Health Care Assistant (p/t) in Burnley

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the west coast of Lancashire, with services covering the local authority areas of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. The Trust is part of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS) supporting a population of around 1.6 million people. We have three main hospitals providing acute services to around 330,000 local residents. The organisation also provides specialist tertiary care for cardiac and haematology services, delivers community health services to over 445,000 residents including those in North Lancashire and hosts the National Artificial Eye Service across England. Plus, we provide urgent and emergency care services to an estimated 18 million people who visit the seaside resort each year. We employ over 7000 people from 68 different countries.

We welcome and encourage applications from anyone with protected characteristics, as well as supporting reservists and Veterans who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career within the NHS. Blackpool Teaching Hospitals encourages flexible working in all our roles to support staff in maintaining a healthy home-life balance. Working patterns such as part time working, self-rostering, compressed hours, annualised hours, term time, reverse term time and flexitime working can be explored.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 3 Health Care Assistant to join the Paediatric Inpatient Ward at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Please note there is no sponsorship for this vacancy. Due to popularity, this vacancy may close after one week. Face to face interviews only - held on Site.

The post holder will work under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse to deliver high-quality, compassionate, child-centred care to infants, children and young people admitted to the ward. The role involves supporting fundamental care needs, assisting with clinical observations and procedures within agreed competencies, and contributing to a safe, welcoming and therapeutic environment for children and their families. You will play a key role in supporting parents and carers, recognising and responding to children's physical and emotional needs, and escalating concerns appropriately to the nursing team. The post holder will work as part of the multidisciplinary team to promote excellent standards of care, patient safety and positive patient experience, while maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to Trust policies.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in a caring or healthcare setting who is passionate about working with children and families and committed to developing their skills within acute paediatrics.

Main duties of the job:

• The post holder will work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse to provide high-quality, compassionate, child-centred care to infants, children and young people on the paediatric ward.
• Duties include supporting fundamental care needs such as personal care, nutrition, comfort and safety; undertaking clinical observations and basic procedures within agreed competencies; maintaining accurate documentation; and escalating concerns appropriately.
• The role involves working closely with parents and carers, supporting a safe and welcoming ward environment, and contributing effectively to the multidisciplinary team to ensure patient safety, positive patient experience and efficient ward flow.

Working for our organisation:

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is proud to provide high-quality, compassionate care for children, young people and their families. Our paediatric ward is a busy, friendly and supportive children's ward, where teamwork, kindness and patient-centred care are at the heart of everything we do. You will be supported by an experienced and approachable leadership team, including Ward Managers, a Matron, and senior and experienced Staff Nurses, who are committed to creating a positive working environment. We value staff wellbeing and ensure that colleagues feel supported, listened to and able to raise concerns or ask for help when needed.

The Trust is committed to providing regular support, supervision and development opportunities, enabling staff to build confidence, skills and knowledge within their role. There are ongoing opportunities for learning and development, including training, competency development and exposure to a wide range of paediatric experiences. We are a friendly, inclusive team that works together to deliver safe, effective and high-quality care for children and their families, while supporting one another in a fast-paced and rewarding clinical environment.

Person specification:

• Education and Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent, Care Certificate or willingness to complete, Basic Life Support training or willingness to undertake, Safeguarding Children Level 2 or willingness to undertake, Evidence of ongoing learning / CPD, Paediatric specific training (e.g. PEWS, child development, play in healthcare).
• Experience and Knowledge: Experience of working in a healthcare, caring or support role, Experience of working with children, young people and their families, Understanding of child centred and family centred care, Awareness of safeguarding children and own professional responsibilities, Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team, Experience of recording care accurately using paper or electronic systems, Experience of supporting distressed, anxious or unwell children.
• Skills and Ability: Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents/carers and colleagues, Ability to adapt communication to age, development and emotional needs, Ability to deliver personal care with dignity, compassion and respect, Ability to recognise changes in a child's condition and escalate appropriately, Ability to follow instructions, care plans and Trust policies, Basic IT skills to support documentation and information access, Ability to support or supervise junior colleagues or learners.
• Personal Qualities: Caring, compassionate and child focused approach, Calm, reassuring manner in challenging or stressful situations, Reliable, flexible and able to work as part of a team, Professional attitude and commitment to high standards of care, Resilient and able to manage emotionally demanding situations, Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Other: Willingness to work shifts including nights, weekends and bank holidays, Commitment to Trust values, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Any invitation to interview will be sent to the email account stated on your application form. If the role you have applied for requires a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check we will administer this as part of your pre-employment checks. Please note, you will be required to repay the cost on appointment. This will be collected via a salary deduction. You can choose whether to pay this over 1-3 months from your salary or as a one-off payment on commencement in post. The level of check required depends on the role that you have been offered. Currently the charges are - Basic DBS check £25.50, Standard DBS check £25.50 and Enhanced DBS check £53.50. You are encouraged where possible, to register for the DBS update service. This is an annual registration fee of £16. By registering for the update service you will not have the additional cost of repeated disclosures. Should you withdraw your application, you may be required to reimburse the cost of the DBS check. DBS checks remain free of charge for volunteer positions.

By submitting an application for this vacancy you are confirming your agreement to the above in the event you are successfully appointed. The DBS Code of Practice can be accessed here. Please ensure that you read the Person Specification attached below as your application will be judged against this.

Please note that every effort will be made to keep the vacancy live until the published closing date, though there may be instances where such interest is generated, that for administrative reasons the post may close earlier. Please note that in line with national NHS guidelines this Trust operates a strict non-smoking policy. Members of staff are not permitted to smoke on Trust premises or grounds at any time nor take breaks during working hours for the purposes of smoking. The Trust does not offer interview expenses to shortlisted candidates unless indicated in the advert.