Health Care Assistant - Term Time

The Vacancy

We are looking for Health Care Assistants to support our Health Centre caring for pupils aged 2 - 18.

You will be organised, adaptable, and happy to work as part of a strong multidisciplinary team. A caring but firm manner and an ability to understand and help young people and a basic understanding of health promotion principles is desirable.

Pattern of work

A mix of early (07.30-15:00), mid (09.30-17:00) and late (12.30-20:00) shifts, Monday through Saturday with some on-call cover required, 1-2 nights per week. Approximately one 24-hour Sunday on-call in an 8 week rolling period. The rota is set generally 2-3 months in advance.

Duties

To be a Health Care Assistant based in the Foundation Health Centre and rotating across other local treatment sites, serving a community of nearly 1,000 pupils many of whom are boarders. 

The successful applicant(s) will be willing to treat minor ailments and provide clinical care under the training, delegation, and direction of the Foundation Nurses and in accordance with pupil care plans, and able to work a share of shifts in a 24/7 rota during term time. The nature of the work includes a significant amount of lone working during evening and overnight hours.

• To help the Health Centre Manager ensure the smooth running of the Centre in line with recommended best practice guidelines
• To be able to work shifts or be on call on a 24/7 rota, ensuring that there is always a responsible adult on duty in the Health Centre and at times the Prep School Treatment Room during term time (inclusive of weekends). Call to be taken from home, with overnight stays in the Health Centre required when caring for an admitted pupil
• To be willing to carry out simple clinical tasks such as taking observations and dispensing medications according to policy and appropriate training/support from the Foundation Nurses
• To keep accurate computer-based records of visits to the Health Centre and Treatment Room
• To escort DCS pupils to appointments as required. This will include taking pupils to
• A & E as necessary in the school car or by other means
• To be able to communicate effectively with housemasters, housemistresses and other pastoral staff across the Foundation
• To hold a valid first aid certificate (training can be organised) and be willing to administer first aid as necessary, including pitch-side during sporting events
• To be friendly and caring with the ability to relate to children, young adults, parents, and fellow professionals, and to be an empathetic ‘listening ear’ for pupils who are unwell or troubled, whilst offering compassionate but realistic support
• To participate in the care planning process and share insights and observations as a valued member of the multidisciplinary team
• To ensure that all accidents and treatments are recorded on the school system
• To attend meetings with teaching and other professionals as necessary
• To keep personal training and knowledge up to date by attending relevant courses and conferences
• To participate in regular appraisal
• To ensure that medical and sensitive information is kept confidential within the health care structure
• Attendance at INSET at the beginning of each term and ensure that the Health Centre and Treatment Room are prepared for the term ahead

For further details, please see the attached job description.

The Foundation

Dean Close Foundation is a growing, vibrant and diverse family of independent schools and nurseries, uniting around a shared vision and set of values. These spring from the origins of Dean Close School, which was founded in 1886 in memory of Dean Francis Close, Rector of Cheltenham and educational philanthropist. The Christian ethos of that original school continues today where the aim is that every child should be given the opportunities to flourish, underpinned by its core values of courage, contribution and love which are the guiding principles behind its educational vision. The Foundation currently has five schools and six nurseries within its group, creating a strong community that can share best practice, resources and a secure future.

Dean Close Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.