We are looking for dynamic people to support customers with all aspects of their day to day living, so they can enjoy the best possible quality of life. You will mostly work alone with the customer in their home. Providing care and support offers many rewards, but can also be challenging. Compassion, good communication skills and a calm and caring manner are essential for this important role in our company.
Care and support:
• All aspects of personal care such as showering and bathing, dressing and grooming, dental hygiene, toileting and continence care
• Assisting with medicines, ordering and collecting prescriptions or returning unwanted medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal
• Supporting the customer to eat and drink well. For example, helping the customer to plan what to eat and drink, giving gentle encouragement, shopping, preparing and serving food and drinks, clearing the table, washing up and keeping the kitchen area clean and tidy, agreeing with the customer how to store food safely and when to dispose of out of date produce
• Safely using aids and personal equipment in a manner that respects the dignity of customers. For example walking frames, wheelchairs, manual and electric hoists, sliding sheets and moving boards, hearing aids and other physical aids
• Social and physical activities or mental stimulation such as keeping in touch with friends/relatives, taking a customer out shopping or to social activities, hobbies such as reading, photo albums, games, etc.
• Supporting a customer through temporary and terminal illness, including end of life care, hospital appointments, liaising with community health support and families
Experience and skills
Ability to listen, communicate clearly and build positive working relationships with customers, their families or representatives, company staff and other social and health care professionals
Ability to give care and support to customers with all aspects of their daily living. To always respect their dignity, privacy and choices, be non- judgemental and promote their independence
Good organisational skills, so customers receive the services they expect
Ability to keep written records in clear English about the care and support given to each customer, including help with medicines
Ability and willingness to follow the company's policies, procedures and instructions and to participate in training
Additional requirements
All staff will be expected to meet regulatory training standards. Care assistants must attend initial company training before providing care and support to our customers. During the first 12 weeks you will continue to receive on the job and classroom based/online training to help you fully understand your role. You must be willing to participate in ongoing training so you can continue to give good and safe care and support
You will need to obtain a satisfactory criminal records check and evidence that your name is not listed as barred from working with vulnerable people
Desirable criteria
Full drivers licence with no more than 6 points, Class 1 business insurance and a current MOT (if using own car for business purposes)
A relevant care and/or health qualification
Previous experience as a care assistant or as an unpaid carer
Knowledge of how to recognise abuse and safeguarding procedures
Working knowledge of health and safety matters relating to homecare
Flexible approach to working
We will
Basic salary exceeding minimum wage
Paid mileage of 25p per mile between calls
Profit related pay
Our care assistants are directly employed by us giving you access to holiday entitlement and our pension scheme
Apprenticeship opportunities available to existing staff
Support to complete nationally recognised qualifications including your Care Certificate and NVQs. Your career development is important to us if you want to progress, we can help!
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