Healthcare Assistant

Job overview

Whilst we welcome all applications from all suitable candidates, unfortunately, we will not be offering sponsorship for this role.

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and compassionate Band 4 Senior Healthcare Assistant to join our Community Eating Disorders Service Day Unit, supporting adults of working age living with eating disorders. This is a fixed-term role to cover maternity leave until the end of March 2027, offering valuable experience within a specialist service. You will play a key role in supporting patients on their recovery journey, working closely with the Lead Nurse and wider multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care. In return we offer regular supervision, access to training and development, an individual personal development plan to enable you to explore your own career and development options within the health and social care environment.

Main duties of the job

Support patients with severe eating disorders through delivery of group therapies, meal support, and one-to-one interventions.

Supervise and support patients at mealtimes, ensuring adherence to individual meal plans.

Facilitate and lead therapeutic groups and structured activities (e.g. arts, games, indoor gardening).

Accompany patients on community-based activities, including café visits, shopping, and cooking sessions.

Monitor patients’ physical and mental wellbeing, reporting any concerns to qualified staff.

Assist nursing staff with medical monitoring and implementation of care plans.

Maintain accurate and timely clinical records using electronic systems.

Provide emotional support and promote patient independence and recovery within the community.

Undertake housekeeping tasks, including stock control, cleaning, and equipment safety checks.

Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to team meetings, reviews, and service development.

For more information please see the job description and person specification

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Duties

Support the delivery of structured therapeutic programmes, including group therapies and one-to-one interventions.

Provide mealtime support, ensuring patients adhere to prescribed meal plans.

Monitor patients’ physical and mental health, identifying and promptly reporting any concerns to qualified staff.

Assist in the assessment of patient needs and contribute to care and risk management plans.

Promote patient independence, recovery, and ability to remain in the community.

Provide emotional support and assist with activities of daily living where required.

Therapeutic Work

Facilitate and co-lead therapeutic groups.

Plan and deliver structured activities such as arts and crafts, games, and indoor gardening.

Support practical sessions, including cooking and food preparation.

Accompany patients on community-based activities, including shopping trips and visits to cafés or restaurants.

Medical and Safety Support

Assist Lead Nurse with routine physical health monitoring.

Undertake daily checks of emergency and clinical equipment (training provided).

Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment, including stock control and equipment cleaning.

Communication and Documentation

Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive clinical records using electronic systems.

Communicate effectively with patients, carers, and members of the multidisciplinary team.

Participate in team meetings, case discussions, reviews, and handovers.

Report and document incidents, risks, or concerns in line with Trust policies.

Team Working and Professional Development

Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team, maintaining effective professional relationships.

Support the induction and development of new staff and students.

Attend supervision, appraisal, training, and reflective practice sessions.

Contribute to service development through feedback and shared learning.

Administrative and Resource Responsibilities

Use IT systems confidently, including electronic patient records, email, and MS Teams.

Ensure efficient and appropriate use of resources, including assisting with petty cash management where required

General Responsibilities

Adhere to all Trust policies, including equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice.

Maintain professional standards in line with the Trust’s Code of Conduct.

Recognise the complexity and risks associated with eating disorders, working within scope of practice and seeking support when required.

For a more in-depth Job and person specification please read attached before applying