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Health Care Assistant - Part Time - HMP Chelmsford

THE FORWARD TRUST
24,071 per year (pro rata)
Chelmsford
Part-time
18th February 2026

Make a real difference where it matters most.

We’re looking for a compassionate, motivated Health Care Assistant to join our multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality care within a residential detox and recovery service based at HMP Chelmsford. This is a part-time role (23 hours per week), offering a hands-on opportunity to support clients through medical detox and recovery, promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

You’ll work within an integrated healthcare framework, supporting individuals at a critical point in their recovery journey, alongside a dedicated team of healthcare professionals.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Supporting nursing and medical staff to deliver care to clients undergoing medical detox, including those with complex needs
  • Monitoring and reporting on physical, mental and psychological wellbeing
  • Providing 1:1 support, brief crisis interventions, and contributing to community and conduct meetings
  • Supporting safe medicines management and maintaining accurate electronic records
  • Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team
  • Promoting a safe, caring environment and escalating safeguarding or risk concerns

What we’re looking for:

  • Experience within substance misuse services and/or residential settings
  • Understanding of the impact of addiction on individuals and communities
  • Knowledge of the 12 Step recovery model (minimum 3 years’ abstinence if in recovery)
  • A compassionate, proactive approach and strong teamwork skills
  • Commitment to safeguarding, infection control and best practice care

If you’re passionate about recovery-focused nursing and want to make a tangible impact in a unique and challenging environment, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Please see attached Job Description for full details

All prison-based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 5 months to complete. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of both checks.

Please note if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer.