Healthcare Assistant

Job summary
Internal applicants only LWSW employees only

22 hours per week.

Join a dedicated team providing clinical health care support for Urgent Care Nursing Service, Out of hours undertaking variety of procedures for patients in their homes across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon. Covering 260 miles. This part-time role up to 22.00 hours per week, is ideal for an experienced and motivated health care assistant eager to contribute to a growing Urgent Care Nursing service.

You will deliver high-quality clinical patient-centered care in the community, helping individuals remain safe and independent at home while supporting their health and wellbeing. The role involves utilising clinical skills and expertise within the Urgent Care Nursing Service.

We seek a health care assistant with good clinical skills and knowledge, sound judgement, and the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a forward-thinking team.

You will need the ability to working autonomously demonstrating initiative and passion.

Livewell is dedicated to produce a competent workforce; by offering career progression and in return we expect commitment from all our staff. If you feel you have ambition, courage and energy to meet the health and social care challenges ahead.

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

Please note we may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline.

All staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.

Main duties of the job

• To work under the direction of a registered member of nursing staff, but at times will not have direct supervision as in a community setting.
• To work within a team supporting and assisting qualified staff in the implementation of patient care
• To liaise and assist all disciplines involved in the management and care of patients in ward/ home environment.
• Once assessed as competent, perform simple wound care, ECG recording, blood sugar monitoring, catheter care, venepuncture, temperature, blood pressures, pulse oximetry and other clinical responsibilities as delegated by the nursing staff.
• To use clinical decision-making tools to inform care, such as MUST etc and be able to escalate
• To be able to give information and advice to patients and carers as appropriate i.e. nutritional or pressure care information
• To be able to identify when there may be a safeguarding risk for any patient or carer and know the process to follow
• To be able to identify if a patient needs to be signposted or referred to another service to ensure all care needs are met, and liaise with the senior staff to ensure this occurs
• To carry out efficiently and effectively task and instructions assigned by the registered nurse.
• To undertake only those tasks for which she / he has had instruction and is competent to fulfil as a healthcare assistant.
• To provide a high standard of care under the direction and supervision of more senior staff

About us
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.

Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year pa, pro-rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Reference number: B9832-2026-NM-10517
Closing date: 01 November 2026

Job responsibilities
To work under the direction of a registered member of nursing staff, but at times will not have direct supervision as in a community setting. To work within a team supporting and assisting qualified staff in the implementation of patient care, that includes personal hygiene, toileting, undressing and dressing of patients, moving and handling and assisting with mobilisation. To liaise and assist all disciplines involved in the management and care of patients in ward/ home environment. Once assessed as competent, perform simple wound care, ECG recording, blood sugar monitoring, catheter care, venepuncture, temperature, blood pressures, pulse oximetry and other clinical responsibilities as delegated by the nursing staff. To use clinical decision-making tools to inform care, such as MUST etc and be able to highlight significant results to senior staff. To be able to give information and advice to patients and carers as appropriate i.e. nutritional or pressure care information. To be able to identify when there may be a safeguarding risk for any patient or carer and know the process to follow. To be able to identify if a patient needs to be signposted or referred to another service to ensure all care needs are met, and liaise with the senior staff to ensure this occurs. To acknowledge own limitation and scope of practice, and seek advice and support from senior staff as needed. To undertake a range of competencies that have been included within the job role as a senior healthcare assistant. To provide self-directed, individual activities for specified patients in all healthcare settings working within risk management guidelines, this may include working alone in the clinical area/ community for periods of time. To carry out efficiently and effectively task and instructions assigned by the registered nurse. To undertake only those tasks for which she / he has had instruction and is competent to fulfil as a senior healthcare assistant. To provide mentorship and support to less experienced staff or students. To engage with audits, quality improvement projects and service changes as directed by the inpatient manager. To provide a high standard of care under the direction and supervision of more senior staff. To assist the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery and evaluation of patient care. To liaise across inpatient and community colleagues in the statutory and non statutory services as appropriate. To provide professional influence, direction, clarification and support for new and existing staff, nursing, occupational therapy, students, volunteers and carers as part of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). To ensure the adherence to Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control guidelines at all times.

