At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with personal care and build meaningful relationships.
- Company: Join EQ Care Group, a compassionate provider of elderly care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, birthday leave, and free meals on shift.
- Other info: Opportunities for continuous training and career growth await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a caring attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 14504 - 16919 £ per year.
£14,504 to £16,919 per annum dependent on experience, 22 hours per week.
Location: Cedar Lodge, Eastfield Lane, Whitchurch-on-Thames, Reading, RG8 7EJ
Role Overview
Do you want to be part of something special? Do you want the flexibility of working hours to suit the needs of your family? Or would you much prefer a better work/life balance? Do you want to belong to an organisation that cares about YOU? If you answered Yes, then what are you waiting for? Apply today!
As a Care Companion at Cedar Lodge, you will be placed at the heart of the home along with the people that live here. We know that if you’re ok, the people who live here will be ok too – so ensuring you have fun is important! We want you to sit with people and eat meals and we want for you to build relationships with the amazing people we support.
Responsibilities and Duties
- To support people with intimate washing/drying, how they wish to be dressed and presented, including shaving, hair style, nails, teeth.
- Represent the Cedar Lodge brand by maintaining a professional and welcoming presence for all team members, residents, and visitors.
- Attend and actively contribute to team meetings.
- Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Home Manager to support the overall functioning of the home.
Skills, Qualifications and Abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience within a similar environment desirable.
- You need to be flexible, patient, with a ‘can do’ caring attitude, and a real 'people person'.
- Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office and internal applications; with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also being self-motivated and capable of working independently.
The Company and Care Home
EQ Care Group is a trusted provider of exceptional elderly care, dedicated to creating warm, compassionate environments where individuals can truly thrive. Operating for three years now, we currently have five homes, with more being built to expand our portfolio. We specialise in delivering high-quality care to those who need it most, with a focus on dementia care and other complex needs. Our approach goes beyond simply meeting physical needs—we strive to create meaningful, enriching experiences for the people living in our homes. What sets us apart is our commitment to emotional intelligence, compassionate service, and personalised care.
Cedar Lodge is our newly built 45-bed nursing and dementia specialist care home in the heart of Whitchurch-on-Thames, combining modern comfort with classic charm, offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en-suite bedrooms, spectacular communal areas, and beautiful gardens, Cedar Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart-centred team who will provide exceptional, personalised care, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and at home at Cedar Lodge.
Benefits of working at EQ Care
- ½ day off for your birthday – start your celebrations early!
- Blue Light Discount Card – access exclusive savings and offers.
- 28 days of annual leave (pro rata) – enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
- Salary advance scheme (Level) – access earned pay when you need it.
- Contributory pension – helping you plan for your future.
- Dedicated Learning & Development – continuous training and career growth opportunities.
- Team member rewards – recognising and celebrating your hard work.
- Free meals on shift – enjoy a meal on us while you work.
- Free tax review service – making sure you keep more of what you earn.
- Refer a friend scheme – earn up to £500 for successful referrals! (Terms apply)
Additional Information
Please note: If you are not a UK resident, you must already have the legal right to work in the UK, with at least 14 months remaining on your visa. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship. This job description may differ as new information technology, policies and contractual agreements change, and we reserve the right to vary duties without notice.
Care Assistant (Care Companion) Weekend employer: EQ Care Group
Contact Detail:
EQ Care Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Assistant (Care Companion) Weekend
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Cedar Lodge's website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their heart-centred approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Care Companion, you'll be working closely with residents. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and care. This will help you shine during the interview and demonstrate that you're the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! Make sure you look professional and approachable for your interview. A smart appearance shows that you respect the opportunity and are serious about joining the Cedar Lodge team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Care Assistant (Care Companion) Weekend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Caring Side: When writing your application, let your caring nature shine through! Share experiences that highlight your compassion and ability to connect with others. We want to see how you can make a difference in the lives of our residents.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Care Assistant role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for. This helps us see that you're a great fit for Cedar Lodge!
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know the real you! Share why you’re passionate about care work and what makes you a 'people person'.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at EQ Care Group
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Care Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like supporting residents with personal care and building relationships. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role during the interview.
✨Show Your Caring Nature
As a Care Companion, your ability to connect with people is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and compassion. Whether it's a story about helping someone in need or simply being there for a friend, these anecdotes will highlight your caring attitude.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role. Practice answering common interview questions clearly and concisely. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable expressing your thoughts and experiences.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show your interest in Cedar Lodge and its values. Ask about their approach to personalised care or how they support their staff's development. This shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.