Health Care Assistant Job Summary
Health Care Assistant – Parris Lawn, Lewes – £12.21 per hour
- 62 Bedded Dementia, Nursing and Residential Care Home
- Full time; 48hrs per week
- Shifts are 12hrs (8 to 8) and include alternate weekends
- Sponsorship can be provided, if the below criteria is met.
Health Care Assistant Essential Requirements:
- A minimum of 2 years’ professional care experience, including at least 1 year within the UK in a Care Home or Domiciliary setting.
- Must reside within a 45-minute commute of the Care Home.
At Caring Homes, we’re not just about providing care; we’re about creating a warm and welcoming home for our residents and our incredible team members. Our mission is simple yet profound: to make each home the best possible place to live and work. We believe in fostering a family-like environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and cherished.
Every resident is unique, and so is their care. Join us in delivering personalised support that meets the diverse needs and interests of our residents, always with their comfort and happiness in mind.
Why Join Us?
- Flexibility: Looking for full-time hours or a more flexible schedule? We’ve got rota options to fit around your lifestyle. Need to balance work with family commitments? We’ve got you covered! Work around your family needs and create a role that works for you.
- Comprehensive Training: We provide thorough training and ongoing support to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to excel in your role and career.
- Career Growth: Looking to advance your career in care? We’re committed to helping you grow and develop professionally, with opportunities to develop and grow at Caring Homes.
Perks:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Ongoing professional development including training and support to help you excel in your role including apprenticeship opportunities.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Free DBS & Blue Light Card
- High street discounts
- Employee assistance program for personal and professional support.
Responsibilities
- Providing personalised care and assistance to residents, respecting their dignity and independence.
- Building meaningful relationships with residents and their families, creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
- Collaborating with colleagues to ensure the highest standards of care are always maintained.
- Embracing our mission of putting residents first in everything we do, from daily interactions to long-term care planning.
Ideal Candidate
- A heart full of empathy and a genuine desire to make a difference.
- Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude.
- Willingness to work collaboratively as part of a dedicated team.
- A passion for helping others and a commitment to our mission.
Job reference: caringhomesgroup/TP/98/2160
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Health care Assistant Roles in the United Kingdom
What is a Health care Assistant (HCA)?
A Health care Assistant (HCA) is a support role within healthcare settings such as hospitals, GP surgeries, clinics, or patients’ homes. HCAs work under the supervision of registered healthcare professionals, helping with patient care and daily tasks to ensure a comfortable and supportive environment for patients.
What are the main duties of a Health care Assistant?
Typical responsibilities include:
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Assisting patients with washing, dressing, eating, and moving around
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Making beds and ensuring patient comfort
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Monitoring vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, weight)
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Supporting personal hygiene and toileting needs
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Taking blood samples, processing lab samples, and sterilising equipment (especially in GP surgeries)
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Health promotion and basic patient documentation
What qualifications or experience do I need to become an HCA?
There are no set entry requirements. Employers usually expect good literacy and numeracy skills and may ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths. Experience in care—either paid or voluntary—is often advantageous. Some employers may require a healthcare qualification such as a BTEC or NVQ, and apprenticeships are available.
Do Healthcare Assistants need a licence to practise?
No, HCAs do not need a licence to practise in the UK. However, they must work under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals and may need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the recruitment process.
What training and development opportunities are available?
HCAs receive on-the-job training in basic nursing skills and work towards the Care Certificate, which covers core standards such as duty of care, safeguarding, and person-centred care. Further qualifications and apprenticeships are available, and with experience, HCAs can progress to senior roles or train as nursing associates or registered nurses.
What skills and personal qualities are important for HCAs?
Key qualities include:
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Caring, kind, and compassionate nature
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Good communication and listening skills
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Ability to work well in a team and independently
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Willingness to perform personal care tasks
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Organisational and observational skills
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Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle emotionally challenging situations
What is the typical salary and working pattern?
Starting salaries are usually around £24,000 per year, rising to £27,000 with experience. Most HCAs work around 37.5 hours per week, which may include night shifts, weekends, and bank holidays. NHS roles are paid according to the Agenda for Change pay system (typically starting on Band 2).
Where can Healthcare Assistants work?
HCAs are employed in a wide range of settings, including:
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Hospitals (wards, outpatient departments, emergency care)
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GP surgeries and health centres
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Community clinics
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Residential and nursing homes
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Patients’ own homes
What are common interview questions for HCA roles?
Interviewers may ask about:
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Your motivation for becoming an HCA
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Relevant experience and skills
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How you handle challenging situations or patient confidentiality
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Your understanding of the role and the values of the NHS
Can I progress in my career as an HCA?
Yes, with further training and experience, you can become a senior healthcare assistant, assistant practitioner, nursing associate, or undertake further study to become a registered nurse or other healthcare professional.
Are there different job titles for similar roles?
Yes, depending on the setting, you may see titles such as Clinical Support Worker, Nursing Assistant, or Maternity Support Worker, but the core responsibilities are similar.
To apply for this job please visit findajob.dwp.gov.uk.