Healthcare Assistant needed in Horsham | Leaf Complex Care

Job description

At Leaf Complex Care, part of the Catalyst Care Group, we are committed to providing expert complex care that transforms lives. We stand on the pillars of Compassion, Impact, and Community, values that guide our actions and our approach to compassionate care. We are seeking professionals who are passionate about making a significant difference in the lives of others while embodying these core values.

We are seeking dedicated, patient, and energetic healthcare assistants to support a young lady as she transitions from a hospital setting into her new home. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to be part of building a brand‐new team around her, supporting her to feel safe, understood, and excited about this next chapter in her life.

She is a non‐verbal young lady who communicates fluently using Makaton. She is currently a wheelchair user. She has a playful and spirited sense of humour, and is caring, funny, adventurous, and kind, with a truly big heart.

This role is about more than support, it's about building trust, creating stability, and helping her thrive in her new environment.

About the RoleYou will initially support her within a hospital setting, working alongside professionals to ensure a smooth and safe transition into her own home, while helping establish a consistent and supportive team around her.

She loves to be active, outdoors, and engaged, so this role requires someone who can match her energy and enthusiasm for life. She also loves dancing and listening to music.

Her Favourite Activities Include:

Water play

Soft play

Trips to the park

Cinema outings

Trampolining

Playing football

Shopping

Messy play

Story time (bonus points for character voices!)

She is also working towards returning to activities such as cinema trips, trampolining, and playing football, and will need support to gradually build back up to these.

In her downtime, she enjoys watching Peppa Pig, Thomas the Tank Engine, Spiderman, and Teletubbies, so being able to engage with her in these moments is just as important.

Working PatternsBased on package needs - likely a mix of shifts including days and community support.

Responsibilities

Support a safe and positive transition from hospital to the community

Use Makaton, visual aids, and PECS to communicate effectively

Build trusting relationships through consistency and understanding

Support daily routines and promote independence

Facilitate meaningful activities aligned with her interests

Encourage community access and engagement

Work collaboratively with family and multidisciplinary teams

Maintain accurate records and follow care plans

Experience

Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism

Experience supporting individuals with trauma‐informed approaches is highly desirable

Prior knowledge or experience using Makaton, PECS, or other visual communication tools is highly desirable

Minimum of 6 months of experience in similar healthcare settings

Driving is essential for this role due to the location of the home and limited transport links. Access to a vehicle will be required to support community activities

Candidate Traits & Competencies

Patient, kind, and emotionally intelligent

Calm and confident in challenging situations

Energetic and proactive in their approach

Fun, engaging, and able to build rapport

Reliable with strong timekeeping

Open to learning new communication methods

Trustworthy and consistent

Passionate about making a real difference

What We Offer

Financial & practical support

Mileage allowance

Refer‐a‐friend bonus – incentives for introducing new workers to the company (recently rolled out)

Tax relief – the ability to claim through the government for work‐related clothing and tools (e.g., uniforms, mileage, and equipment)

Development & Support

On‐shift support and guidance through the on‐call system

Regular supervisions

Specialist training opportunities such as safeguarding, medication management, and more

All mandatory training is free

Work‐Life Balance and Community

Flexible working hours – option to choose shifts based on availability

Recognition programmes – celebrating and rewarding outstanding contributions

Social events – opportunities to connect and build team spirit

1st DBS is free

In the words of the young lady: "If you give me time and help me feel safe in the world, I'm a cheeky monkey!"

If you think this sounds like the role for you then get in touch.

We do not provide visa sponsorship; applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

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Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Worthing

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

21-05-2026

Profession type

Health / Medical

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English