About the Role
<p><b>Home Care Assistant</b></p>
<p><b>Location: Bedford</b></p>
<p><b>Salary: £13.45 – £13.95 per hour</b></p>
<p>Our client, Bedford Citizens Housing Association, BCHA, is a housing and care provider in Bedford. They are committed to providing high quality care, support and housing in Bedford. They have wide range of stock including a registered care home, extra care housing, sheltered housing and general needs housing.</p>
<p>They are currently looking for Home Care Assistants to provide care and support to tenants in their own homes at Oak Way House Extra Care Scheme.</p>
<p>They offer fixed contracted hours with shifts scheduled 4 weeks in advance. Shifts take place between 07:45 and 22:30, Monday to Sunday, with a requirement to work one weekend in two.</p>
<p>To work as part of the team providing personal care and support for tenants in a way that ensures they retain independence. To be responsible, when trained, for the administration of drugs medication, when required. To develop a strong understanding of the individual needs of tenants and build strong positive lasting relationship. To comply with the standards required by the Care Quality Commission and BCHA.</p>
<p>To provide additional support services as required.</p>
<p>In return they offer a great working environment in new purpose built building, a friendly team and the ability to make a significant positive contribution to the lives of their residents. In addition, with a wide range of benefits to employees:</p>
<ul>
<li>Generous annual leave starting at 28 days</li>
<li>Travel expenses</li>
<li>Free onsite car parking</li>
<li> Contributory salary sacrifice pension scheme</li>
<li>Free life assurance cover</li>
<li> Ongoing training and development programmes</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Main Purpose of the role:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>To work as part of the team providing personal care and support to tenants of BCHA schemes.</li>
<li>To support and care for tenants in a way that ensures they retain independence.</li>
<li> To be responsible, when trained, for the administration of drugs medication, when required.</li>
<li> To comply with the standards required by the Care Quality Commission and BCHA.</li>
<li> To deliver a service that enable tenants to remain independent.</li>
<li> To provide additional support services as required.</li>
<li> To develop a strong understanding of the individual needs of tenants.</li>
<li> To build strong positive lasting relationship with tenants.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Main duties and responsibilities:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>To assist tenants according to their planned care needs and in accordance with their wishes with personal care including washing, toileting, dressing, undressing, continence control and at mealtimes.</li>
<li>After training, to use equipment provided for moving and handling tenants correctly.</li>
<li>To treat all tenants with dignity and respect at all times.</li>
<li>To be responsible, when trained and required, for the administration and safe handling of medication.</li>
<li>To maintain accurate and comprehensive Care Plan Records in accordance with your responsibilities and instructions.</li>
<li>To attend handover meetings.</li>
<li>Following training act within the legal and regulatory requirements covering care services, including: Care Standards Act, Health & Safety requirements, Fire Regulations.</li>
<li>Demonstrate an up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding of vulnerable adults requirements and work within these guidelines at all times.</li>
<li>To be aware of, and comply with, Bedford Citizens' Housing Association's Policies and Procedures.</li>
<li>Ensure that interactions with customers are warm and professional and to any questions received from customers, referring to a Manager any questions which you are unable to answer.</li>
<li>Assist with duties such as catering or housekeeping when required.</li>
<li>To undertake training as required to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the role.</li>
</ul>
<p>Any other duties or variations to the above duties that may be reasonably required by BCHA from time to time.</p>
<p><b>Essential Competencies</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of older people</li>
<li>Willingness to undertake the required training to achieve a NVQ Level 2 in Care</li>
<li>Good written and verbal communication skills</li>
<li>Strong team player</li>
<li>Good customer care skills</li>
<li>Trained in the administration and safe handling of medication</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Desirable Competencies</b></p>
<ul>
<li>NVQ Level 2 in Care</li>
<li>Trained in the administration and safe handling of medication</li>
<li>Experience of working in a care environment</li>
<li>An understanding of Health & Safety</li>
</ul>