Health Care Assistant - Rowan WardNHS

Job summary

If you are a caring, compassionate person who wants to make a real difference to people's lives, Rowan Ward 1 could be the perfect place for you.

Rowan Ward 1 is a 15-bed acute mental health ward supporting adults of working age who are experiencing significant mental health difficulties. As a Health Care Assistant, you will play a vital role in helping people through some of the most challenging periods of their lives, providing compassionate support, promoting recovery, and helping patients feel safe, valued and understood.

You will join a dynamic, highly skilled multidisciplinary team that includes mental health nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists and medical professionals, all working together to deliver high-quality, recovery-focused care.

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds. Previous healthcare experience is helpful, but not essential. What matters most is your ability to build positive relationships, treat people with dignity and respect, remain calm in challenging situations, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to helping others.

In return, you'll benefit from a welcoming team culture, regular supervision, structured learning opportunities and the chance to develop valuable skills in mental health care, therapeutic engagement and patient recovery.

Main duties of the job

As a Health Care Assistant, you will:

• Build trusting, therapeutic relationships with patients and their families, offering emotional support and encouragement throughout their recovery journey.
• Support patients with their daily living needs while promoting independence, dignity and choice.
• Contribute to a safe ward environment through observation, monitoring and responding appropriately to changes in patients' wellbeing.
• Encourage participation in therapeutic and recreational activities that support recovery and wellbeing.
• Work closely with the multidisciplinary team to support care plans, treatment programmes and positive patient outcomes.
• Escort patients on appointments and therapeutic leave when required.
• Use de-escalation skills and follow training to support patients experiencing distress or challenging situations safely and compassionately.
• Maintain accurate patient records and contribute to effective communication across the team.

Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.

Job description

Based at Rowan Ward 1 in Yeovil, you will be part of a 24-hour inpatient service supporting adults experiencing acute mental health needs. The ward provides assessment, treatment and recovery-focused care within a supportive and therapeutic environment.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop a rewarding career in mental health care. You will gain experience across a wide range of clinical and therapeutic activities, working alongside experienced professionals who are committed to your development and wellbeing. Regular supervision, training and ongoing support are embedded within the team.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Have experience of supporting or caring for people, whether through work, volunteering or life experience.
• Demonstrate compassion, empathy and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Can communicate effectively with patients, carers and colleagues.
• Remain calm, professional and patient-focused in challenging situations.
• Work well as part of a team and are willing to learn and develop.
• Are prepared to work towards a Care Certificate or NVQ Level 3 in Care if not already achieved.

You will be expected to work flexibly as part of a 24 hour service, including nights, weekends and bank holidays.

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 life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, 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.