Devon needs you: Get a job in health and social care
Devon residents including job seekers, students back from university, college leavers and former care and health staff are needed now to support the county’s most vulnerable.
Healthcare Assistants are a frontline role to support Devon's NHS and social care as coronavirus puts even greater pressure on existing services and staff.
Both temporary and permanent workers are needed to fill a variety of shift work, including evenings and weekends, in residential homes, hospitals and in people's own homes.
You may need to support people with their personal care needs which could include assisting with eating, drinking and washing.
Applicants don’t necessarily need qualifications or previous work experience. Devon County Council will support applicants with free DBS checks and with free essential training.
Applicants can register their details at proudtocaredevon.org.uk It only takes a couple of minutes and all that is needed is the applicant's name, postcode, email and phone number.
Trained or registered healthcare professionals in a number of areas are also needed now.
There are roles in social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and care and support and registered care managers are also needed. These can also be viewed through the Proud to Care website.
There are also opportunities in the wider healthcare team. Roles including cleaners, chefs, security, administration and human resources are also available.
These dedicated non-clinical workers are vital in supporting our health and social care services. Without them, medical and clinical staff can’t operate and look after patients.
Philippa Slinger, lead chief executive for Together for Devon, the county’s Sustainability and Transformation Partnership, said: “The amazing scenes we saw during the recent ‘clap for carers’ show how highly people value our inspirational health and care workers.
“Joining the health and social care team in Devon gives you the chance to make a real difference to the lives of people who need help, especially at this time of need.
“We know people in Devon want to do whatever they can to support the cause and by getting a job in health and care, you could play a valuable role.
“As well as frontline jobs like healthcare assistants, there are so many other roles that help social care and the NHS to function – without these dedicated non-clinical workers, medical and clinical staff can’t operate and look after patients.”
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Health and Social Care said: “Social care and health care staff are working around the clock to protect and support the most vulnerable in our county and need help now to support them and reduce the strain on existing staff.
“We understand people’s personal circumstances are different – some may have finished college or university for the year, others may have recently been made redundant or found themselves not working because of coronavirus.
“The Healthcare Assistant role is a chance to help the county’s most vulnerable and to support health and care professionals during these difficult times.
“Qualifications aren’t necessarily important; what’s important are an applicant’s values and attitude towards working with people and patients who need care, and your ability to cope in challenging environments.”
Plymouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Councillor Kate Taylor said; “Given the chance we would all like to make a difference and have a positive impact on somebody’s life, and now more than ever we have the opportunity to do this. Right across the county we are joining forces with Devon and Torbay to recruit Healthcare assistants to support us in these unprecedented times.
I am sure you will have seen the amazing impact that the “clap for our carers” had in showing how precious our health and social care workers are, and you now have the opportunity to be a valuable part of this amazing movement to support our most vulnerable in their time of need.”
Councillor Jackie Stockman, Cabinet Member at Torbay Council for Adults and Public Health, said: “Our social and health care workers are working so hard to keep those who are vulnerable safe but they need your help. If you enjoy helping people and get a great sense of achievement knowing you have supported and improved someone’s day, then a job in health care is for you. I really do urge anyone that has thought in the past about supporting those who need it or a career in health and social care, to look into these jobs that are on offer as you will really be making a difference."
Go to the Proud to Care website to register your details or find the latest jobs.
