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Agency Senior Healthcare Assistant

Senior Healthcare Assistant Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, Darlington, Redcar, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Gateshead, Durham, Leeds, Central North East, United Kingdom Part Time £14 to £21

About this role

Join Our Team as a Senior Healthcare Assistant

Goodwill Healthcare Services Limited (GHS CARE)

Job Title: Senior Healthcare Assistant

Reports To: Nurse In-Charge / Senior Care Assistant / Care Coordinator

Accountable To: Goodwill Healthcare Services Limited (GHS CARE) Agency Manager/Director, Nurse in Charge / Home Manager

Contract Type: Temporary, Agency, Flexible Shifts, Zero-Hour Contract

Hours: Days, Evenings, Weekends, Nights and Bank Holidays as required

Location:

Residential Homes, Nursing Homes, Dementia Services, Supported Living Services, and Healthcare Facilities across Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, Darlington, Redcar, Stockton-on-Tees, Gateshead, Durham, Leeds, and surrounding areas within the Central North East Region, United Kingdom.


JOB PURPOSE

As a Senior Healthcare Assistant (SHCA), you will provide leadership and support to care teams while delivering high-quality, person-centred care to residents and service users. You will assist with the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care, ensure safe medication practices, supervise staff, and support the management of the home in the absence of senior management.

You will work in accordance with CQC Fundamental Standards, safeguarding requirements, organisational policies, and best practice guidelines to ensure residents receive safe, effective, compassionate, and responsive care.


MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Care Planning and Service Delivery

  1. Organise and coordinate care staff to ensure safe and effective delivery of care.

  2. Participate in the assessment, planning, implementation, and review of person-centred care plans.

  3. Deliver and oversee holistic care that promotes dignity, independence, choice, and wellbeing.

  4. Support residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including personal care, nutrition, hydration, mobility, and emotional wellbeing.

  5. Monitor residents' physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing and report concerns promptly.

  6. Ensure care is delivered in line with CQC regulations, organisational policies, and individual care plans.

  7. Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and contribute to care reviews and assessments.

  8. Promote positive outcomes for residents through effective communication and care coordination.


Medication Management

  1. Safely administer, record, store, order, and manage medications in accordance with company policy and legislation.

  2. Maintain Medication Administration Records (MAR Charts) accurately.

  3. Report medication errors, discrepancies, or concerns immediately.

  4. Support medication audits and stock checks where required.

  5. Ensure safe handling and storage of controlled medications where applicable.


Leadership and Team Management

  1. Provide day-to-day supervision and guidance to Healthcare Assistants and Support Workers.

  2. Act as a shift leader and take responsibility for coordinating care delivery during assigned shifts.

  3. Support the management of the home in the absence of the Home Manager or Nurse in Charge where delegated.

  4. Assist in preparing staff rotas to ensure adequate staffing levels.

  5. Support recruitment activities, including interviews, induction, and onboarding processes.

  6. Participate in staff supervision, competency assessments, and performance reviews.

  7. Identify training and development needs within the team.

  8. Promote a positive culture of teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.


Record Keeping and Documentation

  1. Ensure all care plans, risk assessments, daily records, and incident reports are completed accurately and updated regularly.

  2. Maintain comprehensive and accurate resident documentation.

  3. Report and record any changes in residents' conditions in a timely manner.

  4. Document communication with healthcare professionals and multidisciplinary teams.

  5. Provide effective verbal and written handovers at the beginning and end of each shift.

  6. Adhere to the principle:
    "If it is not documented, it has not been done."


Communication

  1. Communicate respectfully and professionally with residents, families, visitors, colleagues, and healthcare professionals.

  2. Address concerns, complaints, and queries appropriately and escalate where necessary.

  3. Ensure all written and verbal communication is accurate, professional, and confidential.

  4. Answer telephone calls professionally and relay messages appropriately.

  5. Foster positive relationships with residents and their families.


Infection Prevention and Control

  1. Ensure high standards of cleanliness and infection prevention throughout the service.

  2. Promote and monitor compliance with infection control procedures.

  3. Ensure effective hand hygiene practices and appropriate use of PPE.

  4. Support infection prevention audits and improvement initiatives.


Health, Safety and Risk Management

  1. Ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation and organisational policies.

