Job summary
The
Paediatric Healthcare Assistant supports the multidisciplinary team in
delivering high-quality, compassionate, and family-centred care to children,
young people, and their families. The post holder assists registered nurses and
doctors in providing safe, effective, and holistic care within a paediatric
setting, ensuring the childs comfort, dignity, and wellbeing are maintained at
all time
Main duties of the job
Assist in the
assessment, planning, and delivery of care under the supervision of a
registered nurse.
Undertake clinical
observations (e.g., temperature, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation, blood
pressure) and accurately document findings using POPS.
Support in the
collection of specimens such as urine, stool, or swabs as directed.
Assist with
personal care, including washing, dressing, toileting, and feeding, while
promoting independence where possible.
Prepare clinical
areas and equipment for procedures, maintaining cleanliness and infection
prevention standards.
Support registered
staff with procedures such as wound care, cannulation preparation, or holding
children safely during clinical interventions.
Recognise and
promptly report any changes in a childs condition to the nurse in charge.
Assist
in the safe transfer of patients within the department and to other areas
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years
of as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider
sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and
have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Paediatric Healthcare Assistant plays a vital role in
supporting the nursing and medical teams to deliver high-quality,
family-centred care to children, young people, and their families. The role
involves working under the supervision of registered nurses to assist in the
delivery of both clinical and non-clinical care within the paediatric setting.
HCAs are responsible for carrying out routine observations
such as temperature, pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure, and oxygen
saturations, and for accurately recording and reporting any abnormalities. They
assist with personal care needs, including washing, toileting, feeding, and
ensuring comfort, while promoting independence and dignity at all times.
The HCA helps prepare clinical areas and equipment for
procedures, maintains cleanliness, and follows infection prevention and control
standards. They may support clinical staff during examinations or minor
procedures by safely holding or reassuring children.
In addition to direct patient care, HCAs provide emotional
support and reassurance to children and families, use age-appropriate
communication, and ensure a calm, safe, and welcoming environment. They play an
important role in safeguarding by recognising and reporting any concerns
promptly.
The role also includes supporting the wider team through
stock management, maintaining equipment, assisting with patient transfers, and
ensuring documentation is completed accurately. HCAs are expected to
participate in ongoing learning, attend training sessions, and develop
paediatric-specific competencies to enhance their clinical skills and
confidence.
Overall, the Paediatric HCA contributes
significantly to the smooth running of the department by ensuring children
receive compassionate, safe, and effective care throughout their hospital
experience
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Paediatric Healthcare Assistant plays a vital role in
supporting the nursing and medical teams to deliver high-quality,
family-centred care to children, young people, and their families. The role
involves working under the supervision of registered nurses to assist in the
delivery of both clinical and non-clinical care within the paediatric setting.
HCAs are responsible for carrying out routine observations
such as temperature, pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure, and oxygen
saturations, and for accurately recording and reporting any abnormalities. They
assist with personal care needs, including washing, toileting, feeding, and
ensuring comfort, while promoting independence and dignity at all times.
The HCA helps prepare clinical areas and equipment for
procedures, maintains cleanliness, and follows infection prevention and control
standards. They may support clinical staff during examinations or minor
procedures by safely holding or reassuring children.
In addition to direct patient care, HCAs provide emotional
support and reassurance to children and families, use age-appropriate
communication, and ensure a calm, safe, and welcoming environment. They play an
important role in safeguarding by recognising and reporting any concerns
promptly.
The role also includes supporting the wider team through
stock management, maintaining equipment, assisting with patient transfers, and
ensuring documentation is completed accurately. HCAs are expected to
participate in ongoing learning, attend training sessions, and develop
paediatric-specific competencies to enhance their clinical skills and
confidence.
Overall, the Paediatric HCA contributes
significantly to the smooth running of the department by ensuring children
receive compassionate, safe, and effective care throughout their hospital
experience
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Good verbal and written command of
- English.
- Ability to act upon own initiative.
- Good communication skills.
- Able to work under some pressure.
- Ability to show leadership
- Ability to plan own work.
- Ability to work calmly under pressure.
- Willing to take and record patient
- observations.
Desirable
- Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.
Special Requirements
Essential
- Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
- Excellent communication & interpersonal
- skills.
- Reflective practitioner.
- Ability to work in a busy and varied work
- environment and respond to change.
Desirable
- Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience.
- Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post.
- GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.
Desirable
- Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.
Experience
Essential
- Computer skills.
- Ability to learn new skills.
Desirable
- Previous experience in caring for others.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
- Understanding of the role of HCSW.
- Able to work as part of a team.
- Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Good verbal and written command of
- English.
- Ability to act upon own initiative.
- Good communication skills.
- Able to work under some pressure.
- Ability to show leadership
- Ability to plan own work.
- Ability to work calmly under pressure.
- Willing to take and record patient
- observations.
Desirable
- Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.
Special Requirements
Essential
- Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
- Excellent communication & interpersonal
- skills.
- Reflective practitioner.
- Ability to work in a busy and varied work
- environment and respond to change.
Desirable
- Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience.
- Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post.
- GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.
Desirable
- Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.
Experience
Essential
- Computer skills.
- Ability to learn new skills.
Desirable
- Previous experience in caring for others.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
- Understanding of the role of HCSW.
- Able to work as part of a team.
- Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.
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.
Employer details
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 6HX
Employer's website
https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
