Care Worker/ Health Care Assistant

JOB PURPOSE To assist the Care Manager and the domiciliary care team in the service delivery of care to the general population, meeting health and social care needs. JOB SUMMARY The Health Care Assistant (HCA)/ Care Worker is a member of the domiciliary care team, appointed to support the Care Coordinator and Manager in delivering personal care and addressing disease, disorders, and injuries. The role involves both physical and psychological interactions with clients and their families. The post holder will undertake a variety of activities under the supervision of Care Coordinators and Supervisors, following competency assessments for the required tasks. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES CARE Ensure patients/clients are treated with dignity, respect, and discretion, maintaining confidentiality. Meet patients’/clients’ personal hygiene needs, including assisting with washing, bed baths, showers, mouth care, and cleaning dentures. Promote continence by assisting with toilet needs, handling bedpans, urinals, catheter bags, bowel and stoma care, and supporting incontinent clients. Take and record patients’/clients’ vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure). Report any abnormalities to a qualified nurse. Assess pressure areas and skin integrity, reporting any changes to the Care Coordinator for referral. Escort clients into the community to promote socialisation and integration. Receive training and perform basic life support in emergencies. NUTRITION Assist in meal delivery and ensure menus are distributed and collected. Help feed patients and maintain food charts. Refer patients to a dietician as required. Monitor patients' weight and be familiar with ordering special diets. MOVING AND HANDLING Adhere to the Company’s moving and handling policies. Maintain the comfort of bedridden patients by repositioning them as needed. Assist patients with mobility in coordination with Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. PERSONAL AND PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT Take responsibility for your own learning, performance, and supervision. Keep a record of personal development. Collaborate with management on training requirements. Understand the roles and responsibilities of those in the primary healthcare team. Be aware of legal aspects related to the HCA role. DOCUMENTATION Complete admission documentation with qualified staff (excluding care plans). Ensure written entries are clear, legible, signed, and countersigned by qualified staff. Maintain fluid and observation charts. INFECTION CONTROL Adhere to the Company’s infection control guidelines. Follow universal precautions, including proper hand washing and uniform policies. Keep patient environments clean and ensure proper disposal of sharps. COMMUNICATION Communicate effectively with patients, staff, and the public, always being polite and respectful. Answer phones politely and relay messages accurately. Maintain confidentiality at all times, and relay relevant information to nursing staff in a timely manner. HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY Use personal security systems as per practice guidelines. Identify and manage risks in the workplace. Adhere to infection control procedures, including proper disposal of waste and handling of specimens. Be aware of statutory child health procedures and other local guidance. SERVICE IMPROVEMENT Participate in clinical audits where appropriate. Assist with the development of new services and initiatives. Respond to requests for health information. SECURITY Adhere to the Whittington Hospital NHS Company’s security policies. All staff must wear official identification badges. DATA PROTECTION Handle data lawfully and only for its intended purposes, disclosing it only to authorised persons. Breaches of data confidentiality will lead to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal. QUALITY Alert team members to quality and risk issues in patient care. Ensure actions align with clinical governance. Maintain stock and manage your time effectively. Respect patients’ privacy, dignity, and beliefs. Understand legal issues around child protection, family violence, and vulnerable adults. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The Company is committed to ensuring no applicant or employee is discriminated against based on sex, marital status, race, religion, disability, mental health, age, or sexual orientation. Every employee contributes to the success of the Company’s Equal Opportunities Policy. METHOD OF PAYMENT Salary is paid directly into a bank or building society account via direct deposit. CUSTOMER AWARENESS The Company expects all employees to communicate politely and courteously with colleagues, patients, and visitors at all times. CONFIDENTIALITY & DATA PROTECTION The postholder must maintain the confidentiality of all client, staff, and business information in compliance with the Data Protection Act (1998). NO SMOKING POLICY Verity Healthcare promotes a smoke-free environment. Staff are prohibited from smoking on-site or near clients' homes. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action, up to dismissal. HEALTH AND SAFETY Employees must follow all health and safety policies in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and relevant legislation. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action. MANAGING STRESS Staff are required to familiarize themselves with the Company’s stress management policies and services, ensuring their own and colleagues' well-being. HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS (HCAIs) All staff are responsible for following infection control measures to protect patients, staff, and others. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action. FLEXIBILITY This job description outlines the main responsibilities but may be adapted as needed. The postholder may be required to perform other duties in line with their skills and expertise. DIMENSIONS Support and assist new HCAs. The post holder has no managerial or budgetary responsibilities. OTHER DUTIES Ensure patients sign the disclaimer on admission and are aware of Company policies regarding valuables. Report accidents or incidents per Company policy. Be flexible to work in other areas as directed by your manager. COMMITMENT TO SAFER RECRUITMENT Verity Healthcare is committed to safeguarding clients. All successful applicants will undergo: * Enhanced DBS checks. * Qualification and experience verification. * Comprehensive reference checks. * Right to work in the UK verification. WHY JOIN US? * Supportive working environment. * Professional development opportunities. * Comprehensive training and induction. * Competitive salary and benefits. * Employee well-being programs. HOW TO APPLY If you're passionate about providing high-quality care, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Verity Healthcare celebrates diversity and is committed to an inclusive environment for all employees