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Job summary

Main area
Frailty , Care of the Elderly
Grade
Band 2
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Must be able to work day and night shifts: including weekends, bank holidays, holidays)
Job ref
390-MED-BA-1221
Employer
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Basildon
Town
Basildon
Salary
£24,465 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
07/08/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust logo

Health Care Assistant - Lionel Cosin Ward

Band 2

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital provider in the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS), which is a system of health and care partners working together for our local population.

Within Mid and South Essex there are 149 GP practices, operating from over 200 sites, forming 27 Primary Care Networks and one Ambulance Trust. There are also three main community and mental health service providers who work together through a community collaborative.

We collaborate with other valuable partners, including three Healthwatch organisations, nine voluntary and community sector organisations and three top tier local authorities, with seven district, borough and city councils, as well as our local universities.

 

Job overview

We are looking for Health Care Assistants to join us as a valued member of the multi-disciplinary team within the Frailty and Care of the Elderly ward, providing safe, high-quality, and compassionate care to older adults. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, the HCA will contribute to the delivery of holistic, person-centred care, supporting patients with complex physical, cognitive, and social needs.

This role involves assisting patients with activities of daily living, mobility, nutrition, personal hygiene, and emotional support, while maintaining dignity, respect, and comfort at all times. The HCA will also play a key role in supporting safe discharge planning, falls prevention, and the management of long-term conditions associated with frailty.

Working in close collaboration with the ward team, the HCA will follow Trust policies and uphold the philosophy of the ward, promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for older patients. The post-holder will also be expected to communicate effectively with patients, families, and professionals, recognising the unique needs and vulnerabilities of the elderly population.

Ongoing professional development will be supported, with opportunities to expand knowledge and skills in the care of older people in line with the Trust’s career progression framework.

Please note VISA sponsorship is not available for this role. 

Main duties of the job

The Health Care Assistant will support the delivery of safe and effective care to frail and elderly patients by assisting with personal care, mobility, nutrition, and monitoring. They will communicate effectively with patients, families, and the wider multidisciplinary team, escalating concerns appropriately. The HCA will contribute to patient assessments, observe and report changes in condition, and accurately document care delivered.

Under the guidance of registered staff, the HCA will maintain clinical skills such as blood glucose testing, catheter care, and infection control procedures, including care of patients in isolation. They will help maintain ward cleanliness, manage resources efficiently, and ensure equipment is clean and ready for use. The post-holder will also engage in Trust training, audits, and quality improvement initiatives, while promoting a calm, respectful, and supportive environment for both patients and colleagues.

Working for our organisation

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Are you looking for an exciting care role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.  Please be aware that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a suitable number of applications.

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience working in healthcare
Desirable criteria
  • Demonstrable experience working in hospital or a care home

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Training or Courses in Healthcare
Desirable criteria
  • Completed NVQ / Course in Healthcare

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDNHS Employers Diversity and Inclusion PartnersApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyMenopause Friendly EmployerArmed Forces Covenant Gold Awardhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesStonewall Silver 2022Disability confident employerNHS Rainbow badgeNHS Pastoral CareNHS 75th Birthday

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Alinela Joyce Pacalso
Job title
Ward Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0300 443 0449
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