At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support care staff while providing compassionate care to residents.
- Company: Join MHA, a supportive organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of older people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 28 days holiday, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit community with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in care, strong communication skills, and a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is desirable.
The predicted salary is between 17.5 - 17.5 £ per hour.
Location: Hall Grange, Croydon
Hours: Relief hours per week
Salary: £17.50 per hour
For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the Care Home. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch - we are happy to review individual circumstances.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced, compassionate Senior Care Assistant to join our team at MHA. This is a key leadership role within the home, supporting the Home Manager and senior team to deliver high-quality, person-centred care and to lead, motivate and develop care colleagues. As a Senior Care Assistant, you will take charge during shifts, including deputising for other senior colleagues when required. You will lead by example, support safe and effective care delivery, and help create a warm, respectful environment where residents can live well and with dignity.
What you will do:
- Take temporary charge of the home during the absence of other senior colleagues, ensuring safe and effective day-to-day running.
- Lead, support and supervise care and ancillary staff, helping them reach required standards and develop their skills.
- Provide hands-on care and health supervision to residents when required, always promoting dignity, privacy and choice.
- Support the Home Manager in meeting statutory, regulatory and organisational requirements, including record-keeping and audits.
- Administer medication in line with the Medication Policy where delegated.
- Support care planning, key working and the development of meaningful activities that enhance residents’ quality of life.
- Carry out or support regular 1:1s, supervisions and appraisals in line with policy.
- Promote good practice in health & safety, fire safety, food safety and infection prevention.
- Be flexible to cover care shifts, on-call duties and occasional travel for meetings or training.
About you
We are looking for someone who is confident, organised and committed to high standards of care. You will bring:
- Previous experience working in a care setting.
- Experience of leading a shift or deputising for a manager.
- Medication administration experience.
- Good IT skills, including use of email and basic office systems.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- The ability to lead, motivate and support a team.
- Sensitivity to the needs of older people and an inclusive approach to care.
- A Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (or equivalent) is desirable, or a willingness to work towards this.
Why join MHA?
You will be joining an organisation with strong values, a supportive culture and a genuine commitment to helping people live later life well. At MHA, Senior Care Assistants play a vital role in shaping the quality of care and supporting both residents and colleagues to thrive.
Rewards and benefits
In addition to a competitive hourly rate, you will enjoy:
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time).
- A strong pension scheme and life assurance.
- Free DBS checks and uniforms.
- Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund.
- Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies.
- Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app.
- A full induction, ongoing training, recognised qualifications and clear progression opportunities.
- Long service awards to celebrate your contribution.
About the home
Hall Grange care home in Croydon is a unique and characterful home where colleagues feel part of a close-knit community with a shared commitment to supporting older people. Its rich history and stunning surroundings create a special backdrop for meaningful work. Colleagues value the supportive team culture, where everyone works collaboratively to provide thoughtful, person-centred care. The home’s long-standing connection to the local community and MHA’s charitable foundations give colleagues a strong sense of purpose and pride. For job seekers looking for a role that blends heritage, compassion and teamwork, Hall Grange offers a meaningful and inspiring place to grow.
Where the role requires a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, the successful candidate will be required to join and maintain membership of the DBS Update Service. MHA will pay for the DBS check and will provide an additional payment through payroll equivalent to the standard annual Update Service subscription fee. Further details will be provided during onboarding.
Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.
Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA’s Recruitment Team.
Senior Care Assistant (Relief) based at Hall Grange, Croydon employer: MHA
MHA is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of London, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises client focus and collaboration. Employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead impactful advisory projects while mentoring the next generation of tax professionals. With a commitment to fostering growth and innovation, MHA stands out as a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful careers in tax strategy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Care Assistant (Relief) based at Hall Grange, Croydon
✨Get In Touch with Local Health Services
Start by reaching out to local hospitals, clinics, and care homes directly. They often have temporary nursing roles that may not be advertised online. Don’t hesitate to pop by for a quick chat or to ask about current openings!
✨Join Nursing Community Groups
Look for local nursing community groups or online forums where temp roles are frequently shared. Whether it’s Facebook groups or platforms like Nursing Times, these can be great places to connect with fellow nurses and discover temp roles through word of mouth.
✨Reach Out to Recruitment Agencies
Get in touch with recruitment agencies specialising in nursing. They often have a list of temporary positions that need filling quickly, and many health services prefer to hire through agencies for short-term roles. Make sure your availability is clear!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the nursing field, flexibility is key, especially for temporary roles. Highlight your willingness to work different shifts and locations when applying through our website. This will make you more attractive to employers looking for quick cover!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Care Assistant (Relief) based at Hall Grange, Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Skills in Patient Care:When applying for a temporary nursing role, make sure to spotlight your specific skills in patient care. This includes any training or certifications you've received, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or specific nursing specialisations. We want to see how you've applied these skills in real-world situations, so share relevant experiences in your CV.
Reflect Your Adaptability:Temporary roles often require you to hit the ground running, so it’s essential to convey your adaptability. In your cover letter, mention examples of how you’ve quickly adjusted to new environments or challenges in patient care settings. This shows that you're ready to step in and provide support from day one!
Emphasise Availability and Flexibility:For temporary positions, your availability is key! Make sure to state your flexible working hours in your CV and cover letter so MHA knows when you're ready to jump in. This helps them see that you’re committed and prepared to meet their immediate needs.
Personalise Your Application for MHA:Finally, take the time to tailor your application for MHA specifically. Research their values and any recent initiatives they may have. Mention these in your cover letter to show that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in working with them in patient care.
How to prepare for a job interview at MHA
✨Show Your Passion for Patient Care
As a temporary nursing role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine passion for patient care. Talk to the interviewer about experiences where you went above and beyond for patients and how you handle emotional situations – this shows your soft skills are as strong as your technical knowledge.
✨Be Ready for Clinical Scenarios
Expect to face some clinical scenario questions during your interview. You might be asked how you would handle specific patient situations or emergencies. Brush up on your clinical skills and think through a few scenarios so you can talk through your thought process confidently.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Temporary roles often mean you're filling in where needed, so emphasise your adaptability during the interview. Share examples of times you’ve quickly adjusted to new teams or practices, which shows you can hit the ground running at MHA.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
In nursing, being a great team player is essential. Don't just talk about your individual achievements; share instances where you effectively collaborated with other healthcare professionals. This will show how you’ll fit into the team at MHA and contribute positively to patient care.