Healthcare Assistant (HCA)

About the role

Ellern Mede Ridgeway is a 26-bed hospital providing inpatient treatment for children and young people aged 8-18 years with complex health needs including disordered eating and Eating Disorders. The team has a long-established record of helping children and young people achieve meaningful recovery outcomes. Over the past 21 years, the service has brought hope and progress to hundreds of patients and their families. The Care Quality Commission rates Ellern Mede Ridgeway as Good across all five key lines of enquiry: safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. Have you recently completed a psychology degree and are looking to gain meaningful, hands-on clinical experience? Or are you an experienced Healthcare Assistant ready to take the next step in a specialist setting? Start your career with purpose and make a real difference where it truly matters. At Ellern Mede, we are looking for compassionate, resilient individuals to join our team supporting children and young people on their recovery journey from diverse mental health conditions and eating disorders. Whether you are new to the field or bring prior experience, we provide full specialist training and ongoing support to help you grow. This is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to change lives, including your own. You will be part of a highly skilled, supportive multidisciplinary team where your work has a direct and lasting impact.As a Healthcare Assistant, you will play a vital role in deliveringsafe, person centered carethat promotes dignity, recovery, and independence. Please note we do not offer certificate of sponsorship for this role. Job Opportunity As a Healthcare Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Your empathy, consistency, and determination will help create a safe and therapeutic environment where recovery becomes possible.

Responsibilities

• Building positive, therapeutic relationships with patients
• Supporting young people with their daily care and treatment plans
• Monitoring wellbeing and recording observations accurately
• Assisting with documentation and care planning
• Supporting patients during times of emotional distress
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, families, and external professionals
• Carrying out delegated clinical duties under the supervision of the Nurse in Charge
• Engaging fully with ongoing training and development

Requirements

• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people
• Emotional resilience and the ability to work in challenging situations
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A commitment to high-quality, compassionate care
• Previous healthcare experience is desirable but not essential, as comprehensive training will be provided.
• Company Benefits
• Comprehensive induction and specialist eating disorder training
• Clear career progression pathways
• Online Academic Meetings
• Free meals during shifts
• Workplace pension scheme
• Blue Light Discount Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Essential Skills
• Essential
• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Math
• Experience working in a healthcare, social care, or education settin
• Basic understanding of mental health and safeguarding principle
• Compassionate, patient, and resilient; able to maintain professional boundaries
• Willingness to work shifts (days, nights, weekends) as part of a 24-hour services
• Desirable
• Studying toward or holding a qualification in Health and Social care
• Experience supporting individuals with mental health needs, learning disabilities, or autism
• Awareness of trauma-informed or autism-informed practice
• Reflective and committed to professional development
• Full UK driving licence

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