Job Purpose
To provide high-quality, person-centred care to residents whilst taking a lead role during assigned shifts, supporting and supervising the care team, coordinating care activities and acting as a point of reference for junior staff. The Senior Care Assistant plays a key role in ensuring that care is delivered safely, compassionately and in line with each resident’s individual care plan.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Supervision on Shift
- Lead and supervise the care team during assigned shifts, providing direction, support and guidance to Care Assistants.
- Act as the key point of contact during the shift for residents, families and visiting professionals.
- Ensure effective handovers at the start and end of each shift, communicating accurately and concisely with the incoming team.
- Monitor the performance and practice of care staff during the shift, addressing concerns appropriately and escalating where necessary.
- Support the induction and on-the-job development of new and junior care staff.
2. Person-Centred Care Delivery
- Deliver high-quality, person-centred care that promotes the dignity, independence and wellbeing of each individual resident.
- Support residents with personal care, mobility, nutrition, hydration and all other activities of daily living in line with their individual care plans.
- Develop and maintain positive, therapeutic relationships with residents and their families, providing reassurance and emotional support.
- Act as a key worker for a designated group of residents, taking lead responsibility for their care planning and reviews.
3. Care Planning & Documentation
- Develop, implement and review individual care plans in collaboration with residents, their families and the wider care team.
- Maintain accurate, timely and person-centred care records in line with the home’s documentation standards and CQC requirements.
- Monitor residents’ health and wellbeing closely, identifying any changes or deterioration and escalating to the nurse or manager promptly.
- Contribute to risk assessments and ensure appropriate risk management measures are in place and reviewed regularly.
4. Medication Administration
- Administer medication safely and accurately in line with the home’s Medication Policy and your individual competency assessment.
- Maintain medication records accurately, reporting any errors, near misses or discrepancies immediately in line with the home’s incident reporting procedure.
- Support safe medication storage and ordering, flagging any stock concerns to the nurse or manager.
5. Communication & Multidisciplinary Working
- Liaise effectively with GPs, district nurses, allied health professionals and other external agencies regarding residents’ care needs.
- Communicate professionally and compassionately with residents’ families, responding to concerns and questions in a timely manner.
- Participate in and contribute to care reviews, team meetings and any relevant quality improvement activity.
Safeguarding & Professional Responsibilities
- Understand that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and act accordingly.
- Recognise and report any concerns relating to abuse, neglect or poor practice immediately, in line with the home’s safeguarding policy.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
- Promote dignity, respect and equality in all interactions with residents, families and colleagues.
Health & Safety
- Work in accordance with all Health and Safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
- Use equipment safely and only in line with the training and instruction received.
- Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards promptly and accurately.
- Follow infection prevention and control procedures at all times.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
- NVQ / QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care (Adults) — Essential.
- Medication Administration competency certificate (or willingness to complete this before commencing in a senior capacity) — Essential.
- Moving and Assisting qualification — Essential.
- Dementia awareness or specialist dementia training — Desirable.
Experience
- A minimum of two years’ experience working as a Care Assistant in a residential or nursing care environment — Essential.
- Previous experience in a senior, supervisory or lead care role is highly desirable.
- Experience of care planning, key working and record keeping in a care home environment.
Knowledge & Understanding
- Sound understanding of person-centred care principles and how to apply them in practice.
- Knowledge of CQC fundamental standards and the regulatory framework for adult social care.
- Understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and best interest decision-making.
- Good understanding of safeguarding adults legislation, policy and procedure.
Skills & Abilities
- Demonstrable ability to lead, motivate and support a care team during a shift.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to document care accurately.
- Ability to assess, prioritise and respond to changing resident needs calmly and effectively.
- Competent in the safe administration of medication.
Personal Attributes
- Compassionate, caring and genuinely committed to improving the lives of older adults.
- Calm, confident and decisive under pressure, with good problem-solving skills.
- Professional, approachable and a positive role model for junior staff.
- A strong sense of accountability and personal responsibility.
Pay: £13.25 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