  2. Conduct and review risk assessments relating to residents and the environment.

  3. Promote safe moving and handling practices.

  4. Identify and report hazards, incidents, accidents, and near misses promptly.

  5. Participate in fire safety procedures, emergency planning, and evacuation drills.

  6. Ensure all staff follow safe working practices and organisational procedures.

  7. Take proactive steps to minimise risks and protect vulnerable adults.


Safeguarding

  1. Safeguard residents from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm.

  2. Recognise and report safeguarding concerns immediately.

  3. Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are followed at all times.

  4. Promote residents' rights, dignity, and wellbeing.


Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

  1. Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and person-centred care.

  2. Treat all residents, visitors, and colleagues with dignity, fairness, and respect.

  3. Challenge discriminatory practices and promote an inclusive environment.


Confidentiality and Information Governance

  1. Maintain confidentiality regarding residents, families, staff, and organisational information.

  2. Comply with GDPR, Data Protection legislation, and organisational policies.

  3. Share information only on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with professional responsibilities.


Resource Management

  1. Ensure the effective and safe use of resources, equipment, and supplies.

  2. Support stock monitoring and ordering where required.

  3. Ensure integrity and accountability when handling residents' valuables and personal property.

  4. Report damaged equipment or resource shortages promptly.


APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

Essential Experience

  • Minimum 6 months' experience working as a Senior Healthcare Assistant within a UK Residential Home, Nursing Home, Dementia Service, or similar care setting.

  • Experience administering and documenting medication.

  • Experience leading teams and coordinating care delivery.

  • Experience conducting risk assessments and contributing to care planning.

  • Experience supporting Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).


Essential Qualifications and Training

  • NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).

  • Medication Administration Certificate.

  • Mandatory Healthcare Training (Theory and Practical).

  • Safeguarding Adults Training.

  • Moving and Handling Training.

  • Infection Prevention and Control Training.

  • Right to Work in the United Kingdom.


Desirable

  • Driver with access to own vehicle.

  • Active DBS on the Update Service.

  • Experience within nursing homes, dementia care, supported living, or rehabilitation services.

  • Leadership or supervisory experience.

  • Train the Trainer qualifications.


MANDATORY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Successful candidates must hold or be willing to complete and maintain annual updates in:

  • Medication Administration

  • Safeguarding Adults

  • Moving and Handling

  • Infection Prevention and Control

  • Fire Safety

  • Health and Safety

  • Basic Life Support

  • Dementia Awareness

  • Equality and Diversity

  • Information Governance / GDPR

  • Mental Capacity Act (MCA)

  • Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

  • Complaints Handling and Incident Reporting


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Flexible working patterns.

  • 12-hour shifts.

  • Days, Nights, Weekends, and Bank Holidays.

  • Temporary Agency Assignments.

  • Rota-Based Scheduling.

  • Opportunities to work across multiple healthcare settings.


WHY WORK WITH GHS CARE?

At GHS CARE, we value our Senior Healthcare Assistants and recognise the important leadership role they play in delivering exceptional care.

We Offer:

  • Competitive pay rates

  • Flexible shifts to suit your lifestyle

  • Weekly payroll

  • Ongoing training and professional development

  • Supportive management and dedicated consultants

  • Opportunities for career progression

  • Access to a wide range of healthcare settings

  • Temporary and permanent placement opportunities


RIGHT TO WORK

Please note that Goodwill Healthcare Services Limited (GHS CARE) does not currently provide sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.


SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Goodwill Healthcare Services Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, employment verification, right-to-work checks, training verification, and Enhanced DBS clearance where applicable.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended from time to time to meet the needs of the service. Any changes will be communicated appropriately.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are passionate about delivering high-quality food services and supporting the wellbeing of residents and patients, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV to GHS CARE Recruitment Team.

Why Work with Goodwill Healthcare Services (GHS CARE) to Secure Your Next Role? Whether you’re a registered nurse, healthcare assistant, allied health professional, or administrative staff member, we offer temporary and permanent placements that fit your skills, preferences, and schedule. Our extensive network of healthcare facilities and organisations allows us to match you with positions that align with your expertise and career goals.

GHS CARE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, right-to-work checks, employment verification, and Enhanced DBS clearance where applicable.

Interested?

Apply now and take the next step in your career.

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Employment Type

Part Time

Category

Senior Healthcare Assistant

Posted

08 Jun 2026