Job summary
Main duties of the job
A day for a band 3 nursing assistant may include the following: safety checks on the ward and on the patients themselves. Helping patients to get up in good time to participate in ADLs- washing dressing, maintaining personal hygiene, eating healthily, and participation in groups, such as budgeting, relaxation, yoga. This may also involve escorting patients off the ward for physical activities, home visits, shopping or recreational activities.
The band 3 nursing assistant may help or prompt the patient to prepare their own lunch, ensuring food safety standards are maintained. The role includes working alongside other professionals, such as Occupational therapists and the ward psychiatrist.
The role is fulfilling, for example helping patients to grow their own food and maintain a lovely garden, and is at times challenging, such as responding to emergency alarms and engaging in the safe and effective management of violence and aggression across the unit. We expect the successful applicant to be flexible, resourceful, caring and responsive, and in turn they will be given the training and support to become confident and competent in the role.
Job responsibilities
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Healthcare Assistant with Devon Partnership NHS Trust in Exeter, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £24,937 to £26,598 a year. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 17 Feb 2026.
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