Job summary
Taurus Healthcare is looking for enthusiastic and compassionate Health Care Assistants to join our Prevention and Outreach team.
These are fantastic opportunities for HCA's who enjoy meeting people, working in different environments and helping people take positive steps towards their health and wellbeing.
We are looking to fill
- up to 20 hours per week (permanent contracts)
- flexible (0 hours) contracts
We have permanent hours between
- Monday and Friday 8am 6pm(In Hours)
- £24,996.93 to £28,405.60 per annum FTE (37.5hrs per week)
- Monday and Friday 6pm and 8am and weekends (Out of Hours)
- £29,541.82 to £34,086.72 per annum FTE (37.5hrs per week)
Due to current licence limitations, visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Were looking for someone who is friendly, approachable and confident working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
You'll ideally have previous Health Care Assistant experience and be comfortable carrying out clinical tasks independently, while knowing when to seek support.
Experience or knowledge of NHS Health Checks, point of care testing and EMIS Web is valuable.
Most importantly, you'll have a genuine interest in prevention, early intervention and helping people improve their health.
Main duties of the job
We Offer:
- A role that can work well alongside school or other commitments
- A mixture of community, clinical and remote working
- The opportunity to be involved in innovative prevention and screening programmes
- Training and development opportunities
- Supportive clinical supervision
- A friendly and collaborative team
- The chance to make a visible difference to the health of your local community
Your role could include:
- Delivering NHS Health Checks and supporting prevention initiatives
- Supporting the Lung Health Check / Lung Cancer Screening Programme, including elements of screening and administration that can be completed remotely from home
- Carrying out clinical tasks such as phlebotomy, ECGs and observations
- Undertaking point-of-care testing (POCT)
- Having friendly, supportive conversations about health and wellbeing using MECC (Making Every Contact Count) principles
- Supporting people to access smoking cessation and healthy lifestyle services
- Working at community events and outreach sessions to engage people who may not routinely access primary care
- Accurately recording clinical information and outcomes using EMIS Web
- Working alongside nurses, clinicians and wider health and community partners
- Helping us to reduce health inequalities and improve access to preventative healthcare across Herefordshire
About us
Taurus Healthcare was established in 2012, as the provider arm of the GP Federation serving 210,000 patients in Herefordshire.
Founded and owned by the partners of the entire Herefordshire Primary Care community, Taurus is focused on providing excellent out of hospital services for patients. Our ethos is to provide high quality and cost effective health outcomes that are delivered as close as possible to the patients home, whilst ensuring that patients who do require in hospital services are seen as quickly and effectively as possible.
At Taurus Healthcare we strive to create a diverse, inclusive workplace, and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds including those from Military Veterans and family members of serving personnel.
Taurus Healthcare offer many employee benefits, such as:
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Access to a generous NHS pension scheme with 23.78% employer contribution.
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33 to 38 days annual leave entitlement, including bank holidays, depending on service (pro rata for part-time staff).
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Access to an extensive Employee Benefits Programme (Vivup) offering:
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24/7 access to counselling services
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Salary sacrifice scheme for cars and bikes
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Access to a wide range of discounts from national retailers
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Access to the Blue Light extensive discount scheme.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
The Health Care Assistant (HCA) supports both urgent/extended access clinical services and planned prevention programmes, playing a key role in improving population health outcomes.
Under the supervision of registered clinicians, the HCA contributes to:
- The delivery of safe, effective clinical care in clinical settings; and
- The delivery of preventative services, including NHS Health Checks and Lung Cancer Screening, supporting early detection, risk reduction and health behaviour change.
The role requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and a commitment to delivering patient centred care across weekdays, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Key Responsibilities
1. Clinical Care Enhanced Access & Preventative Services
- Work within personal competence and scope of practice, escalating concerns appropriately
- Support clinicians with assessment and monitoring of patients
- Undertake:
- Phlebotomy
- ECGs (with escalation for clinical review in line with guidance)
- Urinalysis and specimen preparation for pathology
- Record physiological observations including:
- Blood pressure
- Pulse rate and rhythm
- Respiratory rate
- Temperature
- Height, weight, waist circumference and BMI
- Undertake simple wound care and dressings in line with guidelines
- Recognise wounds not responding to treatment and escalate concerns promptly
- Act as a chaperone when required
- Recognise and respond to urgent or emergency situations (e.g. anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest), summoning immediate assistance
2. Prevention & Population Health
- Deliver NHS Health Checks, including:
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
- Lifestyle assessment (smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet)
- Measurement and interpretation of health indicators
- Support Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) programmes by:
- Engaging eligible patients and explaining the screening pathway
- Undertaking preassessment checks and data collection as required
- Recording smoking status, and relevant clinical information
- Supporting shared decision making using agreed protocols and templates
- Signposting to smoking cessation and lifestyle support services
- Provide opportunistic health promotion and disease prevention advice
- Identify carers and encourage registration with carers support services
3. Communication & Patient Experience
- Communicate clearly, compassionately and professionally with patients and carers
- Support patients who may feel anxious about screening, investigations or results
- Accurately document all activity in the clinical IT system (e.g. EMIS Web)
- Use NHS email and Taurus IT systems safely and appropriately
- Contribute to multidisciplinary team working across clinical and prevention services
4. Environment, Equipment & Stock Management
- Prepare, maintain and clean clinical environments before, during and after clinics
- Assist clinicians during minor procedures where required
- Undertake:
- Equipment checks
- Quality control tests (e.g. d dimer / BNP where applicable)
- Cold chain and fridge temperature monitoring
- Maintain stock levels of Taurus equipment and clinical supplies
- Support secure handling, storage and disposal of equipment and waste
Assist with safe and secure closure of premises at the end of sessions where required
See full job description in the attachment
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
- Ability to manage competing priorities
- Confidence working within a multidisciplinary team
- Strong organisational and coordination skills
- Ability to accurately input, maintain and retrieve data
Desirable
- Phlebotomy competency
- Experience of EMIS Web
Other requirements wider responsibilities
Desirable
- Ability to work flexibly across enhanced access and prevention services
- Full clean driving license
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends and bank holiday
Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Calm and resilient under pressure
- Reliable and dependable
- Friendly, approachable and professional
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Flexible and adaptable to changing demands
- Team player who works collaboratively
- Positive and proactive approach to work
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent (minimum 3 at grade C /4 or above)
- Commitment to ongoing mandatory training and development
Desirable
- NVQ Level 1 & 2 in Health and Social Care or Care Certificate
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a health and social care organisation.
- Experience maintaining accurate records and data systems
- Understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries
Desirable
- Experience of NHS Health Checks and/or screening programmes
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a health and social care organisation.
- Experience maintaining accurate records and data systems
- Understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries
Desirable
- Experience of NHS Health Checks and/or screening programmes
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Taurus Healthcare Limited
Address
Taurus Healthcare
Nelson House
Whitecross Road
Hereford
Herefordshire
HR4 0DG
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.herefordshiregeneralpractice.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)
Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in Hereford employer: Taurus Healthcare Limited
Taurus Healthcare is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Advanced Clinical Practitioners. With access to a generous NHS pension scheme, extensive annual leave, and a comprehensive Employee Benefits Programme, employees are well-cared for both professionally and personally. The organisation prioritises employee growth through clinical leadership opportunities and a commitment to service innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in healthcare.
