Healthcare Assistant(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

Are you looking for a role that is meaningful, varied, and genuinely makes a difference? Wathwood Hospital offers a unique opportunity to work within a medium secure mental health setting, supporting individuals on their journey toward recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community.

This role is suitable for both experienced healthcare assistants and those looking to take the next step in their care career. You will be part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team, working closely with nurses, therapists, and other professionals to provide safe, compassionate, and person-centred care.

No previous forensic experience is required — full training and ongoing support will be provided.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Healthcare Assistant, you will:

• Build therapeutic relationships with patients, promoting trust, dignity, and respect
• Support the delivery, monitoring, and review of individual care and treatment plans under the supervision of registered nurses
• Assist patients with daily living activities, rehabilitation tasks, and preparation for community reintegration
• Promote patient safety, wellbeing, and safeguarding at all times
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children
• Contribute to a calm, structured, and secure ward environment
• Support patient observation and accurate record-keeping in line with NHS standards
• Escort patients safely in line with hospital procedures
• Participate in recreational, therapeutic, and diversional activities
• Maintain cleanliness, order, and safety within the ward environment
• Act as a role model and provide guidance to Band 2 Care Assistants as directed
• All care is delivered in accordance with mental health legislation and Trust policy, including the Mental Health Act

Working Pattern & Environment

• You will be based on a ward and work 24-hour rotational shifts, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays
• Unsocial hours payments apply
• The hospital’s four-ward structure supports patients through gradual progression toward less restrictive environments

Support, Training & Development

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is committed to helping staff reach their full potential. You will benefit from:

• A structured induction programme
• Ongoing clinical supervision and mentoring
• Training in therapeutic and diversional interventions
• Access to a strong Health & Wellbeing team, occupational health, and counselling services
• Opportunities to develop leadership and supervisory skills

About the Trust

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest mental health and community trusts in the East Midlands, employing over 11,000 colleagues across more than 200 sites.

The Trust delivers mental health, learning disability, community, forensic, and offender healthcare services and hosts several national specialist services. It is strongly committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and actively supports staff through employee-led networks and wellbeing initiatives.

The Trust is also working toward its net-zero carbon commitment, aligning with UK environmental legislation:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Care or equivalent experience/training
• Good general education, including GCSE-level English and Maths

Essential Experience

• Experience working in a healthcare or care setting
• Experience supporting individuals who may display challenging behaviour

Desirable

• Experience within a forensic or secure mental health environment
• Experience of rotational or shift-based work

Skills & Attributes

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team
• A calm, respectful, and compassionate approach
• Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-guidance
• Flexibility, resilience, and reliability in a challenging environment
• All staff are expected to uphold the Trust’s values of Trust, Honesty, Respect, Compassion, and Teamwork.

Safeguarding & Pre-Employment Checks

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

Please note:

• DBS costs are payable by the applicant and deducted from salary over the first two months
• Applicants are encouraged to join the DBS Update Service
  https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Visa Information

This role does not meet the salary threshold for Skilled Worker or Health & Care visa sponsorship. Applicants can check eligibility criteria here:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Key Information

• Role based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire
• Applications may close early if sufficient candidates are identified
• Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience will normally start at the bottom of the pay band