At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents returning home from hospital and ensure their needs are met.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire County Council, a leader in adult social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, and potential for career advancement.
- Other info: Disability Confident employer; guaranteed interview for eligible candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Job Title: Community Care Officer
Starting Salary: £31,537 progressing to £34,434 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Hertfordshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Adult Care Service
About The Team
Whether you’re an experienced professional, a newly qualified graduate or someone with a passion for caring, these roles present a fantastic opportunity for you to develop your career in adult social care. Through some of our fantastic development opportunities our staff have been able to complete sponsored degree courses (dependent on need and entry requirement criteria) and have gone on to become social workers or occupational therapists.
About The Role
You will be responding to those in need of social care support and undertaking the required work in accordance with the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
We seek CCO's who excel at engaging with people, promoting inclusive community options, and supporting a self‑directed approach while maximising universal services. Our ideal candidates are resilient, robust, imaginative, and reflective. As a small team, we collaborate cohesively to achieve our outcomes, and we’re committed to smart and flexible working.
About The Teams
Transfer for Care Team East
Permanent – Stevenage – 37 hours per week
You will work as part of a busy Transfer of Care Team, completing social care assessments to ensure that people are discharged in a safe and timely manner. You will adhere to Hertfordshire’s Connected Lives Practice Principles by ensuring that people are supported to maintain their independence and receive person‑centred care and support. You will develop close working relationships with hospital staff and care providers to ensure effective care planning.
Older People East – Prevention of Admissions
Fixed Term to April 2027 – Hemel Hempstead – 37 hours per week
The Prevention of Admissions Team works alongside NHS community teams providing the social care aspect to crisis situations including carer breakdown, and ultimately Prevention of Hospital Admission. The teams aim to keep service users in the community to ensure they remain independent and do not become institutionalised by avoidable hospital admissions. This post requires countywide travel.
About You
Essential criteria
- The team is community based and you must have a full UK driving licence and regular access to a vehicle for working purposes
- Experience of working in social care
- Some weekend work is required
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
Additional Information
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Safeguarding
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Driving Required
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.
Community Care Officer employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Hertfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and career progression in the field of adult social care. With opportunities for sponsored degree courses and a commitment to flexible working, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in their community while enjoying a collaborative team environment. Located in Watford, this role allows you to engage directly with residents, ensuring their safe transition from hospital to home, all while being part of a dedicated and compassionate team.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Care Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Discharge to Assess model and the relevant adult social care legislation. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Community Care Officers, especially those who have worked in the Integrated Discharge Team. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even refer you internally, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions that assess your ability to work under pressure and advocate for individuals in need. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your resilience and teamwork skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for community care during any informal discussions or interviews. Highlight any volunteer work or personal experiences that reflect your dedication to helping others, as this aligns well with the values of Hertfordshire County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Care Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to the Community Care Officer role. Highlight relevant experience in social care, particularly any work that demonstrates your understanding of the Discharge to Assess model and adult social care legislation.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, provide concrete examples of how you've engaged with people in a caring capacity. Mention instances where you've promoted inclusive community options or supported individuals in a self-directed approach.
Craft a Compelling Covering Paragraph:Use the short covering paragraph to summarise your skills, knowledge, and experiences. Focus on your passion for caring and your ability to work under pressure, as these are key attributes for the role.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the field of social care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Community Care Officer does, especially in relation to the Discharge to Assess model. Familiarise yourself with the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role requires a compassionate approach to care. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and advocacy for individuals in need, highlighting how you supported them effectively.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working in a multi-organisational team, it's crucial to showcase your ability to collaborate. Prepare examples that illustrate how you've successfully worked with others to achieve common goals, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the specific challenges faced by the Integrated Discharge Team to show your genuine interest in the role.
