Scotland NHS Band 3 Health Care Assistant (Visa Sponsorship Available)

We require the health care assistant at NHS Greater Glasgow.  NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is one of the largest health care systems in the UK employing around 40,000 staff in a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and job roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health care services to a population of over 1.15 million and a wider population of 2.2 million when our regional and national services are included.

The shift pattern for this health care assistant  position is 5 days over 7. 8-4, 8-3:30.

Healthcare provision is based around a model of care specifically aimed at delivering Addiction, Mental Health and Primary Care services. The role of the Health Care assistant is to support professional healthcare staff to deliver care within the healthcare centre/establishment in line with the standards and policies of healthcare provision in the NHS and Scottish Prison Service.

The health care assistant role involves assisting the registered nurses to ensure that the physical environment is safe, clean, comfortable and suitable for patient care. To contribute to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients by being an active and supporting member of the team.

This is a diverse role which involves the day to day delivery of a high standard of support to the nursing team to enable health care to be delivered to a population who have a comprehensive range of physical, psychological, substance misuse and social problems whilst maintaining a high level of awareness and compliance with security procedure within the prison setting.

• Minimum of 2 Standard Grades including English and Maths.
• SVQIII in healthcare or equivalent experience gained in working in a caring environment/role
• Competent in the use of computerised information systems including Microsoft Office
• Well-developed communication skills both written and oral
• Ability to effectively met the demands of a challenging workload
• An ability to work with people as part of a multidisciplinary team Ability to prioritise assigned workload

On induction the post holder will be required to undergo the range of mandatory training, including- Basic Life Support, Moving and Handling, Breakaway Training, Suicide Risk Management Training and Fire Awareness Training.

Informal contact: Laura Connelly, Nurse Team Lead , 0141 770 2103, Laura.connelly@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

This post may close early to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service can be found within the Candidate Information Packs.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We promote a culture of inclusion across the organisation and are proud of the diverse workforce we have.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We support applications from across the Armed Forces Community, recognising military skills, experience and qualifications during the recruitment and selection process.

Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third-party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies.

1.  Research the Role and Employer
2. • Understand the specific duties (e.g., personal care, medication management) and the employer’s values. Tailor your answers to align with their mission, showing genuine interest.
3. Practice Common Questions
   • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions (e.g., “Tell me about a time you provided exceptional care”). Practice responses to questions like those about confidentiality, handling refusals, or working under pressure.
4. Highlight Key Skills
   • Emphasize empathy, communication, patience, and professionalism. Mention relevant experience or certifications (e.g., First Aid, dementia care) even if informal, like caring for a family member.
5. Dress Professionally
   • Opt for business casual attire (e.g., collared shirt, slacks) that’s neat and reflects the caregiving role’s standards.
6. Show Empathy and Respect
   • Demonstrate your ability to maintain client dignity and confidentiality with examples, such as involving clients in decisions or securing personal information.
7. Prepare Questions
   • Ask about training opportunities, team collaboration, or care plan development to show engagement (e.g., “How does the team personalize care plans?”).
8. Handle Unknown Scenarios
   • If asked about a situation you haven’t faced, be honest and suggest a logical, empathetic approach (e.g., “I’d listen and consult my supervisor to ensure safety”).
9. Stay Calm Under Pressure
   • Share examples of managing stress (e.g., a medical emergency) and how you decompress afterward to maintain performance.
10. Bring Necessary Documents
    • Carry a resume, certifications, and references if requested, and be ready to discuss them.
11. Follow Up
    • Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, reiterating your enthusiasm for the role.

What qualifications are typically required?

1. • Certifications like First Aid, CPR, or a Health Care Aide diploma are often preferred. Experience or training in safeguarding or medication management can also be key—check the job listing.
2. How can I prepare with no experience?
   • Highlight transferable skills (e.g., compassion, reliability) from other jobs or personal caregiving. Express eagerness to learn and seek relevant short courses.
3. What should I wear?
   • Business casual (e.g., a clean polo and trousers) is ideal. Avoid overly casual items like jeans or sneakers unless specified.
4. How important is researching the employer?
   • Very important—it shows initiative and helps you align your answers with their goals, increasing your chances of standing out.
5. What if I don’t know the answer to a question?
   • Be honest, then outline a thoughtful approach (e.g., “I’d seek guidance from my supervisor to ensure the best outcome”).
6. How can I stand out?
   • Share unique stories of compassion, ask insightful questions, and show a strong commitment to client well-being and professional growth.
7. What is safeguarding, and why does it matter?
   • Safeguarding protects clients from harm or abuse. Be ready to explain how you’d recognize and report concerns, as it’s a core responsibility.
8. How long should the interview last?
   • Typically 30-60 minutes. Prepare for a mix of questions, a skills demo, or a scenario-based discussion.
9. Should I mention weaknesses?
   • Yes, briefly, with a positive spin (e.g., “I’m still developing advanced medical knowledge but am proactive about training to improve”).
10. What if I’m nervous?
    • Practice deep breathing, prepare thoroughly, and remember the interviewer wants you to succeed. Focus on your passion for helping others.