Main duties/responsibilities
Responsibility for People Management: To be involved in the continued development of the Senior Health Care Assistant role and other Health Care Assistants. To provide guidance and support to less experienced staff or students. To receive line management support and supervision. Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources: The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finances; however they will adhere to the relevant trust policies on financial issues. The post holder will use Livewell Southwest resources responsibly. Responsibility for administration: To ensure competencies in record keeping. Report any changes in the patients condition or care needs to the supervising trained nurse and / or relevant therapist and document accordingly. Maintain accurate and complete patient records in accordance with organisational guidelines. Maintain confidentiality of information being aware of trust policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes. To access email and other information through Livewell Southwest intranet. Responsibility for people who use our services: Support peoples care through provision of key skills including emotional and spiritual care, positioning, communication, tissue viability, oral and personal hygiene, and nutritional awareness. Assist people to achieve their optimal level in their physical health care whilst always maintaining their comfort and dignity at all times. To support patients to identify and overcome fears within a relationship of empathy and trust. To work with patients and carers to work towards patients recovery. To monitor the physical health of service users and report any changes to registered staff so that the care plan can be kept fully up to date. The post holder is required to comply with all infection prevention and control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate to Director of Operations/Chief Executive Office. Be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns. To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life. To record contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic record systems. Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating care to patients. This to include participation in case review and assessment for admission / discharge process. Escort patients to other inpatients / departments or other areas designated by trained staff, which may include the community settings. Record and manage patients property. To comply with Livewell southwest policies and procedures relevant to the role. This will include adherence to Uniform & Dress Code Policy. To report any observed incident of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences, or faulty equipment. To participate professionally in service development and proposed service changes. Comply with universal infection control precautions and procedures. To behave in a manner which does not bring Livewell Southwest into disrepute. To complete all Mandatory training and other training pertinent to the role, as agreed by line manager. Other Responsibilities: The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies within role. To participate in induction and support programmes in relation to new staff and volunteers as directed by the nurse. To actively engage in clinical supervision both as a supervisee if appropriate. In line with local guidelines review, reflect and develop own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal. To demonstrate ongoing personal and professional development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, reflecting and recording learning outcomes in a professional portfolio. This would include support groups and induction opportunities. To know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly. To act as an ambassador for Livewell with external agencies and partner organisations. Always address staff, patients and members of the public in a polite and respectful manner either in person or on the telephone. Be conversant with and comply with all relevant organisational protocols and policies and have valid organisational IT access. Compassionate, caring and kind in their practice. De-escalation skills. To communicate effectively with patients and carers. Communication skills of persuasion, motivation and explanation will be needed. Barriers to communication may include loss of hearing, altered perception and language disorders, therefore the post holder should be able to constructively manage barriers to communication like those mentioned above. To support the team in promoting a recovery orientated environment by identifying recovery focused activities and imparting information and education as required. The post holder will be competent in computer skills. Inpatient: Carry out measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, urinalysis, phlebotomy, wound care, intentional rounding and ECGs. Community: Carry out measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, urinalysis, phlebotomy, wound/ pressure area care, assisting in Doppler assessments and certain injections/ diabetes management and catheterisation when deemed competent on a known patient. To assist with ordering clinical supplies and equipment to ensure stock is maintained. The post holder will be expected to travel around Plymouth in the course of their duties as appropriate whether working inpatient or community-based services. To undertake and be competent in breakaway training. Shift work including night shifts if working in an inpatient-based scenario. The post holder will always have to carry a personal alarm with them when working within the constraints of the community-based area (clients homes). Emotional and mental resilience.

The post holder is required to comply with all relevant policies and procedures pertinent to their post. Current versions can be found on the intranet or via your manager. The areas listed below are those Livewell Southwest currently places particular emphasis on. Failure to follow correct policies and procedures may result in disciplinary action.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential: NVQ level 3 in Health and Social care or equivalent qualification. Care certificate or willing to undertake. Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within physical health settings. Ability to contribute to the process of and the delivery of high standard of care as planned in care programme. Awareness of safeguarding principles. Basic IT skills. A basic understanding of physical health presentation. Good communication and listening skills. Continual assessment of patient. Organisational skills. Problem solving skills. An awareness to maintain professional Boundaries.
Desirable: Vocational Qualification Level II or able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and ability to work to that level. Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within physical health settings. Able to undertake manual observations. Experience in wound care, catheter care, injectables, diabetes management. Will assist registered nurse with end of life care symptom management and verification of expected death.

Experience
Essential: Previous healthcare experience at various levels or equivalent. Experience in a Physical Health setting. Awareness of vulnerable adult / protection issues and guidance. Recent experience of working in a care setting. Team working. Clinical governance. Ability to work with minimum of supervision. To undertake baseline physical observations.
Desirable: Experience of variety of Physical Health settings either inpatient or community. Previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team. Working within an NHS setting. Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details
Employer name: Livewell Southwest
Address: Urgent Care Nursing Service, Top Floor, Beauchamp Centre, Mount Gould, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 7QD, United Kingdom
Employer's website:

For questions about the job, contact: Manager Urgent Care Nursing Service, Glynis Jenkins, View email address on meeveem.com, View phone number on meeveem.com

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