Healthcare Assistant (34.5 hours)
Job location: St Peter & St James Hospice, North Common Road, North Chailey, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 4ED
Advertised salary: £23,295 Pro rata (£25,321 Full-time Equivalent)
Closing date: 16/11/2026

Are you a caring and compassionate individual who wants to make a real difference in the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses? Do you have experience working in a healthcare setting and a passion for delivering person-centred care?

We're looking for dedicated Healthcare Assistants to join our inpatient ward team at St Peter & St James Hospice. In this rewarding role, you'll support Registered Nurses in delivering high-quality, individualised palliative care to patients and those important to them, helping to ensure comfort, dignity, and wellbeing throughout their hospice journey.

Job Details
Location: St Peter & St James Hospice, North Common Rd, North Chailey, BN8 4ED
Salary: £23,295 Pro rata (£25,321 Full-time Equivalent)
Working Hours: 34.5 (11.5 hours a day)
Contract: Permanent part-time
Shifts: Flexible rota across Monday to Sunday, including nights, weekends and bank holidays
Closing Date: Early applications encouraged – we will shortlist and interview as applications are received.

What You'll Do

• Provide high-quality personal care to patients under the guidance of Registered Nurses
• Support the delivery of individualised, patient-centred palliative care
• Monitor and report changes in patients' conditions to the nursing team
• Assist patients with meals, nutrition, hydration and mobility needs
• Undertake extended Healthcare Assistant duties, when assessed as competent, under appropriate supervision
• Maintain accurate patient records and contribute to care evaluations
• Provide emotional support to patients and those important to them during challenging times
• Help maintain a safe, clean and supportive ward environment
• Work collaboratively as part of the wider multidisciplinary team

What We're Looking For

• Experience working as part of a healthcare team in a healthcare setting
• Confidence using IT systems, alongside good literacy and numeracy skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a good command of spoken and written English
• Understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection requirements
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and respond effectively to changing situations
• Motivation to develop your knowledge and skills and undertake ongoing learning
• Ability to provide compassionate care while managing sensitive and emotional situations appropriately
• Commitment to treating all patients with dignity, respect and cultural sensitivity
• Access to your own transport due to our rural location

Desirable

• Evidence of a Level 2 Apprenticeship or Diploma in a health-related subject
• Willingness to work towards a Care Certificate, NVQ Level 2 or 3, or further study in palliative care
• Understanding of the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England
• An appreciation of palliative care principles and philosophy

Please find the full job description and person specification at the bottom of this webpage.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive and compassionate team committed to delivering outstanding palliative and end-of-life care. We offer ongoing training and development opportunities, a welcoming working environment, and the chance to make a meaningful difference every day. For informal enquiries, please contact our IPU Ward Manager, Alice Thomas at athomas@stpjhospice.org.