Job summary The Skylark ward, Avondale Unit, Royal Preston Hospital An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 3 Healthcare assistant role at Skylark ward. Skylark ward is specialist 11 bedded unit providing inpatient service for female older adults. The Unit provides assessment and interventions for clients, operates seven days a week and is accessible 24hrs per day. We are inviting applications from individuals who are keen to work in an acute mental health care setting. A full-time permanent contract opportunity for a band 3 Health care support worker has now arisen for the right candidate based at the Skylark Unit, Avondale, Royal Preston Hospital. We are looking for highly motivated staff member who can demonstrate compassion and excellent interpersonal qualities. The successful candidate must be willing to work in fast paced environment, have a positive outlook and ensure that delivering a quality service, which genuinely engages with service users, carers and other stakeholders, is a key priority. The successful post holder will be expected to be able to work shifts covering 24 hours, seven days a week. Main duties of the job Whilst working on the Mental Health Unit you will be required to:-Work as an integrated member of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT), working within a rotational shift system to support patients according to their care needs, some of whom may present with problematic or challenging behaviour.Job DescriptionOur vision: To support our local communities by excelling in everything we do together.Contribute to, and participate in the on- going support of patients and their carers. Contribute to the protection of patients, from abuse.Contribute to the health, safety and security of patients and their environment. Obtain, transmit and store information relating to the delivery of a care service About us Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services including low and medium secure care.The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria and Sefton area.Lancashire & South Cumbria Foundation Trust encourages flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as; term time, part time, compressed hours, flexi-time and career breaks. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.For more information please visit our website via Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS FT Date posted 05 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £24,071 to £25,674 a year Per Annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 351-CEN2229-MC Job locations Skylark OA Inpatient Ward Preston PR2 9HT Job description Job responsibilities Please see attached the job description and person specification for more information about this role. Job description Job responsibilities Please see attached the job description and person specification for more information about this role. Person Specification Qualifications Essential NVQ Level III or Higher in Health and Social Care or QCF Diploma in Health and Social Care or an Interest in completing the above training or can demonstrate the equivalent skills and knowledge gained through work (paid/unpaid) Knowledge Essential Demonstrates an understanding of the issues surrounding mental illness. Understands their duties and responsibilities under the Data Protection Act with regard to patient confidentiality. Experience Essential Working in a caring environment. For example, nursing home, care home, hospital ward, home carer etc. Working as part of a team Up to date or working knowledge of de-escalation techniques, Control and restraint and Management of Violence and Aggression (MOVA) Person Specification Qualifications Essential NVQ Level III or Higher in Health and Social Care or QCF Diploma in Health and Social Care or an Interest in completing the above training or can demonstrate the equivalent skills and knowledge gained through work (paid/unpaid) Knowledge Essential Demonstrates an understanding of the issues surrounding mental illness. Understands their duties and responsibilities under the Data Protection Act with regard to patient confidentiality. Experience Essential Working in a caring environment. For example, nursing home, care home, hospital ward, home carer etc. Working as part of a team Up to date or working knowledge of de-escalation techniques, Control and restraint and Management of Violence and Aggression (MOVA) 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust Address Skylark OA Inpatient Ward Preston PR2 9HT Employer's website https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)