NHS Band 3 Health Care Assistant Needed In Hartlepool: Visa Sponsorship Available

Job details

Posting date:	13 June 2025
Salary:	£24,625.00 to £25,674.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£24625.00 – £25674.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	20 June 2025
Location:	Hartlepool – Community, TS24 9AH
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	C9345-25-0370

We are inviting applications for a highly motivated and dynamic Health Care Assistant to join North Tees & Hartlepool Community Nursing Service. This service will provide care to patients within a range of settings including patients own homes and residential care homes .

The post holder will have a high level of knowledge in the field of community care and will have a specific interest in areas such as palliative care, long term conditions, catheterisation and wound care. You will be required to work autonomously to provide a whole person approach to the care and management for patients within this setting.

Health Care Assistant Main Duties

The post involves liaising with a variety of health and social care providers and other agencies to ensure the provision of high quality care management to this group of patients and their carers.

 

 

About us

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust our main priority is, and always be, to provide safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones.

We want our organisation to be the best place to work with the right staff, in the right roles, at the right time, to ensure we deliver exceptional patient care and experience.

We will support staff through providing an inclusive and supportive workplace with health and well-being initiatives, staff benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development. Staff recognition is very important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Star and Team of the month, colleague recognition – a note of thanks, Managers Awards, Shining Stars and Service Awards.

We actively encourage staff involvement with staff networking events and staff survey

“Together we are North Tees & Hartlepool”

 

 

(FAQs) About Becoming and Working as a Health Care Assistant

 

• Answer: Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) support patients in hospitals, clinics, care homes, or community settings under the supervision of healthcare professionals like nurses or doctors. Their duties include:
  • Assisting with personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming).
  • Helping with mobility and feeding.
  • Monitoring vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, temperature).
  • Providing emotional support and companionship.
  • Maintaining a clean and safe environment.
  • Assisting with basic medical tasks like collecting samples or supporting with medication (under supervision).
  • Documenting patient care and reporting changes in condition.

• Answer: There are no strict entry requirements, but employers often expect:
  • Good literacy and numeracy skills (e.g., GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths).
  • Some may prefer a healthcare qualification like a BTEC, NVQ, or CACHE Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care.
  • The Care Certificate, a standard introduced in 2015, is typically completed during initial training.
  • Relevant experience (paid or voluntary) in healthcare or care work is highly valued.
  • Apprenticeships, such as the Intermediate Apprenticeship for Healthcare Support Workers, are a common entry route.

• Answer: While prior experience is not always required, it is beneficial. You can gain experience through:
  • Voluntary work in healthcare settings (e.g., through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations or local NHS trusts).
  • Paid roles in customer service or caregiving (e.g., caring for a family member).
  • Work placements included in health and social care courses.
  • Some employers, like agency roles, may require at least 6 months of relevant experience.

• Answer: Key skills include:
  • Compassion and empathy: To provide emotional support and ensure patient comfort.
  • Communication: To interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
  • Observation: To notice and report changes in a patient’s condition.
  • Teamwork: To collaborate with nurses, doctors, and other professionals.
  • Physical stamina: For tasks like lifting or moving patients.
  • Attention to detail: For accurate record-keeping and following care plans.

• Answer: Salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer:
  • In the NHS, HCAs typically start at Band 2 (£18,000–£22,000 per year).
  • In London, salaries can range from £18,000 to £47,000, with an average of around £22,535 (including bonuses).
  • Private or agency roles may offer higher hourly rates (e.g., £15/hour for day shifts).

• Answer:
  • HCAs typically work around 37.5 hours per week, often in shifts including nights, weekends, and evenings.
  • The role can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring stamina and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
  • Work environments include hospitals, care homes, GP surgeries, or patients’ homes.

• Answer: HCAs can advance through further training and experience:
  • Senior Healthcare Assistant: Involves more responsibilities.
  • Nursing Associate: A Level 5 apprenticeship (2 years) leading to Band 4 roles.
  • Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional: With additional qualifications (e.g., a nursing degree or foundation degree for roles like midwife, radiographer, or occupational therapist).
  • Apprenticeships, such as the Health and Social Care Level 3 or Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, are common pathways.

• Answer: Common interview questions include:
  • What made you want to become a Healthcare Assistant? Highlight your passion for patient care and any personal experiences (e.g., caring for a relative).
  • How do you handle stressful situations? Share examples of staying calm under pressure.
  • What skills make you a good HCA? Emphasize compassion, communication, and teamwork.
  • Describe a time you provided outstanding patient care. Use a specific, impactful story.
  • Prepare questions about the role, such as opportunities for training or progression.

• Answer: Yes, HCAs can progress to nursing roles:
  • Start with a Nursing Associate apprenticeship (Level 5).
  • Progress to a Nurse Degree Apprenticeship or a university nursing program with employer secondment.
  • Relevant experience and qualifications (e.g., Level 3 Health and Social Care) improve eligibility.

• Answer:
  • The Care Certificate, introduced in 2015 by Skills for Care, Skills for Health, and Health Education England, is a set of 15 standards covering essential healthcare skills.
  • It’s not legally mandatory but is a standard expectation for new HCAs in the NHS and many private employers.
  • It’s typically completed within the first 3 months of employment through on-the-job training and assessment.

• Answer: HCAs work in diverse settings, including:
  • NHS or private hospitals.
  • Community health centres or GP surgeries.
  • Residential care homes, nursing homes, or hospices.
  • Patients’ homes (home care agencies).
  • Specialized settings like mental health facilities or rehabilitation centres.

• Answer: Challenges include:
  • Physical demands (e.g., lifting patients, long hours on feet).
  • Emotional stress from dealing with unwell or distressed patients.
  • Role ambiguity in some settings, especially in general practice, where boundaries with other roles may be unclear.
  • High risk of on-the-job injuries or exposure to violence, as noted in some posts.

• Answer:
  • Check job boards like Indeed, Totaljobs, or NHS Jobs.
  • Register with agencies like MedGen, Nurseplus, or Newcross Healthcare for temporary or permanent roles.
  • Explore apprenticeships via the NHS Healthcare Careers website.
  • Volunteer to gain experience and network with potential employers.

• Answer: Benefits include:
  • Job satisfaction from making a difference in patients’ lives.
  • Flexible hours and shift patterns.
  • Opportunities for career progression and further training.
  • NHS benefits (if applicable), such as pensions, health service discounts, and 27+ days of annual leave.