Visa Sponsorship Jobs 2025

Job details
Posting date: 09 September 2025
Salary: £24,071.00 to £25,674.00 per year
Additional salary information: £24071.00 – £25674.00 a year
Hours: Full time
Closing date: 23 September 2025
Location: Helston, TR12 7RH
Company: NHS Jobs
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: K0003-25-0421

 

Health Care Assistant Job Summary

Are you a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant looking for an exciting role, working alongside the military, which offers numerous benefits and opportunities? If the answer is yes, then we are looking to appoint a professional and patient focused individual with a strong commitment to providing a high quality service to work within our friendly and welcoming team at the RNAS Culdrose, Helston.

The vacant Health Care Assistant is full time working 37.5 hours per week. Requests to work flexibly and/or part time will be considered, taking into account business needs.

Could this be the role for you? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

Health Care Assistant Benefits

  • Access to learning and development tailored to your role
  • An environment with flexible working options
  • A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
  • NHS Pension
  • Free parking
  • Access to Gym

 

Health Care Assistant Main Duties

To support the clinical and administrative staff of Medical Facility (MTF) Culdrose in providing a Primary Healthcare Service to entitled personnel. Clinical work will be delegated by senior clinicians and in relation to administrative work this can be delegated by the SNO or by in the practice manager in their absence. Care is carried out within the medical treatment facility. On occasion there may be requirement to support Royal Air Force (RAF) St Mawgan as part of the group practice,

 

The role supports the strategy and mission statement for Defence Primary Health Care (DPHC) to ensure optimum health and well-being for patients and maximum deployability. Accountability and responsibility to DPHC and Ministry of Defence (MoD) policy, is a requirement of the post.

 

About us

Our success depends on our people our Whole Force regular and reservist military, civil servants and contractors, all working as one, working together seamlessly to deliver for us.

Our civil servants are a central part of this Whole Force, developing strategy, making policy, supporting ministerial decision-making and Parliamentary processes. In fact, with over 2,000 different roles working across 650 sites around the world, now really is an excellent time to join one of the largest, most exciting departments in government.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to attracting and retaining people from across the full range of backgrounds and enabling flexible ways of working as the norm. We offer maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks of statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay.

In return, you can expect a department that helps you learn and develop that recognises your expertise and contribution, both as an individual and part of a team.

 

If youve ever wanted to do more, see more, go further or be better, we have roles in more professions and vocations than ever before. Let’s see where your future will take you, together.

 

Job description

Job responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities for the role include but are not limited to:

  • The Healthcare Assistant works under the supervision of the Registered Nurse.
  • Maintains accurate electronic and written records, ensuring confidentiality as well as sharing information appropriately with others on a need-to-know basis in line with MOD policy.
  • Adheres to infection control policy and procedure.
  • Takes an active role in clinical audit and risk management within the practice.
  • Reports any adverse events or near misses using the relevant reporting system.

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for the full list of duties.

Selection Process:

The sift will be completed within 10 working days of the vacancy closing date. Interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.

The selection at sift stage will be based on your CV.Please ensure you demonstrate that you have the required skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications and memberships in your CV and that you have saved it, making sure that any reference to your personal details have been removed from your CV prior to submitting your application.

At interview, you will be tested against the following Framework –

  • NHSC1 Communication
  • NHSC2 Personal & People Development
  • HWB2 Assessment & Care Planning
  • HWB5 Provision of Care

When choosing your Behaviour/Technical Skills examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

 

Please provide information of how you meet the criteria set out in the Job Description. You may wish to further include examples of how you have tackled similar tasks or demonstrated the skills outlined in the job advert.

Access to the NHS pension scheme is available to the successful candidate.

If found successful for this position, you will be required to provide evidence of your immunity to Hepatitis B. Please note that evidence of your vaccination is not a proof of your immunity, but your serology levels will be required. Failure to provide sufficient evidence may result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.

There will be no reimbursement for any travel expenses for the interview.

Requests to work flexibly and/or part time will be considered, taking into account business needs.

Please note the salary will be pro-rata where part time hours are undertaken.

All employees joining Ministry of Defence who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period (unless otherwise advised) effective from the employment start date.

 

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.

To be considered for this role, qualifications and memberships detailed must be held in full, prior to submitting your application.

There is no requirement to deploy as this is met by our uniformed personnel, but you will form the continuity of care required by our patients when based at home.

The post does NOT offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares or temporary transfer). Non-Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.

 

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system.

 

 

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

 

The role currently being advertised has been assessed as business critical. Applications are accepted from candidates who meet the eligibility criteria listed in the advert, including from those who will require sponsorship to enable them to work legally in the UK.

 

Please note the Civil Service Nationality Rules will also need to be met. The Civil Service Nationality Rules operate independently and in addition to the UK Immigration Rules and must be met before an individual can take up employment in the Civil Service. The Civil Service Nationality Rules do not apply to UK, Irish and Commonwealth nationals, or to those who are eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme but do apply to all other nationalities- including EU/EEA nationals who are ineligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

This vacancy is part of the A Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

 

If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact dbscivpers-sgdmsresourcing@mod.gov.uk.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

 

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or relevant experience.

Behaviour Statement

Essential

  • Have you been dismissed for gross misconduct relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation from any role in the past five years, or resigned or otherwise left a role but would have been dismissed for such gross misconduct because of an adverse decision, had you continued in that employment?
  • Please respond with Yes or No as appropriate.

Provide a CV

Essential

  • Please copy and paste your full CV as your response to this question- you will not be able to upload your CV as an attachment. Please ensure to refer to the essential criteria where applicable as your application may be rejected should insufficient information to shortlist be included.
  • Please use double spacing where possible.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Ministry of Defence (Defence Medical Services)

Address

RNAS Culdrose

Helston

Cornwall

TR12 7RH

 

Latest Interview Questions for Healthcare Assistant Roles (2025 Edition)

As of September 2025, the healthcare sector continues to evolve with a focus on patient-centered care, digital health tools, and post-pandemic resilience. Healthcare Assistant (HCA) roles—also known as Care Assistants or Medical Support Assistants—are in high demand, especially in aging populations and integrated care settings. Interviews emphasize empathy, practical skills, ethical decision-making, and adaptability to scenarios like remote monitoring or multidisciplinary teams. Based on recent updates from career platforms like Indeed, TealHQ, and CV Owl, here’s a curated list of 15 latest interview questions for 2025. I’ve included sample answers to help you prepare, drawing from expert advice tailored for entry-level to mid-level HCAs.

General and Behavioral Healthcare Assistant Questions

 

  1. Tell me about yourself and your background in healthcare.
    Why it’s asked: To gauge your fit and passion for the role.
    Sample Answer: “I’ve spent the last three years as a Healthcare Assistant in a community clinic, where I assisted with daily patient care, vital signs monitoring, and emotional support for elderly clients. My background in nursing studies has fueled my passion for helping others achieve better health outcomes, and I’m excited about bringing my empathy and organizational skills to your team.”

  2. What inspired you to become a Healthcare Assistant?
    Why it’s asked: To assess motivation and long-term commitment.
    Sample Answer: “I was inspired by caring for my grandmother during her recovery from surgery. Seeing how small acts of support improved her quality of life motivated me to pursue a career where I can make a tangible difference in patients’ daily lives.”

  3. Describe a time you dealt with a difficult patient or family member.
    Why it’s asked: To evaluate conflict resolution and empathy.
    Sample Answer: “In my previous role, a patient refused medication due to anxiety. I listened actively to their concerns, explained the benefits in simple terms, and involved a supervisor for reassurance. This built trust, and they eventually complied, teaching me the value of patience and clear communication.”

  4. How do you prioritize tasks during a busy shift?
    Why it’s asked: To test time management in high-pressure environments.
    Sample Answer: “I use a triage approach: urgent patient needs like mobility assistance come first, followed by routine tasks like documentation. In one shift, I balanced multiple admissions by delegating non-clinical duties to colleagues while ensuring all vitals were checked within protocol timelines.”

  5. What is the most challenging part of being a Healthcare Assistant?
    Why it’s asked: To reveal self-awareness and problem-solving.
    Sample Answer: “The emotional toll of supporting families during critical illnesses is challenging. I cope by debriefing with my team and practicing self-care, like mindfulness exercises, to maintain my resilience.”

Role-Specific and Technical Questions

  1. How would you assist a patient with personal care while maintaining their dignity?
    Why it’s asked: Core to HCA duties; assesses respect for privacy.
    Sample Answer: “I’d explain each step beforehand, ensure privacy with screens or closed doors, and use gentle language. For instance, during bathing, I’d ask for preferences and cover non-essential areas to preserve modesty.”

