Job summary
The Paediatric department is looking to recruit a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant who will work in the Paediatric Assessment Unit and within the Paediatric Department.

The HCA will collaboratively function as part of the multi-disciplinary team within the Paediatric Department working within the Trust's policies and procedures. The HCA is expected to work with and support the Paediatric Directorate as a whole, inclusive of the Paediatric Assessment Unit, Neptune Children's Unit, the Paediatric Outpatient Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the Emergency Department. The HCA is expected to work a shift pattern which will include any days, nights, weekends and any Bank holidays.

Main duties of the job
The Health Care Assistant (HCA) will function as part of the multi-disciplinary team within the Paediatric Department to provide a seamless service and high quality care to patients, working collaboratively as part of the PAU or Neptune Children's Unit teams.

The HCA is expected to undertake assigned tasks involving direct care to meet the needs of the patients in support of and supervised by a registered nurse. The HCA will work within the Trust's policies and procedures and uphold any Paediatric area philosophies.

It is expected that the Health Care Assistant will continue to develop their own capabilities and knowledge of nursing tasks in line with the Trusts career pathway. The post holder will work long days and night shifts to meet the service needs. It is expected that the post holder will be able to carry out all the duties listed within the job description but also they may carry out other similar duties in support of the unit environment which are not listed. No duties are to be undertaken by the post holder unless they have received the appropriate training or instruction.

About us
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is now one of the largest in the country, with a workforce of approximately 15,000 who serve a population of 1.2 million people.

We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and provide a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers. From facilities through to consultant specialists we want to be the best, to achieve this we need to recruit not just those who are the finest in their field but also those who have the potential to be. Yes, experience is important but so is outlook - if you are dynamic, forward-thinking and enthusiastic we want you to join us.

Details
Date posted: 03 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 9 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 390-WAC-SO-6941-A

Job responsibilities

• Maintain excellent communication with patients, relatives and members of the MDT
• Prioritise service delivery within the ward or PAU setting, acknowledging the impact of the decision on other departments
• Support patients undergoing clinical procedures/reviews ensuring their dignity, respect, comfort and safety
• Taking and accurately recording patient observations on instruction from the Registered Nurse, reporting any significant findings
• Comply with all appropriate Local and National standards/policies

This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. For more in-depth information, including person specification, please refer to the attached job description.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Literacy and numeracy minimum of Entry level 3.
• NVQ Level 3 or 4 in health or health and social care or an equivalent qualification

Desirable

• Completion of the support worker Care certificate.

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Experience of undertaking clinical activities.
• Understanding of confidentiality, data protection, infection control and health and safety.
• Previous experience of working in an acute health care setting.
• Experience of working within a team.
• Experience of working in an environment with changing demands and priorities.
• Basic computer skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of basic medical/nursing terminology.
• Previous work as a band 2 Healthcare Assistant with children and their families.
• Experience of supporting other Healthcare Assistants/ others

Skills
Desirable

• Near patient testing skills
• Breast feeding course and competency
• Phlebotomy and/or cannulation skills
• ECG competent

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: Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Southend, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff on Sea, SS0 0RY, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.mse.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: PAU Manager, Estelle Ingram, estelle.ingram@nhs.net, 03004438025

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