Care Assistant

Ad-Hoc Shift Work With A Local Authority 

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality practical, emotional and personal care support to residents within a residential care setting, promoting independence, dignity and wellbeing at all times.

The postholder will support older people with daily living activities, personal care and emotional wellbeing, ensuring care is delivered in accordance with individual care plans, organisational policies and best practice standards. The role requires a compassionate, person-centred approach and a commitment to maintaining a safe, supportive and respectful living environment for all residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care and support to residents in accordance with individual care plans.
  
• Assist residents with personal care, including washing, dressing, bathing and toileting.
  
• Support residents with eating, drinking and nutritional needs.
  
• Encourage and enable residents to maintain independence and daily living skills.
  
• Provide emotional support and companionship to residents.
  
• Support residents to participate in activities and social interaction where appropriate.
  
• Monitor residents' wellbeing and report concerns to senior staff.
  
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date care records and incident reports.
  
• Report accidents, incidents or safeguarding concerns in line with procedures.
  
• Participate in handovers and communicate effectively with colleagues.
  
• Support residents who are unwell, receiving end-of-life care or experiencing distress.
  
• Conduct regular health, safety and welfare checks throughout the day or night.
  
• Assist with creating a safe and secure environment for residents, visitors and staff.
  
• Follow all care home policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
  
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
  
• Attend training, supervision sessions and team meetings.
  
• Work flexibly across shifts, including weekends and bank holidays.
  

Moving & Handling Responsibilities

• Use moving and handling equipment safely and appropriately.
  
• Assist residents using:
  
  • Hoists
    
  • Slide Sheets
    
  • Transfer Boards
    
  • Turntables
    
  • Other specialist equipment as identified in care plans
    
• Follow safe moving and handling procedures at all times.
  

Domestic Support Duties

• Assist with bed making and maintaining tidy resident rooms.
  
• Clean commodes and care equipment where required.
  
• Support meal service activities.
  
• Assist with domestic tasks as directed by management.
  
• Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe and comfortable environment.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Experience caring for older people.
  
• Experience working within a residential care home, community care or support environment.
  
• Understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults.
  
• Knowledge of person-centred care principles.
  
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
  
• Knowledge of equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.
  
• Understanding of health and safety and manual handling requirements.
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Ability to maintain accurate care records.
  
• Compassionate, patient and professional approach.
  
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
  
• Willingness to work flexible shifts including days, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
  

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.
  
• Experience supporting people living with dementia.
  
• Moving and Handling training.
  
• First Aid training.
  
• Medication awareness training.
  
• Experience working within residential care settings for older adults.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Swindon
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments