Make a difference every day

Health Care Assistant jobs

As a Health Care Assistant, you'll support adults living with complex needs to live fuller, happier and more independent lives.

It’s about more than providing care. It’s about building relationships and encouraging confidence.

Also known as Care Assistant, HCA, or Support Worker.

A smiling man in a blue uniform sits in an armchair, talking to a woman with brown hair in a similar chair. Sunlight comes through the window behind them.
A smiling woman in a blue uniform stands behind a man in a white shirt and cap who is laughing with his hands raised, both outdoors on a sunny day.

So, what does a Health Care Assistant actually do?

Some people imagine care is ‘just’ personal care.

That’s a huge part of the role, but it’s also:

  • assisting people at mealtimes
  • understanding individual health and wellbeing needs
  • encouraging and supporting people to take part in social activities
  • promoting choice, dignity, independence and respect
  • supporting people through difficult moments.

If you love helping people achieve their goals, and want a career where you can make a genuine difference every day, this role’s for you!

Where can Health Care Assistant jobs take you?

With the right support and development opportunities, your role can be the first step in a rewarding long-term career.

Role progression

Career progression is shaped by your interests and ambitions.

Many Health Care Assistants progress into Senior Health Care Assistant roles, while others use their skills to move into central services positions, including recruitment and training.

Training

You’ll complete a company and role-specific induction with buddy support.

Ongoing learning opportunities will help you build your skills, including apprenticeships, leadership pathways, and in-house training and qualifications.

Champion roles

Champion roles let you become a specialist advocate.

In areas such as training, dignity and company values, you’ll develop leadership skills, share knowledge with colleagues and gain experience to support your career progression.

Could you be a Health Care Assistant?

Read the job description to discover the responsibilities, skills and qualities you’ll need, and what you can expect from a Health Care Assistant role at Exemplar Health Care.

Two people in healthcare uniforms are sitting and conversing in a brightly lit room with large windows and floral decor. They appear to be in a comfortable and professional setting.
Four women, including one in a wheelchair, sit and stand around blue chairs outdoors. They are smiling, and colourful bunting hangs above them. Trees and a fence are visible in the background on a sunny day.

The rewards, and the realities

There are moments in this role that you'll never forget.

Watching someone achieve a goal, seeing a resident’s confidence grow, and knowing you’ve made someone’s day better are just some of the reasons care work is so rewarding.

We’re also honest about the challenges. Some days can be emotionally demanding, and you’ll support people through difficult moments. That’s why empathy, resilience and compassion are essential.

The good news? You’ll never face those challenges alone. You’ll be part of a supportive team and receive comprehensive training to help you deliver the highest standard of care.

Benefits that make a difference

Whether it's saving you money every day, helping your pay go further or supporting your wellbeing, there's plenty to look forward to when you join our team.

Lifestyle and retail discounts

From day one, save money at high street shops, supermarkets, and restaurants, as well as getting discounted cinema tickets and days out.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Whenever you need it, get 24/7 support through our award-winning EAP with Health Assured, and up to six free counselling sessions per year.

Online Wellbeing Centre

To support your wellbeing, get free education, supports, and tools around diet, exercise, finances, and mental health, to help you live a happier and healthier life.

Blue Light Card

No matter what role you work in, you can apply for a Blue Light Card and get discounts at 100’s of retailers and restaurants.

Stream

You can access your earned wages from working overtime hours before payday, via Stream.

Electric car salary sacrifice scheme

If eligible, save money on a brand new electric car, including tax, servicing and insurance, through a salary sacrifice scheme.

Healthcare cash plan

Spread the cost of health expenses through a monthly premium, when you sign up to our employee paid healthcare cash plan with Westfield Health.

The Company Shop

Through membership with The Company Shop, you can get groceries, gardening, and electrical items at a heavily discounted price.

Practical perks

Enjoy practical benefits that make life a little easier, including a paid DBS check, pension contributions, and a free uniform where your role requires one.

“I joined Exemplar Health Care in 2023 and quickly took on more responsibility as a Training Champion and a Buddy Champion.

I also expanded my knowledge with an apprenticeship and afterwards was promoted to a Senior, I just love my role!”

Chantelle

Senior Health Care Assistant, Havenmere

Don't just take our word for it

Here’s why Philip started a career in care after 15 years in the Royal Airforce.

Still want to know more?

Here’s some other frequently asked questions about our Health Care Assistant roles

You don’t need any specific qualifications to become a Health Care Assistant.

Whilst it’s great if you have a relevant NVQ or diploma in health and social care, it’s not essential. What matters most is having a caring attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine passion for supporting others.

From day one, you’ll receive a full induction, training and ongoing support to help you succeed in the role.

Great Health Care Assistants are compassionate, patient and reliable. They build positive relationships with the people they support, work well as part of a team, communicate clearly and stay calm in different situations.

A willingness to learn and a genuine passion for helping others are just as important as experience.

Health Care Assistants work a range of shifts to provide 24-hour care and support.

Depending on the home and the role, this can include day shifts, night shifts, full-time and part-time opportunities.

You can apply for a Health Care Assistant role by searching our current vacancies and submitting an application for a role that interests you.

Once you’ve applied, our Recruitment Team will guide you through the next steps of the process.

When you join as a Health Care Assistant, you’ll receive a comprehensive induction and role-specific training to help you build the skills and confidence needed to support the people who live in our homes.

You’ll learn about topics such as person-centred care, safeguarding, communication and health and safety, alongside any training relevant to the people you’ll be supporting.

Your development doesn’t stop after your induction. You’ll have access to ongoing learning opportunities, regular support from your team and manager, and the chance to gain recognised qualifications as you progress in your career.

No two shifts are exactly the same, but you’ll spend your time supporting the people who live in our homes with their day-to-day needs, helping them to live as independently as possible.

This might involve supporting with personal care, assisting at mealtimes, accompanying people to activities or spending time getting to know them and providing companionship.

You’ll also work closely with Registered Nurses and the wider Care Team, sharing updates and ensuring each person receives the support that’s right for them.

It’s a varied role where you’ll build meaningful relationships and play an important part in each person’s daily life.

Yes.

As a Health Care Assistant, you’ll work closely with Registered Nurses, Senior Health Care Assistants and other colleagues to provide high-quality care and support.

Teamwork is an important part of the role, and you’ll be able to share ideas, learn from experienced colleagues and support one another throughout your shift.

From day one, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive team environment where you’ll receive a thorough induction and the training needed to feel confident in your role.

As part of our buddy system, you’ll be paired with an experienced colleague who can help you settle in, answer questions and support you as you learn the role.