Health Care Assistant

Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: England
Company Name: St Leonard's Hospice

Job Description

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Health Care Assistant to join our Carer Support Team at St Leonard’s Hospice in York. This is a rewarding opportunity for a Health Care Assistant to make a meaningful difference to patients with palliative and end-of-life care needs, providing essential social and practical support while their carers take a much-needed break. Working as part of a supportive and professional team, you will help us deliver personalised, patient-centred care within the community.

 Main Duties and Responsibilities

Health Care Assistant Key Responsibilities

As a Health Care Assistant, you will:

  • Provide person-centred, individualised care and companionship to patients in their own homes

  • Deliver practical and social support, including chatting, playing games, or watching TV with patients

  • Assist with basic personal care as outlined in care plans

  • Maintain clear, accurate care records

  • Communicate effectively with patients, carers, and multidisciplinary team members

  • Respect patient privacy, dignity, and confidentiality at all times

  • Work independently in the community while staying connected with the Hospice team

 Professional Responsibilities

  • Report patient condition changes to the supervising Registered Nurse

  • Support patients’ social and activity needs during visits

  • Follow all Hospice policies on safety, equipment use, valuables, and reporting incidents

  • Adhere to infection control guidelines and end-of-life care protocols

 Managerial Responsibilities

  • Assist with orientation of new team members and volunteers

  • Maintain a positive, supportive work environment

  • Participate in staff meetings and training sessions

  • Follow Hospice procedures for calls, valuables, records, and health and safety reporting

 About St Leonard’s Hospice

St Leonard’s Hospice is an independent charity providing palliative and end-of-life care across York and North Yorkshire. Our services include inpatient care, Hospice@Home, carer support, bereavement services, and our Sunflower Wellbeing Hub. We rely on public support and community fundraising to cover the majority of our £7.9 million annual operating costs.

 What We Offer

  • Salary above NHS pay scales

  • Enhanced shifts and annual leave entitlement

  • Opportunities to continue NHS pension contributions

  • Ongoing professional development and full training

  • Supportive, values-led workplace

 Person Specification

Essential:

  • Compassionate, empathetic, and resilient nature

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Ability to work independently and handle emotionally sensitive situations

  • UK driving licence and own vehicle

  • Enhanced DBS check

  • Willingness to undertake Care Certificate training

Desirable:

  • NVQ in Care

  • Experience in palliative care or a carer support role

  • Knowledge of York and surrounding areas

  • Basic IT skills

 Working Hours

  • Full-time – 37.5 hours/week

  • Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

  • Occasional weekend work (with advance notice)


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