 employer, we offer an interview to all disabled applicants who best meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. We use inclusive recruitment practices, including offering remote interviews where needed and other accessibility support.
Senior Healthcare Assistant - Hospice at Home in Theale employer: Sue Ryder
At Sue Ryder, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment for our Senior Healthcare Assistants. Located in Theale, Berkshire, we provide flexible working hours, competitive pay with enhancements for unsociable hours, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday entitlement and a commitment to employee development. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and their families, while enjoying a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Healthcare Assistant - Hospice at Home in Theale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the healthcare sector, especially those who work in palliative care. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to person-centred care and end-of-life support. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for high-quality care during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting patients and their families with dignity and compassion.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Healthcare Assistant - Hospice at Home in Theale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Healthcare Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in palliative care and any qualifications like NVQ Level 3 that match what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your genuine enthusiasm for providing high-quality care. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to compassionate, person-centred care in your application.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily see how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This way, we can process your application more efficiently and keep you updated on your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sue Ryder
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the principles of person-centred care and palliative care. Brush up on your NVQ Level 3 knowledge and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. This shows you’re not just ticking boxes but genuinely understand what’s required.
✨Show Your Compassion
In this role, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve demonstrated compassion and support for patients and their families. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you’re a great fit for the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the Hospice at Home team and their approach to care. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your clinical and interpersonal skills. Think about how you would handle various situations in community care or lone working. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
