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- Tasks: Support residents with personal care, companionship, and meal preparation in a vibrant community.
- Company: Join Friends of the Elderly, a charity with over 120 years of caring experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in older people's lives every day while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Must have at least 6 months of care home experience and a passion for helping others.
- Other info: Be part of a new care home with state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive team.
Contract Type: Part Time (26.25 hours per week) and Bank available.
Working Pattern: Days, Weekends.
Part Time Hours: Three consecutive days on with three consecutive days off, 6 weeks rolling rota.
You must hold either The Care Certificate or a minimum of Level 2 NVQ in Health and Social Care.
Friends of the Elderly (FotE) is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to providing excellent care with a family feel, we have been supporting older people for over 120 years. The charity provides care home and day care services for older people, as well as grants for older people in financial difficulty.
About Friends Place, Calcot:
Recently opened in July 2025, Friends Place, Calcot is more than just a care home - it is a vibrant, welcoming community designed to provide exceptional residential, dementia, and respite care.
Run by Friends of the Elderly, where we pride ourselves on delivering personalised, compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility.
Located in the heart of Calcot, Reading, our home features:
- A cinema for residents to enjoy movie nights and entertainment.
- A stylish salon offering professional pampering.
- A peaceful tea room for reflection or a chat with friends.
- A vibrant bar for socialising and relaxation.
The modern facilities are designed to create a warm and homely environment where residents feel safe, valued, and supported.
We are recruiting for a Care Assistant to join the team.
Joining us as a Care Assistant, you will help our residents with various tasks including:
- Personal care.
- Companionship.
- Meal preparation.
- Mobility.
- Keeping care records up to date.
We would like our Care Assistant to join us with at least 6 months experience in a care home environment. Empathetic and respectful, self-motivated and flexible, you will be a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile, enabling our residents to lead fulfilled lives.
We would like you to have a real passion for care. Someone who sees this as an opportunity to build solid relationships with our residents, to allow them to live well in later life by putting them at the heart of all that you do.
This isn’t just a job; it’s about making a difference to older people’s lives every day.
Why Join Friends of the Elderly?
- Heritage of Care: Work with a trusted organisation backed by over a century of expertise.
- Non-Profit Mission: Be part of a charity that prioritises people, not profit.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Lead a cutting-edge care home designed for comfort and community.
- Professional Development: Access training and career development opportunities.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the culture and success of a brand-new care home, leaving a lasting impact on residents’ lives and the community.
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.
- Uniforms are provided.
- 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. A charity where everyone is equal but definitely not the same.
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 a 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.
Care Assistant (Care homes) in Reading employer: Friends of the Elderly
Contact Detail:
Friends of the Elderly Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Assistant (Care homes) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Friends of the Elderly. Understand their mission and values, especially their commitment to compassionate care. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions for care assistants, like how you handle difficult situations or support residents with personal care. Practising your answers can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you're talking about your experience, make sure to highlight your love for caring for others. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in someone's life, as this will resonate with the values of Friends of the Elderly.
✨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 reinforces your interest in the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Care Assistant (Care homes) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Care: When writing your application, let your passion for caring for others shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight why you want to be a Care Assistant and how you can make a difference in our residents' lives.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in care homes, and mention any qualifications like The Care Certificate or Level 2 NVQ in Health and Social Care. We want to see how you fit into our family!
Be Honest and Authentic: We appreciate authenticity! Be honest about your skills and experiences. If you have areas where you’re still learning, don’t hesitate to mention them. It shows you're self-aware and eager to grow, which is exactly what we value at Friends of the Elderly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team and being part of our mission to provide exceptional care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Friends of the Elderly
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Care Assistant and the values of Friends of the Elderly. Familiarise yourself with their mission and the specific tasks you'll be handling, like personal care and companionship. This will show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your passion for caring for older people. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your empathy and commitment to making a difference in their lives. This is a key quality they’re looking for, so let it shine!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they ensure a supportive environment for both staff and residents. This demonstrates your eagerness to be part of their community.
✨Dress for Success
Even though it's a care home setting, dressing smartly can make a great first impression. Opt for professional yet comfortable attire that reflects your respect for the role and the organisation. It shows you take the opportunity seriously!
