Night Health Care Assistant in Dorchester

Salary £13.50 per hour (days), £14.50 per hour (nights). Overtime additional £1 per hour.

Work Pattern:

• Day shifts: 8am‑8pm (long‑day), 8am‑2pm (morning) or 2pm‑8pm (afternoon)
• Night shift: 8pm‑8am
• Early Bird shifts and Twilight shifts: 7am‑2pm and 4pm‑10pm

Current requirements:

• Night Care Assistant x 2: 42 hours per week (3 nights one week and 4 nights the next)
• Hourly rate: £14.50
• Option to pick up additional hours at both homes for an enhanced rate.
• Shifts may change to meet the needs of the home.

Job Description:

Located in the heart of Dorchester, this small and friendly residential care home is set within a beautifully converted Victorian house overlooking Borough Gardens. It offers personalised care and support for up to 23 residents in a warm, homely environment. Residents enjoy comfortable communal spaces, private bedrooms they can personalise, a peaceful garden with an all‑weather awning, and a varied activity programme led by two dedicated co‑ordinators. Fresh, nutritious meals are prepared daily onsite, with snacks and refreshments always available.

Job Overview:

Your role will be varied and will require you to respond to each individual's needs, acting in their best interests, following care plans and taking the time to get to know residents' needs and preferences well so that high standards of care can be delivered. The care home is the resident's home, so you will need to be mindful of this and prioritise the residents and their loved ones' needs. You will need to participate in regular training and behave in a professional and friendly manner towards other staff and visitors, embodying the company’s values and standards in all you do.

Duties:

• Assisting residents with personal care tasks, including bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting, while respecting their dignity and independence.
• Supporting residents with medication administration as per their individual care plans and ensuring compliance with medication protocols.
• Safeguarding the residents and treating them with dignity and respect in all that you do.
• Assisting residents during mealtimes, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition and hydration.
• Collaborating with the in‑house chef to accommodate residents' dietary preferences and restrictions.
• Facilitating social activities and events for residents, encouraging participation and promoting a sense of community within the care home.
• Liaising with healthcare professionals to coordinate and communicate with local GPs, hairdressers, chiropodists and others to ensure residents' holistic well‑being.
• Liaising with families and friends of the residents, ensuring they are welcomed, supported and appropriately included in their loved one’s care.
• Providing emotional support and companionship to residents, fostering meaningful relationships and addressing their psychosocial needs.
• Promoting the well‑being and independence of residents, encouraging participation in social activities, outings and therapeutic interventions.
• Promoting a safe and hygienic environment for residents and staff, adhering to health and safety regulations and infection control procedures.
• Accurately documenting residents' care activities, observations and any changes in their condition, in accordance with care home policies and procedures.
• Maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge and understanding of latest care legislation and guidance.
• Participating in mandatory and other training as required.
• Following company policies and procedures.
• Representing the home in a professional manner.

This is not an exhaustive list; other duties and responsibilities may be required from time to time which are within your capability or skill set.

Requirements:

• Previous experience in a similar role within the care sector.
• A compassionate and empathic approach towards elderly residents and their families.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with residents and colleagues.
• Basic understanding of health and safety regulations and infection control practices.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends.
• This role involves working around vulnerable people; therefore the employer may require you to undergo a DBS check and provide self‑disclosure information.
• Applicants must be aged 18 or over.

We are committed to being an equal opportunities company and will consider all applicants fairly and free from prejudice or discrimination.

Technical Skills:

• Previous experience in a care setting.
• Compassionate, empathetic and resident‑focused approach.
• Good communication and team‑working skills.
• Awareness of health & safety and infection control.
• Ability to work independently and flexibly across various shifts.
• Willingness to undergo a DBS check.