Care Assistant Apprentice - Abbeyfield Society West Sussex in Horsted Keynes

Imagine a haven for older people, not isolated, but nestled within an ordinary street, developing connections and companionship with neighbours and family. This wasn't just a dream; it was the revolutionary vision of Richard Carr-Gomm, the founder of The Abbeyfield Society. Carr-Gomm believed in combating loneliness by keeping people connected by their communities. His mission, which continues to be our guiding principle, was to create friendly, welcoming houses, that are filled with warmth, companionship and a sense of belonging. Our residents are at the heart of everything we do - their wellbeing and happiness are paramount, and the emphasis on family spirit and shared activities continues to inspire Abbeyfield houses today.

In this role you will provide our residents with individualised support with their personal care and wider aspects of daily living, in line with their agreed care plan, to optimise wellbeing, and ensure they lead as fulfilling lives as possible.

Duties:

• At the front line of care delivery, promote residents’ health and wellbeing by helping them with their personal care, and supporting them with all aspects of daily living.
• Ensure care and support provided is individualised and personal to each resident, and treat people with kindness and compassion, demonstrating a sensitive and respectful approach to ensure residents maintain their dignity and feeling of self-worth.
• Assist residents at difficult times such as during periods of illness, attendance at hospital appointments or sometimes providing palliative care, helping to make these times as easy and comfortable as possible.
• Carry out observations as required by General Practitioners, and report information back to GPs, utilising GP systems such as DOCOBO, and assist with GP rounds, and with District Nurse visits.
• Contribute to residents' emotional and intellectual wellbeing by getting to know them personally and supporting them to participate in social activities and events, and get involved with planning, organising and delivering these home activities and functions.

Essential:

• Candidates are required to be 18+ from their start date.
• Either qualified to Level 2 or equivalent or willing to undertake this training including Level 1 English and maths.
• A caring person who is empathetic and understands the needs of older people.
• Able to communicate and interact well with a wide range of people in varied situations.
• Patient, with the ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
• Able to read, write and work with numbers to a good standard with experience of accurate record keeping.
• Have at least basic IT skills; you’ll need to use IT systems.
• A strong and supportive team player.

Desirable:

• Are experienced in a similar role within a health or social care setting.
• Have medication administration training or be willing to undertake such.
• Are Level 2 care qualified or equivalent.
• Are Level 1 skilled in English and maths.
• Are experienced in working within services for older people.
• Are currently carrying out continual training and development.

Key Details:

• £12.96 p/h pay, benchmarked annually.
• Hours: 3 shifts a week (including alternative weekends) 8am – 8pm.
• Up to 31 days paid leave, including bank/public holidays.
• Comprehensive induction.
• Unlimited opportunities to earn £500 via our 'refer a friend' scheme.
• Claim back healthcare expenses with Medicash.
• Life Assurance.
• Pay progression within role based on skills and contribution.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Occupational sick pay.
• Company pension.
• Discounted gym membership.
• An employee assistance programme.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Shop and save vouchers.
• Striving for independent accreditation as a menopause friendly organisation.
• Opportunity to obtain Blue Light Card discount.

What you will receive?

A Level 2 Adult Care Worker qualification.