Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £24,625 to £25,674 per year, pro-rata
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)
Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job Share, Flexible Working
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available for eligible applicants
Closing Date: 18 May 2025
Job Overview
Livewell Southwest, a forward-thinking social enterprise committed to delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, is seeking a Healthcare Assistant to join a newly established eating disorder physical health monitoring outpatient clinic. This role offers you the chance to contribute to a vital service while gaining invaluable experience in the healthcare sector.
As a Healthcare Assistant, you will support clinical staff in providing exceptional care to individuals with eating disorders, working directly with patients, their families, and carers. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a service that is new and evolving, allowing you to be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team.
Key Responsibilities of the Healthcare Assistant Role
Clinical Care Responsibilities
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Support Comprehensive Health Assessments: Assist nursing staff with conducting thorough physical health assessments for patients.
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Develop Individualized Care Plans: Support the creation of personalized care plans that meet the specific needs of each patient.
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Patient Education: Educate patients on essential health matters, such as nutrition and overall well-being, empowering them to take an active role in their recovery.
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Collaborate with Families: Regularly interact with carers and relatives, ensuring they are included in the care process and adhering to the Triangle of Care principles.
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Monitor Physical Health Indicators: Routinely track key health metrics like weight, BMI, and other vital signs to ensure optimal care.
Monitoring and Reporting
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Monitor and Report Changes: Track significant changes in physical and mental health, immediately reporting concerns to the relevant healthcare professionals.
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Assist in Clinical Procedures: Support the clinical team with medical procedures within your competency and under supervision, ensuring patient safety at all times.
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Maintain Records: Keep accurate and up-to-date patient records in line with organizational guidelines.
Clinic Operations and Support
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Assist with Clinic Administration: Help maintain the smooth operation of the clinic by managing stock levels, arranging patient appointments, and liaising with external agencies.
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Lead Team Initiatives: Take on leadership roles for initiatives like infection control or overseeing the Triangle of Care, promoting high standards of patient care.
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Work in a Multidisciplinary Team: Collaborate with a diverse healthcare team, including nurses, doctors, and support staff, to ensure holistic patient care.
Professional Development and Training
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Continuous Learning: Engage in training opportunities to improve your clinical skills and stay updated with the latest healthcare developments.
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Clinical Audits and Quality Improvement: Participate in audits and quality assurance projects to ensure that the clinic maintains high standards of care.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Essential Qualifications and Experience
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Experience in Healthcare: At least one year of experience in a mental health or healthcare setting is preferred.
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NVQ Level 3: A relevant qualification in Health and Social Care or equivalent is required.
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Basic IT Skills: Comfort with using computers for record-keeping and communication.
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Strong Communication Skills: Ability to engage with patients, carers, and colleagues in a compassionate and effective manner.
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Knowledge of Mental Health: Familiarity with therapeutic approaches for individuals with mental health conditions or learning disabilities.
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Resilience: Capacity to manage emotional and challenging situations effectively.
Desirable Skills and Experience
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Experience in a Multidisciplinary Team: Previous exposure to working alongside professionals such as nurses, therapists, and doctors.
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Knowledge of Mental Health Settings: Experience in a variety of mental health environments is a plus.
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Additional Qualifications: Training related to mental health care, safeguarding, or therapeutic practices.
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Leadership Experience: Ability to mentor or provide guidance to junior staff or students.
Benefits of Working at Livewell Southwest
Competitive Salary and Contract Flexibility
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Attractive Salary: Earn a competitive salary of £24,625 to £25,674 per year, with the possibility of part-time or flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
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Certificate of Sponsorship: For those requiring a work visa, Livewell Southwest provides a Certificate of Sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.
Professional Development and Career Growth
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Ongoing Training: Livewell Southwest places a strong emphasis on the continuous development of staff, offering CPD opportunities, training pathways, and leadership programs.
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Support for Career Advancement: Financial support for qualifications such as the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships, alongside regular appraisals to help you progress in your career.
Wellbeing and Employee Support
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Inclusive Work Environment: Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, including individuals with lived experience of mental health and neuro-diverse conditions.
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Work-Life Balance: The role offers flexibility, including full-time, part-time, job share, and flexible working options, making it easier to balance professional and personal responsibilities.
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Employee Wellbeing: As an organization with a strong social conscience, Livewell Southwest promotes staff wellbeing through structured support programs and access to resources for mental and physical health.
Strong Organizational Values
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Kindness and Respect: Livewell Southwest prides itself on its values of kindness, inclusivity, and respect, providing an empathetic and supportive working environment.
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Community Engagement: Livewell Southwest actively involves the people they care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive.
Additional Role Information
Job Location
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Plymouth, Devon
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The role is based in Plymouth, with occasional travel required across Devon, particularly for community-based patient care.
Work Hours
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Full-Time: 37.5 hours per week.
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Flexible Shifts: Shift work is required, including the potential for night shifts and weekend work depending on the needs of the service.
Application Process
Interested candidates can submit their applications via the Livewell Southwest recruitment portal. As this is a high-demand role, early applications are encouraged. If you require any adjustments to the application process or have specific accessibility needs, please reach out to the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.
How to Apply
To apply for this Healthcare Assistant role at Livewell Southwest, please ensure you meet the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification section of the job description. If you have any questions about the application process or require further information, feel free to contact the recruitment team.
Apply Here
The closing date for applications is 18 May 2025.
Final Thoughts
This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals passionate about improving the lives of people facing eating disorders and mental health challenges. Whether you’re an experienced healthcare professional or someone eager to expand your knowledge, this role offers a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. Apply now to join a forward-thinking team that is committed to delivering exceptional patient care while nurturing your career.