Healthcare Assistant in London

Agency Care Assistant Location: DORSET Care Home / Residential Care Setting

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality, person-centred care and support to residents within a care home setting, promoting their dignity, independence, wellbeing, safety and quality of life. The Agency Care Assistant is expected to work as part of the care team, follow the care home's policies and procedures, and maintain professional standards at all times.

Benefits

• Flexible working: Choose shifts that fit around your availability, including day, evening, night and weekend shifts where available.
• Variety of care settings: Gain experience working across different care homes and with residents with a range of care needs.
• Competitive pay: Access competitive hourly rates, with enhanced rates potentially available for nights, weekends and bank holidays, depending on the assignment.
• Regular shift opportunities: Reliable and high-performing staff may be offered regular or ongoing shifts.
• Preferred staff opportunities: Staff who demonstrate reliability, professionalism and good standards of care may be prioritised for shifts and, where possible, allocated to the same care homes or residents to provide continuity of care.
• Weekly pay: Get paid every week for approved hours worked, subject to submission and approval of timesheets.

Key Responsibilities

• Support residents with personal care, including washing, bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting.
• Read and understand each resident's care plan before providing care.
• Support residents with mobility, transfers and repositioning in accordance with their care plans and moving and handling procedures.
• Assist residents with eating and drinking, where required.
• Encourage residents to maintain as much independence as possible.
• Follow all care home policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• Report accidents, incidents, safeguarding concerns, injuries or unexplained changes immediately.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures, including appropriate use of PPE.
• Follow moving and handling procedures and use equipment safely.
• Complete care records accurately and promptly where required.
• Attend handovers and ensure important information is appropriately passed to the next shift.

Professional Expectations

• Arrive on time and be ready to commence work at the agreed shift start time.
• Wear the required uniform and appropriate footwear.
• Maintain a professional appearance and attitude.
• Remain on duty for the full agreed shift unless authorised to leave.
• Follow instructions from senior care staff and the care home's management.
• Maintain professional boundaries with residents and their families.
• Never use inappropriate language or behaviour towards residents or colleagues.
• Never use personal mobile phones while providing care, except where authorised or in an emergency.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding residents and the care home.
• Work collaboratively with the wider care team.

Requirements

• Right to Work: Appropriate evidence confirming the individual's legal right to work in the UK. We do not offer COS.
• Identity Verification: Valid identification and verification of personal details.
• DBS Check: Enhanced Adult and Child DBS clearance on the update service.
• Employment History: Full and accurate employment history, including explanations for any significant gaps.
• References: Two professional references confirming the experience for the role.
• Qualifications: Evidence of relevant care qualifications and certificates where applicable.
• Training Records: Evidence of mandatory training relevant to the role, including safeguarding, moving and handling, infection prevention and control, health and safety and other required training.
• Work History and Experience: A minimum of 6 months experience in the UK as a HCA in a Care Home setting.
• Moving and Handling Competency: Appropriate training and competency where residents require assistance with transfers, mobility or repositioning.