Healthcare Assistant / Trainee(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs, Health and Care
Uk
March 12, 2026
Full Time Part Time Permanent
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Job Description

About the Role

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is looking for compassionate and motivated individuals to join the Ridgeway Secure Inpatient Services team.

This role offers the opportunity to support adults who are experiencing mental health difficulties, learning disabilities or autism within secure hospital settings. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the recovery and rehabilitation of service users by delivering respectful, person-centred care.

Working within both medium secure and low secure wards, you will help patients build confidence, improve independence and progress towards recovery.

This position is suitable for experienced Healthcare Assistants as well as candidates who wish to join the service as Trainee Healthcare Assistants and develop their careers in healthcare.

Assessment and Recruitment Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a mandatory face-to-face assessment day on 22 April 2026.

The day will include:

  • Registration and verification of documents
  • Group activities and collaborative exercises
  • An individual interview with the recruitment panel

Candidates must bring proof of their right to work in the UK and relevant qualifications on the day. Failure to provide this documentation may prevent progression to the next stage of recruitment.

Important Visa Information

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom before applying.

Please note that this role does not meet the eligibility criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, meaning the Trust cannot provide sponsorship for this position.

Helpful UK government resources include:

These official resources explain employment eligibility, immigration rules and safeguarding requirements for healthcare roles in the UK.

Key Responsibilities

As a Healthcare Assistant, you will support the nursing team to deliver safe and compassionate care to patients.

Typical responsibilities include:

  • Assisting nurses with daily care tasks and patient observations
  • Supporting service users with recovery-focused activities
  • Monitoring patients’ wellbeing and reporting any concerns to the nurse in charge
  • Participating in care rounds and clinical observations
  • Helping maintain a safe and supportive ward environment
  • Contributing to person-centred care planning

You may be required to work across different care pathways, supporting both male and female service users depending on service needs.

Teamwork and Patient-Centred Care

The service places strong emphasis on collaboration and whole-system working.

You will work closely with:

  • Registered nurses
  • Psychiatrists and psychologists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Social workers
  • Carers and families
  • External partner organisations

Together, the team focuses on delivering evidence-based, recovery-orientated care tailored to each individual.

Professional Development and Training

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is committed to supporting staff development.

You will benefit from:

  • Regular clinical supervision
  • Access to training and professional development opportunities
  • Support from the Trust’s Talent Management and Workforce Development Team
  • Structured career pathways into senior healthcare or nursing roles

Training programmes are designed to help staff develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed within secure mental health services.

Employee Benefits

Working for the Trust provides a wide range of benefits, including:

  • NHS Pension Scheme
  • Comprehensive training and development programmes
  • Flexible working opportunities
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Health and wellbeing services
  • Car lease scheme
  • Free on-site parking
  • Access to staff gyms and wellbeing initiatives
  • Coaching and leadership development programmes

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge

Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of patient-centred care and the importance of supporting vulnerable individuals with compassion and respect.

Essential Experience

  • Previous experience working as a Band 2 or Band 3 Healthcare Assistant, or equivalent care role

Desirable Experience

  • Experience supporting individuals with mental health conditions, social care needs or learning disabilities

Essential Qualifications

Applicants applying as qualified Healthcare Assistants must have:

  • Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
  • Care Certificate
  • Literacy and numeracy skills at Level 2

The qualification must be accredited by recognised awarding bodies regulated by:

  • Ofqual (England)
  • CCEA (Northern Ireland)
  • Welsh Government
  • SQA (Scotland)

Examples of accepted awarding organisations include City & Guilds, NCFE, CACHE, NOCN and Pearson.

Trainee Pathway Requirements

Candidates applying as Trainee Healthcare Assistants will be expected to:

  • Achieve a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care within two years
  • Complete the Care Certificate within 12 weeks of starting the role
  • Successfully complete the Trust’s Healthcare Assistant Framework during the probation period

Essential Skills

Candidates should demonstrate:

  • Clear written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team
  • Good organisational and time-management skills

Desirable Skills

  • Clinical skills such as venepuncture or ECG monitoring

Safeguarding and Background Checks

Due to regular contact with vulnerable individuals, this role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Work Location

Secure Inpatient Services
Marton Road
Middlesbrough
TS4 3AF
United Kingdom

Part of the services delivered by Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, this facility provides specialised secure mental health care to patients across the region.

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