Health Care Assistant

Mental Health Care Assistant – Ifor Ward

Employer: Whittington Hospital NHS Trust
Location: London
Salary: £31,554–£33,270 per year, including HCAS
Band: NHS Band 3
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Closing date: 20 October 2026
Reference: 220-WHT-8308966

Skilled Worker Sponsorship Available

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, according to the NHS advert.

About the Role

Whittington Hospital NHS Trust is looking for a compassionate, resilient and motivated Mental Health Care Assistant to join its Paediatric Service on Ifor Ward.

The successful candidate will support the physical and psychological wellbeing of children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties. Working alongside registered nurses and the Paediatric Mental Health Team (PMHT), you will provide safe, therapeutic and person-centred care to young people admitted to the acute paediatric ward.

You will build positive therapeutic relationships, observe and engage with patients, support individual care and safety plans, and help young people work towards their admission goals.

Key Responsibilities

The role will include:

• Supporting registered nurses and clinicians with agreed care plans.
• Building positive and therapeutic relationships with children and young people.
• Monitoring patients’ mental state, behaviour and risk and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Supporting basic physical care, nutrition, hydration and daily needs.
• Engaging patients in appropriate activities that support their emotional and physical wellbeing.
• Contributing to care planning and reviews with the multidisciplinary team.
• Using effective communication and de-escalation skills when managing distress, conflict and aggression.
• Supporting admissions, transfers and discharges.
• Maintaining accurate patient records and reporting incidents.
• Working closely with children, families and other professionals involved in their care.
• Helping maintain a safe, supportive and therapeutic ward environment.
• Participating in mandatory and in-service training.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Maths and English Level 1.
• A completed Care Certificate, including all competencies signed off, with knowledge of working with children and young people.
• Willingness to work towards Level 2 Functional Skills.
• Previous Healthcare Assistant experience in a hospital setting.
• Good organisational skills.
• Basic IT skills and willingness to learn relevant systems.
• Good written communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Ability to empathise with, support and respond sensitively to others.
• Ability to cope with distressing circumstances.
• Flexibility to work the required shift pattern.

Desirable Experience

The following would be advantageous:

• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or relevant equivalent experience involving children and young people.
• Previous experience in a mental health care role involving children and young people.
• Awareness of normal child and adolescent development.
• Knowledge of mental health disorders affecting children and young people.
• Experience or training relevant to supporting people experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Ability to prioritise duties.

Training and Development

The successful applicant will be expected to participate in in-service and mandatory training programmes. The role also requires a commitment to learning and developing the skills needed to provide high-quality, person-centred care.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Skilled Worker sponsorship: Applications welcome.

The NHS advert specifically states that applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered alongside other applications.

Applicants requiring UK entry clearance should also be aware of the requirement for a criminal record certificate from countries where they have lived for the required period.

DBS Check

This position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Application Process

The closing date for applications is 20 October 2026.

Apply for the Mental Health Care Assistant – Ifor Ward role:
https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/C9220-26-0681/ats-direct-apply

Employer

Whittington Hospital NHS Trust
Ifor Ward – Whittington Hospital
Magdala Avenue
London
N19 5NF
United Kingdom

Job reference: 220-WHT-8308966

Source: NHS Jobs / Whittington Hospital NHS Trust