At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with personal care, meals, and activities for a fulfilling life.
- Company: Join our multi-award-winning organisation dedicated to enhancing community living.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, rewarding work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Shifts are 12 hours, covering both day and night schedules.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring team that values compassion and integrity in every interaction.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care preferred; training available for the right candidate.
The Relief Care Assistant plays a vital role in delivering compassionate, person‑centred care across Jewish Cares residential and nursing homes. Working on a flexible, bank basis to provide cover for planned and unplanned absence, the postholder will support residents with their daily living needs while promoting dignity, independence, wellbeing, and choice. Working as part of a multidisciplinary care team, you will provide personal care, companionship, emotional support, and assistance with activities that help residents live meaningful and fulfilling lives. This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking for flexible working while making a genuine difference to the lives of older people in a supportive and rewarding environment.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for caring, reliable, and flexible Relief Care Assistants to join our dedicated care teams on a bank basis. You will provide high‑quality care and support to residents, assisting with personal care, meals, mobility, medication (where trained), wellbeing, and recreational activities, while encouraging independence and maintaining dignity at all times. As a relief worker, you will work across a variety of shifts, including days, nights, evenings, and weekends, covering staff absence as required. Whether you already have care experience or are looking to begin a rewarding career in care, we provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed.
About us
Jewish Care is the largest health and social care charity serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Every week, our services support around 12,000 people through residential care, nursing care, retirement living, housing with care, community support, mental health services, and wellbeing programmes. Our care homes provide warm, welcoming environments where older people receive high‑quality, person‑centred care that promotes dignity, independence, and quality of life. Guided by our values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Inclusiveness, we are committed to creating meaningful experiences for residents while supporting our colleagues with excellent training, development opportunities, and flexible ways of working.
What you’ll be doing
- Supporting residents with personal care and daily routines
- Providing companionship and emotional support
- Encouraging independence, choice, and dignity
- Assisting with meals, activities, and wellbeing
- Working as part of a supportive team to deliver outstanding care
- Building positive relationships with residents, families, and colleagues
What we’re looking for
You don’t need to have worked in care before (although it’s great if you have). What really matters is who you are:
- Kind, patient, and compassionate
- A great listener with a positive attitude
- Reliable and a strong team player
- Comfortable supporting people with a range of needs
- Willing to learn and develop
What you’ll get in return
- Full training and ongoing support
- Opportunities to develop your career in care
- A welcoming, supportive team environment
- The chance to make a genuine difference every day
Working pattern
12‑hour shifts (8am–8pm), including some weekends.
Why this role matters
For many of our residents, you will be the person who brightens their day, supports them through challenges, and helps them feel safe, respected, and valued. That’s a big responsibility but also an incredibly rewarding one.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Relief Care Assistant employer: Jewish Care
Jewish Care is an exceptional employer that values its staff and fosters a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for culinary professionals to thrive. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, employees can take pride in contributing to the well-being of the community while enjoying a dynamic kitchen environment across Greater London. The organisation also prioritises work-life balance, offering flexible hours and a collaborative atmosphere that encourages creativity and innovation in menu development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the residents in care homes. Understanding their daily routines and challenges can help you demonstrate your commitment to providing compassionate care during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in health and social care, even if it's informal. Sharing personal stories about how you've supported others can showcase your compassion and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift work. Since the role requires evening and weekend availability, showing that you're open to various shifts can make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with our community on social media or through local events. Building connections with current employees or other professionals in the field can provide insights and potentially strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Relief Care Assistant. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in health and social care. Emphasise any qualifications, such as a Level 2 Diploma, and showcase your compassion and integrity in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for caring for others. Mention specific examples of how you've supported individuals in previous positions and how you can contribute to the residents' wellbeing.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jewish Care
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Relief Care Assistant, demonstrating your compassion is crucial. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you showed empathy and kindness towards others, especially in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Relevant Qualifications
Make sure to mention your Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care or your willingness to obtain it. This shows that you are committed to professional development and understand the importance of qualifications in providing quality care.
✨Discuss Flexibility and Availability
Since the role requires working shifts, including evenings and weekends, be clear about your availability. Highlight your flexibility and willingness to adapt to the needs of the care home, as this is a key aspect of the job.
✨Engage with Scenario Questions
Prepare for scenario-based questions that may arise during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving residents, such as assisting with personal care or managing difficult behaviours, and articulate your thought process clearly.
