Care Assistant (Days)

Responsibilities

Resident Care:

  • Assist in providing direct care to residents, ensuring their comfort and well-being at all times.
  • Support residents in participating in daily living activities, following their individual care plans.
  • Help residents express their personal needs, and respond effectively, especially when communication barriers exist.

Activity Support:

  • Facilitate and engage in social and recreational activities with residents to enhance their quality of life.
  • Accompany residents on outings, providing necessary care and support.

Care Planning and Documentation:

  • Follow detailed care plans and complete required documentation accurately and timely.
  • Act as a key worker for specific residents as assigned by the line manager, offering personalised care.

Team Collaboration:

  • Foster effective communication within the care team to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
  • Participate in handover meetings, care plan updates, and other communication channels to stay informed.

Response and Safety:

  • Respond promptly and efficiently to resident calls for assistance.
  • Maintain care and cleanliness of equipment, ensuring it is safe for use.
  • Be aware of and follow the Emergency Plan and Emergency Procedures, including fire safety protocols.

Training and Development:

  • Complete all mandatory training and participate in ongoing professional development as required by the organisation.
  • Stay up to date with the latest care practices and organisational policies.

Confidentiality and Compliance:

  • Uphold the confidentiality of resident information and the organisation’s operations.
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures, ensuring professionalism and adherence to care standards.

Required Skills

  • Compassion and Empathy: A genuine interest in caring for elderly residents and a strong commitment to enhancing their well-being.
  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with residents, their families, and team members. Ability to listen carefully and respond appropriately, especially when assisting residents with communication barriers.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively within a care team, contributing to a supportive and efficient working environment.
  • Attention to Detail: Ability to follow care plans accurately and maintain precise documentation of care provided. Keen observation skills to recognise changes in residents’ conditions and report them promptly.
  • Time Management: Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks, and respond quickly to residents’ needs. Flexibility to adapt to a varied rota and work alternate weekends as required.
  • Physical Stamina: Physical capability to perform tasks such as lifting, moving, and assisting residents with mobility and daily activities.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to assess situations and make sound decisions in providing care, especially in emergencies. Resourcefulness in finding solutions to meet residents’ individual needs and challenges.
  • Confidentiality and Professionalism: Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion. Adherence to professional standards and organisational policies in all aspects of care delivery.
  • Willingness to Learn: Openness to continuous learning and professional development, including completing mandatory training. Ability to stay updated with best practices in elderly care and apply new skills effectively.

Preferred Skills

  • Previous Experience: Experience in a similar care role, particularly in elderly care or a residential care setting. Familiarity with person-cantered care approaches.
  • Specialized Care Knowledge: Understanding of dementia care and other age-related conditions. Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and best practices in elderly care.
  • Enhanced Communication Abilities: Experience in working with individuals with communication difficulties, using techniques such as non-verbal communication or assistive technologies. Multilingual skills, particularly in languages spoken by residents.
  • Leadership Potential: Ability to take initiative and act as a mentor or support to less experienced team members. Experience in taking on key worker responsibilities or leading activities for residents.
  • Technological Proficiency: Basic knowledge of care management software or electronic care plan systems. Comfort with using digital tools for communication and documentation purposes.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Experience working in diverse environments and an understanding of cultural differences in care preferences. Ability to provide care that respects the cultural and personal values of residents.

Soft Skills

  • Empathy: A deep sense of compassion and understanding, allowing you to connect with residents and provide care that respects their emotions and needs.
  • Patience: Ability to remain calm and composed, especially when dealing with residents who may be anxious, confused, or frustrated.
  • Emotional Resilience: Capacity to handle the emotional demands of the role, maintaining a positive attitude even in challenging situations.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to the varying needs of residents and changes in routine, ensuring consistent, high-quality care.
  • Active Listening: Strong ability to listen attentively to residents, understanding their concerns and responding appropriately.
  • Dependability: Reliability in fulfilling duties, ensuring residents receive consistent care and support.
  • Problem-Solving: Resourcefulness in addressing challenges, finding effective solutions to meet residents’ needs.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build trusting relationships with residents, their families, and your colleagues, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
  • Positive Attitude: A cheerful and encouraging demeanor that helps create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the care home.
  • Attention to Detail: Careful attention to the specific needs of each resident, ensuring their care plans are followed meticulously.

Qualifications

  • Required Qualifications:
    • Basic Care Training: Completion of basic care training courses, such as manual handling, personal care, and health and safety.
    • First Aid Certification: Certification in First Aid and CPR, ensuring you can respond effectively in emergencies.
    • Enhanced DBS Check: An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure suitability for working with vulnerable adults.
  • Preferred Qualifications:
    • NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care: A nationally recognized qualification demonstrating competency in providing high-quality care.
    • Specialised Care Training: Additional certifications in dementia care, palliative care, or other relevant specialties.
    • Medication Administration Training: Certification in the safe administration of medication, if applicable to the role.
    • Food Hygiene Certificate: If involved in assisting with meal preparation or serving food to residents.

These qualifications and skills will help demonstrate your readiness to provide exceptional care and your commitment to ongoing professional development.

Benefits

Apply for: Care Assistant (Days)

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