Job Purpose
The Senior Care Assistant is responsible for providing high-quality, person-centred care and support to residents, while acting as a senior member of the care team. The role involves supporting residents with their daily living needs, promoting dignity, independence, choice and wellbeing, and ensuring that care is delivered safely and in accordance with individual care plans, policies and procedures.
The Senior Care Assistant will also provide leadership and guidance to care assistants on shift and will work closely with the management team, healthcare professionals, residents and their families.
Key ResponsibilitiesPerson-Centred Care
- Provide compassionate, respectful and person-centred care to all residents.
- Support residents with personal care, washing, dressing, continence care, nutrition, hydration and mobility.
- Promote residents' independence and encourage them to make their own choices wherever possible.
- Respect residents' privacy, dignity, cultural preferences and individual routines.
- Develop positive and professional relationships with residents, relatives and colleagues.
- Recognise and report any changes in a resident's physical, emotional or mental wellbeing.
Care Plans and Documentation
- Read and understand all residents' current care plans before providing care.
- Update and review care plans regularly to ensure they accurately reflect residents' current needs, preferences, risks and abilities.
- Record changes in residents' needs and ensure relevant information is communicated to the management team.
- Contribute to reviews of care plans following changes in health, mobility, behaviour, medication or personal circumstances.
- Ensure daily records, charts, monitoring documents and other care documentation are completed accurately and promptly.
- Ensure all documentation is factual, professional, legible and completed in accordance with company procedures.
- Escalate any concerns regarding inaccurate, missing or outdated care plan information.
Medication
- Administer medication safely and appropriately in accordance with residents' prescriptions, MAR charts, medication policies and training.
- Complete medication administration records accurately and immediately after administration.
- Check medication carefully before administration and follow the required medication checks.
- Safely administer prescribed medication, including where trained and authorised to administer PRN medication.
- Monitor residents for any changes or concerns following medication administration and report these appropriately.
- Ensure medication errors, omissions, refusals or other concerns are reported immediately to the senior/manager in accordance with company procedures.
- Maintain safe medication practices and ensure medication is stored and handled appropriately.
- Participate in medication audits and stock checks when required.
- Never administer medication outside of training, competency or authorisation.
Leadership and Supervision
- Act as a senior member of staff and provide support and guidance to Care Assistants during shifts.
- Allocate duties appropriately and ensure required care tasks are completed.
- Monitor the quality of care being delivered by the care team.
- Lead by example and maintain high standards of professionalism and conduct.
- Support new staff members and assist with induction and workplace training.
- Escalate staffing, performance, safeguarding or care concerns to the Deputy Manager or Home Manager.
- Provide clear and effective handovers between shifts.
Safeguarding
- Understand and follow safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Report any suspected abuse, neglect, unexplained injuries or concerns immediately to the appropriate senior or manager.
- Maintain professional boundaries with residents and their families.
- Ensure residents are protected from avoidable harm and receive safe and respectful care.
- Complete safeguarding documentation accurately when required.
Health, Safety and Infection Control
- Follow all health and safety, infection prevention and control procedures.
- Use appropriate PPE when required.
- Maintain a clean, safe and comfortable environment for residents.
- Report hazards, accidents, incidents, equipment faults and environmental concerns promptly.
- Follow moving and handling procedures and use equipment safely.
- Support emergency procedures when required.
Communication
- Communicate effectively with residents, relatives, colleagues, healthcare professionals and other visitors.
- Attend and contribute to handovers, meetings, supervisions and training.
- Ensure important information is communicated promptly to the appropriate person.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times and comply with data protection requirements.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Experience working in a care setting.
- Good understanding of person-centred care.
- Ability to communicate effectively with residents and colleagues.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and health and safety.
- Willingness to undertake mandatory training and maintain competency.
- Ability to complete accurate care documentation.
- Ability to demonstrate professionalism, compassion and reliability.
Desirable:
- Previous experience working in a senior care role.
- Experience with medication administration.
- Experience updating and reviewing care plans.
- Knowledge of dementia care and supporting residents with complex needs.
Personal Qualities
The successful candidate should be:
- Compassionate and caring.
- Patient and understanding.
- Reliable and responsible.
- Professional and approachable.
- Respectful of residents' choices and individuality.
- Able to remain calm under pressure.
- A good communicator and team player.
- Willing to take responsibility and demonstrate leadership.
- Committed to maintaining high standards of care.
Accountability
The Senior Care Assistant is accountable to the Deputy Manager and Home Manager and is expected to work within the policies, procedures and standards of Hawthorn Manor Residential Care Home.
The post holder must understand that they have a responsibility to raise concerns immediately where there are risks to residents' safety, wellbeing, dignity or quality of care.
Pay: £13.20 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
