Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
CAMHS Healthcare Assisstant
The closing date is 26 November 2026
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Job summary
*Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role*
The post holder is responsible for undertaking assigned tasks that involve direct care in an adolescent ward setting. The post involves supporting young people in all aspects of their care including daily living needs as is outlined in the young people's individualised care plan. The post holder is responsible for reporting any relevant changes in the young person's condition to the qualified staff.

The post holder will assist support of people with mental health needs and challenging behaviours, such as depression or psychosis, and working with young people who have likely felt or attempted suicidal. You will be required to provide person centred care and working, whilst supporting qualified staff to ensure the highest standards of care are upheld. Experience of working with people with autism is preferable, and the ability to care for people using a trauma informed approach.

Young people, relatives, carers and other staff will find the post holder flexible, approachable and with a helpful and friendly disposition, upholding the ethos of EPUT of good customer care at all times with an awareness of own attitude at all times.

Please be advised that this vacancy will close early should we receive a high number of applicants.

Main duties of the job
Poplar is a busy ward that cares for 14 young people in mental health crisis. In this role you will be expected to help the young people with their daily routine and care as directed by the patients care plans.

You will be required to observe and engage therapeutically with the young people to help them maintain their safety, this can include being on 1:1 observations with a patient, or promoting alternative methods of verbal communication.

Full training well be provided, including on the CAMHS therapeutic approach, working with neurodivergent young people, DBT Skills, and eating disorders. However staff should be motivated and have a natural ability to work in stressful situations and problem solve.

A good understanding of safeguarding principles is essential.

About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.
Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.

Benefits
27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs
Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Details
Date posted: 12 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 364-B-640
Job locations: Poplar Adolescent Unit, Rochford Hospital, Rochford, SS4 1RB, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities

• To ensure that safe practice to be maintained, by a full awareness of Policies and Procedures regarding aspects of Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression
• Promoting the recovery model of care and social inclusion
• An awareness and to keep updated of the Care Quality commission standards
• Aware of one own appearance, ensure the Trust uniform is worn correctly and is clean and presentable
• The post holder will be prepared to work within the 24 hours service, 7 days per week, 365 days per year as per rota.
• An understanding of the Mental Health Act/Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLs) and (MCA) Mental Capacity Assessments.
• Take responsibility to ensure all mandatory training is up to date
• Aware of ones own self-development needs and attend appropriate courses as agreed at appraisal.
• Attend in-service and other training as required.
• To be appraised once a year
• Undertake clinical supervision to enhance practice
• At all times be aware of the Trusts ethos and maintaining of customer care standards
• Undertake any other appropriate duties as required.

Additional duties

• Assist and maintaining tidiness, encouraging a welcoming, therapeutic atmosphere, clean environment within the unit
• Responsible for working with your colleagues, seeking to improve the quality of services provided to our residents
• Assist in planning programmes of care together with the unit team. Implementing these plans under the supervision of the designated Supervisor
• Contribute to record keeping under the supervision of a qualified staff member keeping accurate records of residents care with due regard to the confidentiality of information relating to patients. It is the responsibility of the qualified staff to arrange regular reviews and to countersign all entries into records.
• Flexible and co-operative and willing in undertaking allocated realistic team tasks
• Undertake cleaning of spillages, including body fluids in line with Trust infection control policies and procedures
• Collection specimens for investigations
• The role includes working shifts including early, late and nights shifts, weekends and public holidays and rotate to other ward areas as per service need and/or annually

Person Specification
Skill and Knowledge
Essential

• Good levels of education (GCSE English 4/C and above)
• Good numeracy skills GCSE C/4 equivalent
• Good English skills GCSE C/4 equivalent

Desirable

• NVQ Equivalent
• NHS Care Certificate

Experience & Knowledge
Essential

• Experience of Customer Service and working in a public facing role
• Knowledge of mental health conditions

Desirable

• Experience of working in inpatient services
• Experience of working with complex young people

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: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Poplar Adolescent Unit, Rochford Hospital, Rochford, SS4 1RB, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://eput.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Ward Manager, Chris Bramley, chris.bramley1@nhs.net

Supporting documents
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