At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with personal care, daily routines, and emotional wellbeing.
- Company: Join a family-run award-winning care home in the beautiful New Forest.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 28 days holiday, free uniform, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Ongoing training and support for your career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just bring kindness and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
About Oaklands Rest Home
Oaklands Rest Home is a family‑run care home based on the edge of the New Forest. We are one of the region's leading care homes — national award winners for four consecutive years, including the Caring UK Awards, Dementia Care Awards and Social Care Stars. We support residents with residential, dementia, respite and reablement care. Our vision is simple: Our Specialty is You. That means we get to know every resident as an individual — their history, their preferences, their humour, their routines — and we build care around those details. We use the latest care technology, run a rich activities programme, and invest seriously in our team. Many of our staff have been with us for years, and we are proud to have supported people to progress from Care Assistant all the way to Deputy Manager.
The Role
This is a care role where the small details matter as much as the big ones. You will support residents with their personal care, daily routines, meals, mobility, emotional wellbeing and social interaction. You will also notice and report changes in a resident's health, mood or behaviour so the team can respond quickly. Many of our residents are living with dementia. That means patience is not optional — it is the job. You will learn to read behaviour as communication, respond calmly to distress and confusion, and build the kind of trust that takes time and consistency. This role is not about completing a task list. It is about helping Oaklands feel like home.
What You Will Do
- Person-Centred Care
- Support residents with personal care in a respectful, dignified way
- Follow individual care plans and adapt your approach to each person
- Encourage independence and take time to understand each resident's preferences, life history and routines
- Support residents with physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing
- Help residents feel safe, unhurried and valued
- Dementia Care
- Support residents living with dementia with patience, reassurance and compassion
- Recognise that behaviour is often communication
- Respond calmly to distress, confusion or changes in presentation
- Maintain routines and familiar approaches that support residents' wellbeing
- Health, Safety and Reporting
- Report changes in health, mood, appetite, mobility or behaviour promptly
- Answer call bells quickly and respectfully
- Support residents safely with moving and handling, using equipment correctly
- Follow safeguarding, infection control and health and safety procedures
- Records and Communication
- Complete care records accurately and on time using our digital care system
- Share important information at handover
- Communicate with respect — with residents, families, visitors and colleagues
- Raise concerns early rather than waiting
What We Are Looking For
No formal qualifications are required to apply. What matters most is the right attitude and approach.
- Essential
- Genuine kindness and patience with older people
- willing to follow care plans and safe working practices
- Reliable and consistent — your colleagues depend on you
- Honest — speaks up when something is not right
- Good communication skills, written and spoken
- Comfortable using digital systems for records
- Comfortable supporting residents with personal care
- Basic English reading and writing to complete records accurately
- Calm under pressure and resilient
- Committed to safeguarding and the wellbeing of residents
- Desirable (not essential)
- Experience in a care home or health/social care setting
- Moving and handling or first aid training
- Experience supporting people living with dementia
- Experience using digital care planning systems
- Care Certificate or NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care
This Role Is Not Right for Everyone
We would rather be honest now than waste your time or ours. Please do not apply if you:
- Are uncomfortable supporting residents with personal care
- Become easily frustrated by repetition, confusion or distress
- Struggle to treat older people with patience, dignity and respect
- Have a pattern of unreliable attendance or poor timekeeping
- Are unwilling to complete care records or use digital systems
- See care work as a temporary job rather than a responsibility to vulnerable people
What We Offer
We invest in our people. Here is what you will receive as part of the Oaklands team:
- Competitive pay with annual pay reviews
- Salary enhancement on qualification achievement
- 28 days holiday (pro rata for part time)
- Paid online learning time
- Enhanced bank holiday rates
- Pension contributions
- Length of service holiday bonus
- Refer a friend bonus scheme
- Free uniform
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking on site
- Annual Staff Awards Programme
- Free DBS check
- Genuine career progression pathway
- Funded training and NVQ qualifications
- Study support for further qualifications
What Good Looks Like in This Role
- Residents feel safe, known, respected and unhurried
- Care is delivered with dignity, kindness and attention to personal preference
- Changes in residents' wellbeing are noticed and reported promptly
- Records are accurate, timely and meaningful
- Colleagues can rely on you to do what you say you will do
- Families and visitors experience warmth, professionalism and trust
- You ask for help when unsure rather than guessing
- You treat dementia-related distress as communication, not inconvenience
- You contribute to a calm, supportive and values-led culture
Our Values
Our core values were developed with our entire team and underpin everything we do at Oaklands. They are not words on a wall — they shape how we care for residents and how we treat each other.
- Caring
- Collaborative
- Respectful
- Honest
- Person‑Centred
- Reliable
- Informative
- Open
- Innovative
- Trusted
Training and Development
Every member of the Oaklands team receives a structured induction and ongoing training and development throughout their time with us. We fund nationally recognised qualifications and actively support progression — many of our senior team members started as Care Assistants.
- Bespoke nationally recognised induction programme
- Mandatory and role‑specific training included
- Study support and funding for NVQ / Diploma in Health and Social Care
- Salary enhancement on qualification achievement
- Paid online learning time
- Supervision and appraisal to support your development
- Real progression pathway from Care Assistant to Senior, to Deputy Manager
How to Apply
If what you have read sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Apply via this listing, or if you have questions about the role contact the team directly. Oaklands Rest Home is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of residents. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and right to work in the UK verification.
Care Assistant Days in Southampton employer: Oaklands Rest Home
At Oaklands Rest Home, we pride ourselves on being a family-run care home that prioritises the well-being of both our residents and staff. Located on the edge of the beautiful New Forest, we offer competitive pay, comprehensive training, and genuine career progression opportunities, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported. Our collaborative and respectful work culture, combined with a commitment to person-centred care, makes Oaklands an exceptional place to build a meaningful career in the care sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Assistant Days in Southampton
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Oaklands Rest Home for the Care Assistant Days role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Care Assistant Days in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Oaklands Rest Home, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Oaklands Rest Home, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oaklands Rest Home
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Oaklands Rest Home.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Oaklands Rest Home appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Oaklands Rest Home supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
