Health Care Assistant - Stevenage inStevenage inStevenage PUBLISHED MON 4 NOV 2024

£15 to £17 an hour PERMANENT GOOD SALARY

ENHANCED DBS MENTAL HEALTH PARKING PENSION UNIFORM VEHICLE VISA

Prometheus Safe and Secure rCH98uu1

Prometheus Safe and Secure is seeking experienced Health Care Assistants for a permanent position at their new base in Stevenage. The role involves supporting qualified nursing staff in providing high-quality patient care, including safely transferring patients and ensuring their dignity and compassion throughout their care journey. The post holder will lead the staffing team during patient transfers, communicate effectively with patients and staff, and adhere to all safety and confidentiality protocols. Additionally, they will be responsible for documenting pertinent information, reporting issues as needed, and promoting equality and diversity in patient care.

Candidates must possess excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive attitude, along with a valid Enhanced DBS and a full UK driving license. Prometheus is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. Benefits include free on-site parking, a company pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities, reflecting the organisation’s values of professionalism, compassion, and inclusivity.

Only UK applicants. We do not offer sponsorship

We are looking for experienced Health Care Assistants for our new base in Stevenage on a permanent contract. This role supports qualified nursing staff in safely transferring patients and providing high-quality care across other business areas, working on trust wards and private units. The post holder will be responsible for promoting equality and diversity and ensuring that patient's dignity is a priority and that they are treated with compassion throughout. In addition, they will act within their sphere of responsibility, managing themselves and others and acting as a team leader without a qualified nurse.

To assist the Operations Manager / RMN/ Rota Manager in ensuring all staff follow agreed policies and procedures detailed by Prometheus.

To maintain a safe working environment.

Responsibility for Resources:

Adhere to company guidelines for checking vehicles and equipment before the journey commences.

Highlight and report any issues and stock replacements to the RMN/ Clinical Logistic Manager or Operations Manager.

Independence / Initiative:

Take charge and lead the staffing team when transferring an informal patient.

Security:

To take all possible precautions to safeguard the welfare and safety of staff, patients and the public by implementing all policies and procedures relating to security.

Organisational:

The post holder ensures they contribute and work towards the company's aims and objectives.

The post holder as an individual is required to understand their responsibility for respecting and promoting issues of equality, diversity and rights following legislation and good practice.

Responsible for reading, understanding and complying with all relevant company policies and procedures.

Communication:

The post holder is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely records that comply with company policy reporting any issues as appropriate.

The post holder is responsible for ensuring they communicate with patients, both Prometheus staff and staff at collection and delivery addresses and actively listen to establish an understanding of the patient's needs.

About us
To provide high-quality patient care.
If physical intervention with a patient is required, it is integral that you carry out this duty for your role.
Drive Prometheus ambulances as and when required.
Assist the qualified nurse in safely conveying and transferring all patients under the care of Prometheus.
Ensure they have adequate handover of the patient's details, including risk history and current presentation, from the Clinical Logistics Manager, RMN or nurse responsible for the patient at the collection address.
In the absence of an RMN, when a patient is informal, you must complete all paperwork required for the transfer.
To provide crisis intervention to patients experiencing mental health difficulties during a transfer.
To respond to emergencies during their span of duty.
The post holder is responsible for being aware of relevant national and local policies regarding safeguarding children and adults.
Attend all relevant training, meetings and reviews.
To ensure by attitude, approach and response the continuation of good working relationships between staff and patients throughout the transfer.
To report accidents, complaints and any untoward incidents promptly to the Clinical Logistics Manager.
Attend the Prometheus base at the required time by the Clinical Logistic Manager and adhere to the company's uniform policy.
To carry out any other tasks deemed reasonable by the management team for the smooth running of the company.
Essential Criteria:
Excellent written and communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and focus on accuracy.
Proactive and positive self-starter.
Excellent teamwork skills.
Well-organised with good time management skills
Valid Enhanced DBS
Currently working in a compliance-focused role.
Full UK Driving Licence.
Please note we do not accept Provisional Driving Licences, as the role requires you to drive company ambulances.
Right to work in the UK.
Please note we do not offer UK VISA Sponsorships.
Employment references for up to a 5-year period. Candidate will need minimum 3 years UK employment history.

Confidentiality:
It is a condition of employment that staff will only disclose information obtained in their duties if those entitled to receive it. The post holder must ensure that the confidentiality of personal data remains secure regarding the Data Protection Act and that relevant company policies are adhered to.
Equal Opportunities:
Prometheus is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from people irrespective of age, gender, race, and disability. All staff must comply with current legislation, company policies and national guidelines for good practice.
Conduct:
All staff members must conduct themselves and represent the company responsibly, complying with all policies and procedures.
Health & Safety:
Staff must ensure they are familiar with the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) requirements and the company's policies /codes of practice applicable to the workplace.
Safeguarding:
Every staff member is responsible for being aware of and following the relevant national and local policy in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
Training /Education:
All staff are responsible for participating in regular appraisals with senior management and identifying the post's performance standards.
Our Mission:
To exceed expectations and set new standards.
Our Values:
Professional, Approachable, Caring and Compassionate.
Company benefits:
Employee Assistant Program

Free on-site parking at all bases

Free company uniform

Mandatory training

Enrolment in the companys pension scheme (The People Pension)
Prometheus aims to create and encourage an environment committed to promoting equality and diversity, working inclusively, and valuing the differences individuals can bring to the workplace. We uphold these principles in our organisational values and behaviours towards each other and our patients. We welcome applications irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexuality, or other personal circumstances.

More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:

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Useful skills for a Health Care Assistant - Stevenage: Click to view

To work as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) in the UK, you will need a variety of skills and qualities to provide effective care and support to patients. Here are some essential skills and qualifications:

1. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and empathetically with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.

2. Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with patients and providing emotional support is crucial.

3. Compassion and Empathy: Understanding the feelings and experiences of patients to provide the best possible care.

4. Physical Stamina and Strength: The role may involve lifting and moving patients, as well as being on your feet for long periods.

5. Teamwork: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated care.

6. Patience and Resilience: Caring for patients, especially those with complex needs, can be challenging, so patience is essential.

7. Attention to Detail: Noticing changes in a patient's condition and following care plans accurately.

8. Basic IT Skills: Many healthcare environments use electronic patient records, so familiarity with computers is beneficial.

9. Organizational Skills: Managing your time and priorities effectively to ensure that all patient needs are met.

10. Understanding of Health and Safety Regulations: Knowledge of infection control, safeguarding, and maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff.

11. Basic Clinical Skills: Depending on the setting, you may need skills such as taking vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure), assisting with personal care, and understanding basic medical terminology.

Qualifications

While formal qualifications are not always required to become an HCA, some employers may prefer candidates with:

- Relevant Experience: Experience in care settings, either paid or voluntary, is highly valued.

- NVQs or Diplomas: Qualifications in Health and Social Care, such as an NVQ Level 2 or 3, can enhance your employability.

- Basic First Aid Certification: Having this certification can be beneficial.

Additional Training

Many employers offer on-the-job training, and you may also be expected to complete mandatory training courses, such as:

- Manual handling

- Health and safety

- Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children

- Infection prevention and control