Job summary
- Main area
- MHSOP
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Day and Night shifts. Covering a 24 hour 7 day a week service)
- Job ref
- 346-DDM-028-25-A
- Employer
- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Auckland Park Hospital
- Town
- Bishop Auckland
- Salary
- £24,937 - £26,598 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 11/09/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Healthcare Assistant/Trainee
NHS AfC: Band 3
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care —our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We’re committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
We won’t rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Job overview
Auckland Park hospital are looking to recruit enthusiastic Band 3 Healthcare Assistants/Trainees to join their team.
Auckland Park Hospital have two 15 bedded organic wards for older people with mental health problems.
This role will involve covering a 24 hour/7 day roster.
You will be working on an inpatient unit for older adults with Dementia and other mental health problems. The post holder will have excellent communication skills and will work directly with patients, as part of a wider MDT and also with families and visitors.
You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role. Please note, this role does not meet the required eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and therefore the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular role.
Main duties of the job
To improve the lives of people with mental ill health by minimising the impact of their condition through the delivery of excellent services to promote recovery and well being.
Maintains safety, privacy and dignity of all patients in the delivery of patient centred care recognising and respecting differences including spiritual and cultural beliefs.
To be compassionate in meeting the needs of patients and their carers.
To assist in the delivery of patient care as directed by the nurse in charge of the ward, undertaking duties and activities with limited or indirect supervision.
To maintain confidentiality and good record keeping.
To work well as part of the multidisciplinary team delivering direct patient care.
The successful candidate must have completed the Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2 or equivalent. Candidates must also have Literacy and Numeracy level 2 or equivalent and must complete the Trust Healthcare Assistant competencies within their probationary period (first 6 months in role).
The successful candidates who do not have the required qualifications will be expected to enrol on the Healthcare Assistant Framework which will include the acquisition of the level 2 Diploma Health and Social Care, level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy or equivalent and achievement of competencies. You will have a maximum of 2 years to complete this.
Care Certificate within 12 weeks.
Working for our organisation
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care —our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We’re committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Diploma in Health and Social Care level 2 or equivalent (Trainee within agreed timescale)
- Care Certificate (Trainee within agreed timescale)
- Key skills in Literacy and Numeracy level 2 (Trainee within agreed timescale)
- Successful completion of Trust’s full HCA Framework within 6-month probationary period (Trainee within agreed timescale)
Skills
Essential criteria
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Good time management and ability to prioritise
- Good record keeping awareness
Desirable criteria
- Competency in ECG and venepuncture
Experience
Essential criteria
- Previous experience as a Band 2/3 HCA or equivalent in a care environment.
- (Trainee post: no essential experience required)
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs.
knowledge
Essential criteria
- Person centred care
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Lizzy Renton
- Job title
- Ward Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01388 645313
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