GoodOaks Homecare - Sussex South
Health care assistant at GoodOaks, we pride ourselves on delivering quality care to our clients whilst ensuring our Care Professionals are fully supported and rewarded for the brilliant work they do.
GoodOaks Home Care are currently seeking a reliable and compassionate Carer to provide support and assistance to our clients in the comfort of their own homes.
As a health care assistant, your responsibilities will include:
- Providing personal care such as bathing, grooming and dressing
- Assisting with mobility and transfers
- Administering medication and monitoring health conditions
- Preparing and serving meals according to dietary needs
- Performing light housekeeping such as laundry, cleaning and errands
- Engaging clients in meaningful conversation and activities
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of care provided
We reward our Care Professionals with:
- Competitive pay rates
- Paid DBS check
- Competitive refer-a-friend scheme
- Supportive, proactive and understanding management
Licence/Certification:
Below is a tailored set of interview questions for a Health Care Assistant (HCA) role in the UK (NHS, private hospitals, care homes, or community settings). These align with CQC standards, NHS values, Care Certificate, and common competencies. I’ve grouped them thematically, with sample STAR answers where helpful.
1. Introductory & Motivation
- Why do you want to be a Health Care Assistant?
Sample: “I’m passionate about patient-centred care. My 6 months volunteering at a dementia ward showed me how small acts—like helping someone eat with dignity—can transform their day.” - What does compassionate care mean to you?
Link to NHS Constitution: Treat patients with kindness, respect, and empathy.
2. Clinical & Practical Skills (Care Certificate Standards)
- How do you assist with personal hygiene while maintaining dignity?
Sample STAR:- S: Elderly patient refused a bed bath due to embarrassment.
- T: Needed to prevent pressure sores.
- A: Explained benefits calmly, used a screen, involved their preferred music.
R: Patient accepted care; no skin breakdown.
- Describe how you’d take and record vital signs (BP, pulse, temp, respirations).
Mention: Use of NEWS2 chart, escalation if score ≥5. - How do you support patients with eating/drinking (including dysphagia)?
Reference IDDSI framework, thickened fluids, positioning.
3. Infection Prevention & Control
- Walk me through hand hygiene and PPE donning/doffing.
WHO 5 moments + correct sequence: gown, mask, goggles, gloves. - What would you do if you saw a colleague breach infection control?
Sample: “I’d politely remind them in the moment, then report via Datix if unresolved—patient safety first.”*
4. Safeguarding & MCA/DOLS
- What are the 6 principles of the Mental Capacity Act?
- Presume capacity
- Support decision-making
- Unwise decisions allowed
- Best interests
- Least restrictive
- Public office role
- Scenario: A confused patient wants to leave the ward at night. Your actions?
Assess capacity → best interests → DOLS if needed → document.
5. Observations & Escalation
- A patient’s urine output drops to 20ml/hour. What do you do?
Recognise AKI risk → inform nurse → fluid balance chart → escalate via SBAR. - SBAR handover example for a deteriorating patient.
Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.
6. Teamwork & Communication
- How do you work with HCAs, nurses, and doctors in a hierarchy?
Sample: “I respect the MDT but speak up if I observe changes—e.g., I once noticed a patient’s oxygen sats dropping and alerted the nurse immediately.”* - How do you support a patient who speaks limited English?
Use Language Line, pictorial aids, family (with consent), body language.
7. Challenging Situations
- Scenario: A patient with dementia is hitting out during personal care.
Sample:- Stop care
- Ensure safety
- Use distraction (music/hand massage)
- Apply ABC chart (Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence)
- Debrief with nurse.
- How do you manage aggressive relatives?
Stay calm, active listening, set boundaries, escalate to ward manager.
8. Health, Safety & Moving/Handling
- What’s the TILE principle in manual handling?
Task, Individual, Load, Environment. - How do you use a slide sheet or hoist safely?
Check PAT testing, 2-person technique, patient involvement.
9. End-of-Life & Emotional Resilience
- How would you support a dying patient and their family?
Pain relief, spiritual needs, privacy, bereavement support (cruse.org.uk). - How do you cope with emotional stress after a patient death?
Schwartz Rounds, supervision, exercise, debrief.
10. Closing Questions
- What are your strengths as an HCA?
Sample: “Calm under pressure, observant, and committed to dignity.” - Any questions for us?
Good ones:- “What’s the staff-to-patient ratio on nights?”
- “How is mandatory training (e.g., PMVA) supported?”
- “What’s the preceptorship process for new HCAs?”
UK HCA Interview Tips
- Bring: Care Certificate (if completed), DBS, training certs, ID.
- Know: NHS Values (CARE: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence).
- Dress: Smart scrubs (navy/blue) or business casual.
- Values-Based Recruitment: Expect role-play (e.g., assisting a confused patient).
To apply for this job please visit www.glassdoor.com.