Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Healthcare Assistant, . Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
About
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Headington, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
Gallery
Total items in gallery: 3
Inclusive Features
Disability Confident scheme
Learn more about our culture
Job Description
Job Summary
Are you starting your career in healthcare or looking to take your first step into mental health?
Join our supportive, friendly team as a Health Care Assistant at Wintle or Allen Ward, providing care for people from your local community. This is a rewarding opportunity to build hands-on experience, develop your skills, and make a real difference in people's lives.
We are keen to encourage applications from people with recent study or transferable experiences - including those who have recently completed a Level 3 qualification in health and social care, or graduates wanting to explore a career in mental healthcare regardless of degree.
Wintle & Allen Wards are both female wards based in Oxford, supporting individuals with enduring mental illness, some of whom have experience with the criminal justice system. Our care is based on the Recovery Model, focusing on strengths, hope, and meaningful engagement, with active family involvement.
If shortlisted, you will be invited to a Recruitment Day to meet the team, learn about our services, and demonstrate your skills. Please note this is by invitation only following successful screening.
Main Duties of the Job
- Work closely with nursing, medical, psychology, and occupational therapy team members.
- Contribute to and support the recovery process.
- Maintain high standards of patient care in a safe, secure, and supportive environment.
About Us
Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application you are encouraged to read the "candidate guide to making an application" which is attached to all roles. Please include details around qualifications (including years these were gained particularly if we need to assess for clinical roles that these are still valid) and ensure that the supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses the essential criteria found in the JD.
As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"
At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
- Excellent opportunities for career progression
- Individual and Trust wide learning and development
- 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
- NHS Discount
- Pension scheme
- Lease car scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Staff accommodation (waiting lists may apply)
- Staff networking and support groups
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
- Contribute to and participate in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of care and treatment for people with mental health problems.
- Complete PEACE Teamwork training and other training directly related to the job.
- Work a rotating shift pattern to cover our 24 hour, 7 day a week service.
If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be invited to our Recruitment Day which is to be held on Thursday 23rd July 2026 at Unipart House in Oxford. You'll have an extended period to meet our teams, learn about our services, and show us what you can do.
The Day Will Include:
- Numeracy/Literacy Test: A short assessment to evaluate your foundational skills.
- Group Activity: An exercise that allows you to demonstrate your collaboration and problem-solving abilities.
- Interview: A chance for us to get to know you better and understand your skills and for you to ask us any questions you have.
- Networking: An opportunity to meet our staff and learn more about the roles, our wards, and our commitment to your professional development.
This is your opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and values we're looking for in our next Healthcare Assistants.
What We Offer
- Support & Development: We offer comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure you have everything you need to succeed in your role.
- Flexible Working: We have a range of permanent, full-time, and part-time positions with various shift patterns available. We'll also consider flexible working arrangements.
- A Rewarding Career: This is more than just a job—it's a chance to provide compassionate care and be a critical part of a team that makes a genuine difference in people's lives every day.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Please note that this recruitment day is by invitation only and is open exclusively to applicants who have successfully passed the screening stage.
We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. We kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of their experience and must take care to ensure the use of AI tools does not generate an application that does not accurately reflect their knowledge, skills and values.
Person Specification
Question 1
Essential
Wintle and Allen wards are secure mental health units. Please tell us about your experience of working with people with mental health challenges? This can include personal life experience, voluntary work, customer-facing roles or care for family/friends, as well as any formal healthcare experience/education
Question 2
Essential
Can you describe a situation from your previous role where you had to provide care or complete a complex task under pressure or in a challenging environment? What was the situation, how did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
Question 3
Essential
Please describe how you would explain important information to a patient who is anxious, agitated or has difficulty understanding. How would you ensure they feel heard and understood, and how would you adapt your approach to meet their needs? If you have a relevant example from your work or education, please include this.
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
Oxford Health NHS Trust
Address
Allen Ward, Warneford Hospital
Headington
Oxford
OX3 7JX
United Kingdom
Employer's Website
Proceed to apply
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location