University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven)
Belgium, known for its excellent healthcare system and high standard of living, offers numerous opportunities for health care assistants (HCAs). With rising demand due to an aging population and long-term care needs, many Belgian employers offer visa sponsorship to attract qualified candidates from abroad.
This job post explores health care assistant jobs in Belgium with visa sponsorship, highlights top employers, discusses salary ranges, outlines requirements, and provides guidance on securing these opportunities.
Job Description & Details | Health Care Assistants
The demand for health care assistants in Belgium is driven by several key factors:
Key Reasons for the Demand:
- Aging Population:
- Belgium, like much of Europe, has an aging population, leading to increased demand for healthcare services, particularly in elderly care and long-term care settings.
- High Healthcare Standards:
- Belgium’s healthcare system is among the best in the world, requiring well-trained health care assistants to maintain these high standards.
- Labor Shortages:
- There is a shortage of healthcare workers in Belgium, particularly in support roles like health care assistants, prompting employers to seek qualified professionals from abroad.
- Expanding Home Care Services:
- The increasing preference for home care as an alternative to hospital care has led to a rise in demand for health care assistants.
Understanding Visa Sponsorship for Health Care Assistants
To work legally in Belgium as a health care assistant, foreign nationals need a work visa, typically sponsored by the employer. The process involves steps to ensure compliance with Belgian immigration laws.
Visa Sponsorship Typically Includes:
- Work Permit: The employer assists in obtaining a work permit, allowing the health care assistant to legally reside and work in Belgium.
- Accommodation: Some employers provide housing or a housing allowance for health care assistants.
- Transportation: Employers may cover transportation costs to and from Belgium, as well as local transport.
- Health Insurance: Employers in Belgium are required to provide health insurance that covers medical expenses during the employment period.
Top Hiring Employers for Health Care Assistant Jobs in Belgium
Several healthcare providers and organizations in Belgium actively hire foreign health care assistants, offering visa sponsorship and other benefits. Below are some of the top employers in this sector:
1. University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven)
Location: Leuven, Belgium
UZ Leuven, one of Belgium’s largest and most advanced hospitals, is known for comprehensive healthcare services and cutting-edge research. The hospital hires health care assistants to support various departments and offers visa sponsorship for qualified candidates.
Common Roles:
- Health Care Assistants (HCAs)
- Nursing Assistants
- Patient Care Technicians
Typical Salaries:
- Health Care Assistant: €2,000 – €2,800 per month
- Nursing Assistant: €2,200 – €3,000 per month
- Patient Care Technician: €2,300 – €3,200 per month
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Relevant experience in healthcare or patient care
- Basic life support (BLS) certification is often required
- Proficiency in Dutch, French, or English, depending on the region
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship
- Health insurance
- Accommodation assistance
- Paid annual leave
2. AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende
Location: Bruges, Belgium
AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende, a leading hospital in Belgium, offers a wide range of medical services. They hire health care assistants to support patient care and provide visa sponsorship for international workers.
Common Roles:
- Health Care Assistants
- Nursing Assistants
- Clinical Support Workers
Typical Salaries:
- Health Care Assistant: €2,100 – €2,900 per month
- Nursing Assistant: €2,300 – €3,100 per month
- Clinical Support Worker: €2,200 – €3,000 per month
Requirements:
- Previous experience in a healthcare setting
- Basic life support (BLS) certification
- Relevant healthcare qualifications or certifications
- Strong communication skills in Dutch or French
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship
- Health insurance
- Paid annual leave
- Professional development opportunities
3. CHU de Liège
Location: Liège, Belgium
CHU de Liège, a prominent university hospital in Belgium, offers a broad range of healthcare services and specializes in research and teaching. They hire health care assistants to support medical teams and offer visa sponsorship to qualified candidates.
Common Roles:
- Health Care Assistants
- Nursing Assistants
- Patient Care Assistants
Typical Salaries:
- Health Care Assistant: €2,000 – €2,800 per month
- Nursing Assistant: €2,200 – €3,000 per month
- Patient Care Assistant: €2,200 – €3,000 per month
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience in a similar role is preferred
- Relevant certifications (e.g., BLS) are advantageous
- Good communication skills in French
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship
- Health insurance
- Accommodation or housing allowance
- Paid annual leave
4. Hôpital Erasme
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Hôpital Erasme, one of Brussels’ leading hospitals and affiliated with the Université Libre de Bruxelles, is known for high-quality medical care and advanced research. The hospital employs health care assistants to support patient care and offers visa sponsorship for international recruits.
Common Roles:
- Health Care Assistants
- Nursing Assistants
- Patient Care Technicians
Typical Salaries:
- Health Care Assistant: €2,100 – €2,900 per month
- Nursing Assistant: €2,300 – €3,100 per month
- Patient Care Technician: €2,300 – €3,100 per month
Requirements:
- Relevant experience in healthcare
- Certification in patient care or a related field is preferred
- Good communication skills in French or Dutch
- Willingness to work in shifts
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship
- Health insurance
- Housing allowance
- Professional growth opportunities
5. Grand Hôpital de Charleroi (GHdC)
Location: Charleroi, Belgium
Grand Hôpital de Charleroi, one of the largest hospital networks in Wallonia, offers a wide range of medical services. They hire health care assistants to support their medical teams and provide visa sponsorship to qualified candidates.
Common Roles:
- Health Care Assistants
- Nursing Aides
- Patient Care Assistants
Typical Salaries:
- Health Care Assistant: €2,000 – €2,800 per month
- Nursing Aide: €2,200 – €3,000 per month
- Patient Care Assistant: €2,200 – €3,000 per month
Requirements:
- Previous experience in patient care
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Relevant certifications (e.g., BLS, First Aid)
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship
- Health insurance
- Paid annual leave
- Accommodation assistance
How to Apply for Health Care Assistant Jobs in Belgium with Visa Sponsorship
Securing a health care assistant job in Belgium with visa sponsorship involves careful preparation and research. Here’s how to get started:
Steps to Apply:
- Prepare Your CV:
- Tailor your CV to highlight relevant caregiving experience, certifications (e.g., BLS, CNA), and any specialized skills.
- Submit Applications:
- Apply directly through company websites or via job portals. Ensure that you mention your willingness to relocate and your eligibility for a work visa.
- Interview Process:
- Be prepared for interviews conducted via phone or video conferencing. Discuss your experience, ability to adapt to Belgium’s healthcare environment, and your willingness to work in various settings.
- Receive Job Offer and Contract:
- Carefully review the job offer, focusing on salary, working conditions, and visa sponsorship details.
- Visa Application Process:
- Once you accept a job offer, your employer will assist you in obtaining the necessary work visa. This process typically involves submitting documents such as your passport, proof of qualifications, and employment contract.
- Relocation to Belgium:
- After your visa is approved, your employer may help with travel arrangements. Upon arrival, you’ll typically undergo an orientation to familiarize yourself with your new job and living conditions.