Job summary
- Main area
- Nursing
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Part time - 34.5 hours per week (Mixed shifts, early, lates and nights.)
- Job ref
- 382-SWC59-26
- Employer
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Children's Ward
- Town
- Blackpool
- Salary
- Dependant on experience
- Closing
- 11/07/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Health Care Assistant (p/t)
NHS AfC: Band 3
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the west coast of Lancashire, with services covering the local authority areas of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. The Trust is part of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS) supporting a population of around 1.6 million people.
We have three main hospitals providing acute services to around 330,000 local residents. The organisation also provides specialist tertiary care for cardiac and haematology services, delivers community health services to over 445,000 residents including those in North Lancashire and hosts the National Artificial Eye Service across England. Plus, we provide urgent and emergency care services to an estimated 18 million people who visit the seaside resort each year. We employ over 7000 people from 68 different countries.
We welcome and encourage application from anyone with protected characteristics, as well as supporting reservists and Veterans who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career within the NHS.
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals encourages flexible working in all our roles to support staff in maintaining healthy home-life balance. Working patterns such as: part time working, self-rostering, compressed hours, annualised hours, term time, reverse term time and flexitime working can be explored.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 3 Health Care Assistant to join the Paediatric Inpatient Ward at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Please note there is no sponsorship for this vacancy. Due to popularity this vacancy may close after one week. Face to face interviews only - held on Site.
The post holder will work under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse to deliver high‑quality, compassionate, child‑centred care to infants, children and young people admitted to the ward. The role involves supporting fundamental care needs, assisting with clinical observations and procedures within agreed competencies, and contributing to a safe, welcoming and therapeutic environment for children and their families.
You will play a key role in supporting parents and carers, recognising and responding to children’s physical and emotional needs, and escalating concerns appropriately to the nursing team. The post holder will work as part of the multidisciplinary team to promote excellent standards of care, patient safety and positive patient experience, while maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to Trust policies.
This role is ideal for someone with experience in a caring or healthcare setting who is passionate about working with children and families and committed to developing their skills within acute paediatrics.
Main duties of the job
Working for our organisation
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is proud to provide high‑quality, compassionate care for children, young people and their families. Our paediatric ward is a busy, friendly and supportive children’s ward, where teamwork, kindness and patient‑centred care are at the heart of everything we do.
You will be supported by an experienced and approachable leadership team, including Ward Managers, a Matron, and senior and experienced Staff Nurses, who are committed to creating a positive working environment. We value staff wellbeing and ensure that colleagues feel supported, listened to and able to raise concerns or ask for help when needed.
The Trust is committed to providing regular support, supervision and development opportunities, enabling staff to build confidence, skills and knowledge within their role. There are ongoing opportunities for learning and development, including training, competency development and exposure to a wide range of paediatric experiences.
We are a friendly, inclusive team that works together to deliver safe, effective and high‑quality care for children and their families, while supporting one another in a fast‑paced and rewarding clinical environment.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse to provide high‑quality, compassionate, child‑centred care to infants, children and young people on the paediatric ward. The role includes supporting fundamental care needs such as personal care, nutrition, comfort and safety; undertaking clinical observations and basic procedures within agreed competencies; maintaining accurate documentation; and escalating concerns appropriately.
The post holder will work closely with parents and carers, supporting a safe, welcoming and therapeutic ward environment, and contributing effectively to the multidisciplinary team to ensure patient safety, positive patient experience and efficient ward flow. The role requires flexibility, good communication skills and the ability to respond appropriately in a busy acute children’s ward environment.
Further information about the role, responsibilities and expectations can be found in the full Job Description.
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential criteria
- NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent
- Care Certificate or willingness to complete
- Basic Life Support training or willingness to undertake
- Safeguarding Children Level 2 or willingness to undertake
- Evidence of ongoing learning / CPD
Desirable criteria
- Paediatric specific training (e.g. PEWS, child development, play in healthcare)
Experience and Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Experience of working in a healthcare, caring or support role
- Experience of working with children, young people and their families
- Understanding of child centred and family centred care
- Awareness of safeguarding children and own professional responsibilities
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
- ience of recording care accurately using paper or electronic systems
Desirable criteria
- Experience of supporting distressed, anxious or unwell children
Skills and Ability
Essential criteria
- Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents/carers and colleagues
- Ability to adapt communication to age, development and emotional needs
- Ability to deliver personal care with dignity, compassion and respect
- Ability to recognise changes in a child’s condition and escalate appropriately
- Ability to follow instructions, care plans and Trust policies
- Basic IT skills to support documentation and information access
- Ability to support or supervise junior colleagues or learners
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
- Caring, compassionate and child focused approach
- Calm, reassuring manner in challenging or stressful situations
- Reliable, flexible and able to work as part of a team
- Professional attitude and commitment to high standards of care
- Resilient and able to manage emotionally demanding situations
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills
Other
Essential criteria
- Willingness to work shifts including nights, weekends and bank holidays
- Commitment to Trust values, equality, diversity and inclusion
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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
- Jillian Holmes
- Job title
- Paediatric Ward Manager and POSCU Lead nurse
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01253 956808
- Additional information
Stephanie Holmes
Paediatric Practice Development Nurse.
[email protected] | 01253 956900
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