About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Children's Community Health Care Assistant to join our Children's Home Care Team.
Do you feel passionate about supporting children with complex needs? Would you like to make a real difference to children and young people in their own homes?
In this rewarding role, you will provide high-quality, individualised care to children and young people with varying and often complex health needs, some of whom may be technology dependent. You will work on a one-to-one basis, supporting children in their homes, schools or other community settings across Somerset.
Due to the wide geographical area we cover, you will be required to travel to the child's location, which may involve journeys of over one hour (mileage allowance paid). Flexibility is essential as you will be part of a 24-hour, 365-day service.
You will receive comprehensive training tailored to the specific needs of each child, followed by a period of working alongside experienced team members to build confidence and competence in delivering care.
Main duties of the job
Provide high-quality, one-to-one care for children and young people with complex and unpredictable health needs in home, school or community settings.Support children who may be dependent on medical technology, including ventilators, feeding systems and suction equipment, following full training.Deliver care in accordance with individual care plans, policies and procedures, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the child at all times.Work closely with families, carers and the multidisciplinary team, maintaining clear, sensitive and professional communication.Assist with personal care, mobility, feeding and medication administration as required, promoting independence wherever possible.Recognise and respond to changes in a child's condition, escalating concerns appropriately.Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in line with Trust policy.Work flexibly to meet service needs, including day shifts, waking nights, weekends, bank holidays and emergency cover.Travel across Somerset to meet the needs of the service.
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 lifeNHS pension scheme for long-term financial securityGenerous annual leave allowance to recharge and relaxA strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potentialAdditionally, 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 For more details and further information about the role, please see the attached job description and person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
5 GCSE or equivalent.
Desirable
NVQ 3
Experience Essential
Previous experience of working with/caring for childrenExperience of working in healthcareExperience of working in hospitals and/or community settingExperience of working aloneExperience of working as part of a team
Additional Criteria Essential
Up to date understanding of health issues in relation to children.
Desirable
Understanding of needs of children with special/additional needs. Awareness of safeguarding children from harm
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 Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Community Families Hub
East Reach House
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 3EN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)