About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a compassionate and motivated Health Care Assistant to join Rydon Ward, an adult acute mental health inpatient service at Wellsprings Hospital Site. The ward provides care and support to adults experiencing acute mental health difficulties, working within a supportive multidisciplinary team environment.
As a Health Care Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting patients throughout their recovery journey. Working alongside Registered Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists and other healthcare professionals, you will provide high-quality, person-centred care, assist with therapeutic activities, support patients with their daily living needs and contribute to maintaining a safe and therapeutic ward environment.
This role operates across a 24-hour rotational shift pattern and offers an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about mental health care and making a positive difference to people's lives.
Main duties of the job
- Deliver compassionate, person-centred care to individuals experiencing acute mental health difficulties.
- Support patients with personal care, nutrition, hydration, comfort, dignity and wellbeing.
- Observe, monitor and report changes in patients' physical and mental wellbeing.
- Assist in delivering therapeutic and recreational activities both on and off the ward.
- Build positive therapeutic relationships with patients, carers and colleagues.
- Support patients to engage with their care and treatment plans, including medication compliance where appropriate.
- Assist in managing challenging situations through de-escalation techniques and, following appropriate training, support the management of violent or aggressive behaviour.
- Maintain accurate patient records using electronic systems and complete relevant documentation.
- Participate in ward activities, team meetings, training, supervision and continuous professional development.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Health Care Assistant, you will work as part of the multidisciplinary team on Rydon Ward, supporting adults experiencing acute mental health difficulties. Under the supervision of registered professionals, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care, helping patients with their daily living needs, therapeutic activities and recovery goals.
You will observe and monitor patients, promote their safety and wellbeing, assist with personal care and support engagement in treatment plans and ward-based activities. The role involves building positive relationships with patients, carers and colleagues, maintaining accurate records and contributing to a safe, therapeutic ward environment.
The successful candidate will be a caring and resilient team player with excellent communication skills, a genuine interest in mental health care and the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations. You will be supported through training, development and ongoing supervision, with opportunities to enhance your skills and career within this role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Must be willing to work towards NVQ level 3 in direct care or Certificate in Care if not already held.
Desirable
- Training and experience e.g. Lifting, first aid, food handling, care work.
- Related healthcare interests or education
Experience
Desirable
- Experience of working with people e.g. in a caring situation, dealing with the general public
- Previous experience of working in mental health services.
- Ability to transfer own life experience into helping relationship
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.
Employer details
Employer name
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Rydon Ward
Cheddon Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 7AZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)