Job summary
Join Our Outstanding IPU Team!
Are you a compassionate and dedicated Healthcare Assistant looking for a meaningful role in a supportive environment? Our Inpatient Unit (IPU) provides exceptional end of life care to patients and their loved ones, and we are looking for people who share our commitment to kindness, dignity, and respect.
At Ashgate, were committed to fairness and staff wellbeing. As our Inpatient Unit runs 24 hours a day, our HCAs work a mix of day and night shifts. We believe this shared approach promotes healthier working patterns, fair access to enhanced pay, and strong team connections especially as day shifts allow time for vital training and collaborative working with the wider team.
If you're seeking a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
We offer:
A supportive working environment where your wellbeing is a priority.
Opportunities for professional development and qualifications, including the Care Certificate and Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
The chance to build meaningful connections with patients, families, and colleagues.
A role where your skills and kindness will have a lasting impact.
Main duties of the job
As a Healthcare Assistant in our IPU, you will:
Provide personalised care, supporting patients with personal hygiene, mobility, and nutritional needs.
Work alongside registered nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic, patient-centred care.
Offer emotional support to patients and their loved ones during challenging times.
Contribute to the assessment and review of individual care plans.
Maintain dignity and respect for every patient, ensuring they receive compassionate end of life care.
About us
Ashgate Hospice, based in North Derbyshire, offers free palliative and end of life care for adults with life-limiting or incurable illnesses, including cancer, neurological diseases, and advanced heart, kidney, and lung conditions. Last year, we cared for over 2,400 people. Our aim is to support our patients by keeping them informed, managing their symptoms, and improving their quality of life from diagnosis onwards.
We also provide vital support to the people who are important to them, offering practical assistance and emotional support, including bereavement services.
Were more than a care provider. Were a campaigner for sustainable end of life care funding in the UK, and we continually invest in our services and workforce.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please review the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more details about the role. If youd like to learn more, feel free to contact Karen Walker at 01246 568801 or email karen.walker@ashgatehospice.org.uk . Youre also welcome to arrange a visit to the hospice to see what its like to work with us.
Applications must be submitted via the Apply Now button on our website. We cannot accept applications sent directly to HR or the recruiting manager.
If you're successful, a DBS check will be part of the pre-employment process, with further details available in the candidate notes. As a healthcare provider, we prioritise safety, so we encourage and recommend all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and have the flu jab, unless exempt. If you need assistance during the recruitment process, our HR team is available at hr@ashgatehospice.org.uk or 01246 568 801.
We are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. We offer reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, or health needs. As part of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion goals, we guarantee to shortlist disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. To support your success, well share interview questions with all will be shortlisted candidates in advance.
Additional resources, like the Health Adjustment Passport and Access to Work scheme, are available to support adjustments or needs. For further guidance, you can also reach out to the Disability Employment Service or Reed in Partnership, Chesterfield Office. Our HR team is happy to help with any questions about adjustments or accessibility.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please review the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more details about the role. If youd like to learn more, feel free to contact Karen Walker at 01246 568801 or email karen.walker@ashgatehospice.org.uk . Youre also welcome to arrange a visit to the hospice to see what its like to work with us.
Applications must be submitted via the Apply Now button on our website. We cannot accept applications sent directly to HR or the recruiting manager.
If you're successful, a DBS check will be part of the pre-employment process, with further details available in the candidate notes. As a healthcare provider, we prioritise safety, so we encourage and recommend all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and have the flu jab, unless exempt. If you need assistance during the recruitment process, our HR team is available at hr@ashgatehospice.org.uk or 01246 568 801.
We are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. We offer reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, or health needs. As part of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion goals, we guarantee to shortlist disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. To support your success, well share interview questions with all will be shortlisted candidates in advance.
Additional resources, like the Health Adjustment Passport and Access to Work scheme, are available to support adjustments or needs. For further guidance, you can also reach out to the Disability Employment Service or Reed in Partnership, Chesterfield Office. Our HR team is happy to help with any questions about adjustments or accessibility.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
- Care Certificate or willingness to complete within 12 months.
Desirable
- Level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care (desirable).
- Health-related training, including First Aid, Moving & Handling, and Food Hygiene (desirable).
Experience
Essential
- Experience in providing personal care in a healthcare setting.
- Understanding of palliative and end of life care principles.
- Basic knowledge of infection prevention and control procedures.
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team.
- Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
Desirable
- Experience using electronic patient record systems, e.g., SystmOne (desirable).
- Experience in oncology, hospice, or palliative care (desirable).
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage sensitively with patients and families.
- Ability to document care delivered clearly and accurately.
- Competent in performing and recording vital signs.
- Able to prioritise workload and work efficiently under supervision.
- Strong team-working abilities and interpersonal skills.
- Adaptability and resilience in emotionally challenging situations.
- Compassionate and empathetic approach to care.
- Commitment to upholding hospice values.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training and development.
- Flexible approach to work, including the ability to adapt to changing needs.
- Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic.
- Independent means of travel
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
- Care Certificate or willingness to complete within 12 months.
Desirable
- Level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care (desirable).
- Health-related training, including First Aid, Moving & Handling, and Food Hygiene (desirable).
Experience
Essential
- Experience in providing personal care in a healthcare setting.
- Understanding of palliative and end of life care principles.
- Basic knowledge of infection prevention and control procedures.
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team.
- Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
Desirable
- Experience using electronic patient record systems, e.g., SystmOne (desirable).
- Experience in oncology, hospice, or palliative care (desirable).
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage sensitively with patients and families.
- Ability to document care delivered clearly and accurately.
- Competent in performing and recording vital signs.
- Able to prioritise workload and work efficiently under supervision.
- Strong team-working abilities and interpersonal skills.
- Adaptability and resilience in emotionally challenging situations.
- Compassionate and empathetic approach to care.
- Commitment to upholding hospice values.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training and development.
- Flexible approach to work, including the ability to adapt to changing needs.
- Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic.
- Independent means of travel
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
