Healthcare Assistant

Job summary As a Healthcare Assistant at Pilgrims Hospices, you will play a key part in delivering compassionate, holistic care to patients with life limiting illnesses, supporting their comfort, dignity and wellbeing in a warm, collaborative environment. Working as part of a large multidisciplinary team, you will assist with personal care, emotional support and daily activities that help patients live well, while building meaningful connections with families and colleagues. Every day brings variety, purpose and the chance to make a genuine difference, supported by continuous training, professional development and a workplace culture that values openness, kindness and balance. This role will be based at our Ashford Hospice. Full and part time hours are available with variable shift work from Monday to Sunday including days and nights. Main duties of the job Working under the direct supervision of the registered nurse administers as directed in the patients care plan, nursing care to patients in order to meet their fundamental health care needs Assisting patients with personal care whilst maintaining privacy and dignity at all times Assisting patients to eat and or drink as independently as possible Undertaking some tasks independently without direction and supervision i.e. making beds and cleaning of equipment Maintaining accurate records at the point of care using the hospices electronic record and reports relevant information directly to the registered nurse Using and storing all equipment safely and correctly in accordance with Hospice and manufacturers instructions Attending mandatory training Ensuring patient's safety at all times and that any care given is in line with training received and follows either verbal direction from a registered nurse or is directed via written nursing care plans or multidisciplinary goal setting sheets Assisting in transferring deceased patients to the relevant areas in the hospice setting Assisting in giving the deceased last offices respecting their spiritual, cultural and religious needs Releasing the patient in to the care of the relevant undertakers Ensuring safe custody of patients property As our wards operate on a shift working basis, candidates need a flexible approach to working hours, including the ability to work nights and weekends. About us As an award-winning employer, Pilgrims provides end of life care services to patients and their families across east Kent. Our commitment is to provide open, compassionate care and expertise for patients and their families both in the community and in-patient units. Our Vision Of a community where people with a terminal illness, and their family and friends, are supported and empowered to live well in mind and body until the very last moment of their life. Other Benefits As an Employer of Choice, our commitment to supporting our employees and volunteers is a key priority. Our hospices offer: Modern, friendly and highly professional working environments Opportunities for professional development through a range of extensive learning Alignment with NHS pay rates and continuity in membership of the NHS pension scheme A sense of achievement in supporting a worthwhile cause A sense of wellbeing A good work-life balance Locations across well-populated areas of east Kent all providing very good road and rail links NHS and financial discounts i.e. Blue Light Card Details Date posted 08 September 2026 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 2 Salary £25,272 a year Pro Rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number B0497-26-0043 Job locations Pilgrims Hospice Ashford Hythe Road Ashford Kent TN24 0NE United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will assist the trained nurses in ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care in a safe and pleasant environment. Working as a member of a designated nursing team the HCA will deliver elements of care safely under the supervision of a trained nu…