Are you starting your career in healthcare or looking to take your first step into mental health?
Join our supportive, friendly team as a Health Care Assistant at Wintle or Allen Ward , providing care for people from your local community. This is a rewarding opportunity to build hands-on experience, develop your skills, and make a real difference in people’s lives.
We are keen to encourage applications from people with recent study or transferable experiences – including those who have recently completed a Level 3 qualification in health and social care, or graduates wanting to explore a career in mental healthcare regardless of degree.
Wintle & Allen Wards are both female wards based in Oxford, supporting individuals with enduring mental illness, some of whom have experience with the criminal justice system. Our care is based on the Recovery Model, focusing on strengths, hope, and meaningful engagement, with active family involvement.
If shortlisted, you will be invited to a Recruitment Day to meet the team, learn about our services, and demonstrate your skills. Please note this is by invitation only following successful screening.
We are an innovative and dedicated multi-disciplinary team, so you will have the opportunity to work closely with nursing, medical, psychology and occupational therapy team members.
We will need you to be dynamic and committed by actively contributing to and supporting the recovery process, as well as maintaining the high standards of patient care whilst working within a safe, secure and supportive environment.
Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application you are encouraged to read the “candidate guide to making an application” which is attached to all roles. Please include details around qualifications (including years these were gained particularly if we need to assess for clinical roles that these are still valid) and ensure that the supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses the essential criteria found in the JD.
As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people’s homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: “Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team”
Our values are: “Caring, safe and excellent”
At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
Excellent opportunities for career progression
Individual and Trust wide learning and development
27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
NHS Discount
Pension scheme
Lease car scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Mental Health First Aiders
Staff accommodation (waiting lists may apply)
Staff networking and support groups
We will need you to contribute and participate in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of care and treatment for people with mental health problems.
It is mandatory for you to complete PEACE Teamwork training and other training directly related to the job.
You will work a rotating shift pattern to cover our 24 hour, 7 day a week service. This will be a mixture of Early, Late day shifts and Nights in every four.
If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be invited to our Recruitment Day which is is to be held on Thursday 23rd July 2026 at Unipart House in Oxford. You'll have an extended period to meet our teams, learn about our services, and show us what you can do.
The day will include:
Numeracy/Literacy Test: A short assessment to evaluate your foundational skills.
Group Activity: An exercise that allows you to demonstrate your collaboration and problem-solving abilities.
Interview: A chance for us to get to know you better and understand your skills and for you to ask us any questions you have.
Networking: An opportunity to meet our staff and learn more about the roles, our wards, and our commitment to your professional development.
This is your opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and values we're looking for in our next Healthcare Assistants.
What We Offer
We are committed to investing in our staff and providing a rewarding career path.
Support & Development: We offer comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure you have everything you need to succeed in your role.
Flexible Working: We have a range of permanent, full-time, and part-time positions with various shift patterns available. We'll also consider flexible working arrangements.
A Rewarding Career: This is more than just a job—it's a chance to provide compassionate care and be a critical part of a team that makes a genuine difference in people's lives every day.
Please note that this recruitment day is by invitation only and is open exclusively to applicants who have successfully passed the screening stage.
We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. We kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of their experience and must take care to ensure the use of AI tools does not generate an application that does not accurately reflect their knowledge, skills and values.
