At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with daily living activities and create a warm, homely environment.
- Company: Join EQ Care Group, a compassionate provider of exceptional elderly care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, birthday off, free meals, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a caring attitude are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a heart-centred team in a brand-new care home opening soon.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
8am - 8pm Days
8pm - 8am Nights
£30,201 per annum (pro rata)
44 hours per week to include alternate weekends
Willow Lodge, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6YY
Role Overview
Do you want to be part of something truly special? Willow Lodge is the first in our portfolio to operate the Household Model of Care — a fresh, relationship-led approach built around small, familiar communities of around 12 people within Willow Lodge. Are you looking for a better work–life balance? Want to belong to an organisation that genuinely cares about you? If you answered yes, what are you waiting for? Apply today.
As a Universal Care Companion at Willow Lodge, you will be at the very heart of the household. You will support people with all aspects of daily living, including cooking, cleaning, and personal care, helping to create a warm, safe, and homely environment. You will receive full training, including medication administration and food hygiene, to support you confidently in your role. We believe that when you are well, the people who live in our households are well too—so fun really matters here. We want you to sit down, share meals you have cooked, build meaningful relationships, and truly enjoy the time you spend with the amazing people we support. This is more than a job. It is a place to care and to be part of something special.
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 Willow Lodge brand by maintaining a professional and welcoming presence for all team members, residents, and visitors.
- Attend and actively contribute to team meetings and monthly lessons learned labs.
- Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Home Manager to support the overall functioning of the household.
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 open, 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. Willow Lodge is to open in the Spring of 2026. Our newly built 78-bed nursing and dementia specialist care home, which includes 2 dedicated respite studios in the heart of Redhill, combines 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, Willow 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 Willow Lodge.
Benefits of working at EQ
- 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).
Please note: If you are not a UK resident, you will need to be able to provide a valid right to work. We cannot provide 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.
Universal Care Companion employer: EQ Care
Contact Detail:
EQ Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Universal Care Companion
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out EQ Care Group's values and mission. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of something special.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Universal Care Companion, you'll be working closely with residents and team members. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and communication skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! Think about times when you've demonstrated patience, flexibility, or a caring attitude. These stories will help you stand out during the interview and show that you're a true 'people person'.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our heart-centred team at Willow Lodge. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Universal Care Companion
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for caring and how you connect with others.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Universal Care Companion role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that show you’re a perfect match for our relationship-led approach at Willow Lodge.
Show Your Enthusiasm: We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the role! In your application, express why you want to be part of our team and how you can contribute to creating a warm, homely environment for our residents.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this amazing opportunity at Willow Lodge.
How to prepare for a job interview at EQ Care
✨Know the Household Model of Care
Familiarise yourself with the Household Model of Care that Willow Lodge operates. Understand how this relationship-led approach works and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating a warm, homely environment for residents.
✨Show Your Caring Attitude
During the interview, demonstrate your caring nature and 'people person' attitude. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond to support others, whether in a professional or personal setting.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires collaboration, be prepared to talk about your experience working in teams. Discuss how you’ve contributed to team success in previous roles and how you can bring that same spirit to Willow Lodge.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the training process, team dynamics, or how the organisation supports its staff's well-being. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.