  2. What would you do if you noticed a colleague engaging in unethical behavior, like breaching patient confidentiality?
    Why it’s asked: Tests integrity and knowledge of protocols like HIPAA/GDPR.
    Sample Answer: “I’d address it privately first if safe, then escalate to a supervisor or ethics hotline per policy. In a past incident, I reported a documentation error anonymously, preventing potential harm.”

  3. How do you ensure infection control and hygiene in a care setting?
    Why it’s asked: Vital post-2025 outbreaks; checks practical knowledge.
    Sample Answer: “I follow strict protocols: handwashing before/after contact, PPE usage, and sanitizing equipment. I once identified a lapse in surface cleaning during a team audit, leading to retraining that reduced risks.”

  4. Describe how you’d respond if a patient became unresponsive.
    Why it’s asked: Evaluates emergency response skills.
    Sample Answer: “I’d call for help immediately, check ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation), start CPR if trained, and use an AED if available while alerting the crash team.”

  5. What experience do you have with electronic health records (EHR) or digital tools?
    Why it’s asked: Reflects 2025’s tech integration in healthcare.
    Sample Answer: “I’m proficient in systems like Epic, where I’ve entered patient data accurately. I recently completed online training on telehealth apps to support virtual check-ins.”

Situational and Future-Focused Questions

  1. How would you handle a heavy workload with multiple patients?
    Why it’s asked: Assesses multitasking in understaffed settings.
    Sample Answer: “I’d delegate where possible, communicate with the team, and focus on high-priority needs. During a staffing shortage, I coordinated with nurses to streamline vitals rounds, ensuring no delays.”

  2. What certifications or training do you hold for this role?
    Why it’s asked: Verifies qualifications like NVQ Level 2/3 or BLS.
    Sample Answer: “I hold a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, plus CPR certification renewed in 2025. I’m also pursuing dementia care training.”

  3. How do you stay updated on healthcare advancements?
    Why it’s asked: Shows commitment to lifelong learning.
    Sample Answer: “I subscribe to journals like Nursing Times and attend webinars on topics like AI in diagnostics. Recently, I completed a module on sustainable healthcare practices.”

  4. Where do you see your career in five years?
    Why it’s asked: Gauges ambition and alignment with employer growth.
    Sample Answer: “I aim to advance to a Senior HCA or specialize in palliative care, contributing to team leadership while pursuing further qualifications like a nursing degree.”

  5. Why do you want to work for our organization?
    Why it’s asked: Checks research and cultural fit.
    Sample Answer: “Your focus on innovative community care, like your recent telehealth expansion, aligns with my experience in hybrid support roles. I’m eager to contribute to your patient satisfaction initiatives.”

    FAQs for Healthcare Assistant Job Interviews

    Interviews for HCA positions often spark common concerns. Here are 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) based on 2025 trends from sites like Workable, HiPeople, and Alina Homecare, with concise answers to build your confidence.
    1. What should I wear to a Healthcare Assistant interview?
      Professional attire like scrubs or business casual (e.g., polo shirt and khakis) shows readiness. Avoid strong scents to respect hygiene standards.

    2. How long does a typical HCA interview last?
      30-60 minutes, including a panel discussion and skills demo. Virtual formats are common for initial rounds.

    3. Do I need prior experience to get hired as an HCA?
      Not always—many entry-level roles train on the job, but 6-12 months in care settings boosts chances. Highlight transferable skills like customer service.

    4. What if I don’t know an answer during the interview?
      Be honest: “I’m not familiar with that, but I’d approach it by consulting protocols and seeking team input.” It shows humility and eagerness to learn.

    5. How do I prepare for a practical skills test?
      Review basics like handwashing, vital signs, or bed-making. Practice with videos or simulations; emphasize safety and dignity.

    6. What questions should I ask the interviewer?
      Inquire about team dynamics, training opportunities, or shift patterns to show engagement. E.g., “How does the team handle end-of-life care?”

    7. Is a second interview common for HCA roles?
      Yes, often for reference checks or shadowing. Use it to reiterate your passion and ask about onboarding.

    8. How do I follow up after the interview?
      Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, referencing a key discussion point. Reaffirm your interest.

    9. What salary can I expect as a new HCA in 2025?
      £22,000-£28,000 annually (UK average), depending on location and experience. Negotiate based on benefits like overtime.

    10. How can I stand out in a competitive HCA job market?
      Showcase soft skills like cultural sensitivity (e.g., for diverse patients) and tech savvy. Tailor your CV to the job and practice STAR responses (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

    APPLY HERE

To apply for this job please visit findajob.dwp.gov.uk.