Job title: Healthcare Assistant - Palliative Care
Job type: Temp/Shift
Industry: Healthcare
Pay interval: Hourly
Pay rate from: GBP £16.00
Pay rate to: GBP £18.00
Location: Leicester, UK
Job published: 10-12-2025
Job ID: 85189

Job Description

Community Healthcare Assistant (HCA) – Job Advert

We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated Community Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our team in Northampton, providing high-quality care and support to individuals in their own homes. This role is ideal for someone with previous healthcare experience who is committed to delivering safe, person-centred care.

Key Responsibilities

Practical Care

  • Provide personal care including washing, dressing, toileting, and maintaining dignity.

  • Support with food, nutrition, hydration, and simple meal preparation.

  • Assist with mobility, safety, and positioning, using appropriate risk assessment tools.

  • Provide catheter care, stoma care, pressure area support, and simple wound dressings.

  • Assist with activities of daily living and ensure a safe, clean environment.

Emotional & Social Support

  • Offer emotional and psychological support to patients, families, and carers.

  • Communicate sensitively and effectively, tailoring your approach to each individual.

  • Provide comfort and reassurance, including support around end-of-life care.

Care Planning & Teamwork

  • Participate in assessments, care planning, evaluation, and review of care plans.

  • Report any changes in a patient’s condition promptly to supervising clinicians.

  • Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and attend care planning meetings.

  • Undertake delegated clinical tasks once appropriate training and competency are achieved.

Record Keeping & Safety

  • Maintain accurate written and electronic records.

  • Uphold infection control standards and ensure safe handling of equipment, waste, and sharps.

  • Ensure all equipment is cleaned, stored, and safe for use.

  • Follow all policies relating to health and safety, confidentiality, and safeguarding.

General Duties

  • Carry out administrative duties and maintain accurate documentation.

  • Support new staff and contribute to maintaining high standards of care.

  • Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and professional development.

  • Report incidents, concerns, or complaints promptly.

Driving & Home Visit Responsibilities

  • Hold a full driving licence and be willing to drive company or service vehicles where required.

  • Complete pre-shift vehicle checks and ensure all clinical bags/equipment are stocked and safe.

  • Maintain communication with the base team when visiting patients in the community.

Person Specification

Qualifications

  • GCSEs (A–C) or equivalent including English and Maths, or relevant experience.

  • NVQ Level 2 in Healthcare or equivalent (essential).

  • Care Certificate (desirable).

  • Full Driving Licence (essential).

Experience

  • Previous healthcare experience (essential).

  • Experience working in a busy public-facing role.

  • Confident using computers and electronic record systems.

  • Experience in end-of-life care (desirable).

Skills

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Excellent record-keeping and attention to detail.

  • Ability to use initiative and problem-solve effectively.

  • Compassionate, patient-focused approach.

  • Good time-management and organisational skills.

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Personal Qualities

  • A strong team player with a flexible and positive attitude.

  • Commitment to delivering high-quality care.

  • Willingness to work unsocial hours including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

  • Sense of humour and resilience when working in challenging environments.