At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a care team, ensuring high-quality support for residents in a new care home.
- Company: Friends of the Elderly is a charity with over 120 years of experience in elder care.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension contributions, wellbeing support, and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in older people's lives while working in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Experience in care management and knowledge of care standards are essential.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Friends of the Elderly (FotE) is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to providing excellent care with a family feel, supporting older people for over 120 years. The charity provides care home and day care services for older people, as well as grants for those in financial difficulty.
We are searching for a Care Manager to work alongside the management team to ensure the smooth opening of our new home, Friends Place, in Calcot, Reading. Our state-of-the-art care home will feature:
- 66 luxury bedrooms with ensuite wet rooms.
- A cinema for residents to enjoy movie nights and entertainment.
- A stylish salon offering professional pampering.
- A peaceful library for reading and reflection.
- A vibrant bar for socialising and relaxation.
Our modern facilities are designed to create a warm and homely environment where residents feel safe, valued, and supported. Friends Place will be a vibrant, welcoming community, providing exceptional residential, dementia, and respite care.
As Care Manager, you will:
- Support the General Manager in all aspects of the day-to-day running of the care home, providing leadership to the care team in promoting person-centred care.
- Lead, supervise, monitor and evaluate the care delivered to residents, ensuring legal requirements are met along with the high levels expected within the care home.
- Assist the General Manager in the implementation of specific projects ensuring consistency with charity strategy, vision and goals.
- Be responsible for ensuring that care home quality processes are completed in a timely manner and cross-referenced as designated by the General Manager.
- Take the lead on the recruitment of staff and ensure staff are fully trained.
- Support the General Manager in staff supervisions and appraisals ensuring all are up to date and recorded.
- Conduct care home show rounds, taking enquiries and conducting Moving-In assessments for new residents.
- Be actively involved in the marketing strategies in the home.
This is a great opportunity for an individual who is passionate about supporting older people to live well. You will be experienced in leading and managing a team of staff and will ideally have proven experience as a Deputy Care Manager or similar. Experienced in working with older people care services, you will have a good understanding of the Care Certificate as well as the Care Standards Act and Health & Safety legislation.
Approachable and resilient, with a positive, professional and proactive attitude, you will be knowledgeable on the principles in sales and marketing and skilled in the recruitment and retention of staff. A problem solver with a forward-thinking and up-to-date approach to current practice, you will be comfortable completing audits on day-to-day practice to identify scope for improvement and ensure that every resident receives a high standard of person-centred care.
This isn't just a job; it's about making a difference to older people's lives every day. In return for your hard work and dedication, you can look forward to a wealth of benefits:
- Group Pension Plan, with a 6% contribution from us.
- Generous annual leave.
- Wellbeing support through various initiatives, including an employee assistance programme.
- Learning, development, and progression opportunities.
- Monthly prize draw, with 3 prizes to be won.
- Retail discount schemes to make your salary go further.
- Access to loans at affordable rates, saving directly from salary and advance pay already earned.
- Health cash plans for you and your family.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Long service awards that increase with length of service.
- Refer a friend to work for us and receive a £200 bonus.
- Free DBS checks.
Safeguarding: Keeping everyone safe is one of the charity's core values and is central to everything we do at Friends of the Elderly. All staff follow our Safeguarding Policy & Procedures and, if they see or suspect abuse, we expect staff to report it straight away.
Criminal record checks: As this role involves a regulated activity, successful applicants will undertake an enhanced DBS check, with barred lists check, and any offer of employment will be dependent on a satisfactory outcome. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar a person from working for us; this will depend on the circumstances and background of any record.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Friends of the Elderly strives to treat all staff equally and be a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone can be themselves and everyone accepts each other's differences. Our ambition is to ensure equality and celebrate diversity, all working together to create an inclusive workplace, which attracts and retains the best people. People that care and can make a difference.
We currently do not provide sponsorship but we welcome applications from those who have the right to work in the UK. Don't delay in sending your application as we may need to close the vacancy early if we manage to appoint before the advertising closing date. We interview applicants as they apply.
Contact Detail:
Friends of the Elderly Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of older people and the principles of person-centred care. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the care sector, especially those who have experience in managing care homes. They can provide valuable insights and may even refer you to opportunities within their organisations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices in elderly care. Being knowledgeable about the Care Standards Act and Health & Safety legislation will set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and informed.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would support and develop your team. Highlighting your experience in staff recruitment and training will show that you are ready to take on the responsibilities of a Care Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Care Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Care Manager position. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the job, such as leading a care team and ensuring high standards of care.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in care management, particularly with older people. Emphasise any previous roles as a Deputy Care Manager or similar, and showcase your understanding of the Care Certificate and Care Standards Act.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting older people and your leadership skills. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage a team and improve care quality.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the care sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Friends of the Elderly
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Friends of the Elderly and their commitment to providing excellent care. Familiarise yourself with their values and mission, as this will help you align your answers with what they stand for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Care Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in leadership roles, how you've motivated teams, and any specific examples of how you've improved care standards or staff performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to handle difficult situations, such as managing conflicts within a team or addressing a resident's needs effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Care Standards Act, Health & Safety legislation, and the Care Certificate. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your previous roles and how you would implement these standards at Friends Place.