Companion (Older Adults)

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Winchester seeks a Companion for older adults to provide care and support. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living, engaging in activities, and enabling community access. No previous experience required as full training will be provided. Ideal candidates should have empathy, communication skills, and a genuine desire to help others.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Occupational sick pay

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Genuine desire to help others and make a positive difference.
• Ability to communicate clearly with residents and colleagues.
• Experience in care is not necessary, training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Support residents in daily living and enable access to the community.
• Help organise activities and promote independence.
• Build supportive relationships with residents and their families.

Skills

Empathy and compassion

Communication skills

Team player

Respect and patience

Passion and dedication

Job description

Companion (Older Adults)

Job Reference: HCC621856

Salary Range: £24,796 - £25,128 pro-rata, per annum (actual salary £16,082 - £16,298 per annum)

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 28 October 2025

The Role:

Within our older adults’ homes, we aim to create a warm and welcoming environment where our Companions can deliver the exceptional care our residents deserve. You’ll have the opportunity to shape your own role, providing support and companionship to our residents, working closely with individuals and groups to find out how you can support them best.

What you’ll do:

• Support with meaningful activities: Help organise and participate in a range of activities, encouraging physical, mental and social stimulation.
• Enable access to the community: Accompany residents to medical appointments, take them shopping, to the library, or other venues that interest them.
• Support daily living: Assist residents with nutrition, hydration and personal care, ensuring their comfort, wellbeing and safety.
• Promote independence: Encourage residents to make personal care choices and support their self-care and independence.
• Build relationships: Establish supportive connections with residents, their families, and colleagues.

What we’re looking for:

No experience necessary – we provide all the training you need to be a great Companion. What’s more important to us is that you have the right values, skills and motivations to provide high quality care.

• Passion and dedication: A genuine desire to help others and make a positive and lasting difference to their lives.
• Empathy and compassion: Understand and share the feelings of others to build trust and provide emotional support.
• Respect and patience: Treat residents with dignity and adapt to their individual needs calmly, even in challenging situations.
• Communication skills: Clear and effective communication with residents, families, and colleagues.
• Team player: Enjoy working closely with others to provide high-quality care.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Companion role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

• Rewarding work: Make a real difference in the lives of our residents and know that you can help improve the quality of life of others and make a lasting impact on the lives of those you care for.
• Supportive environment: Work in an inclusive, friendly, and collaborative team who feel proud of the work they do to support people in our community.
• Professional growth: We invest in your future. With ongoing development opportunities, you’ll have the chance to enhance your skills and advance your career in the care sector.
• Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive Benefits Package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

You’ll work 6-hour shifts between 10am – 4pm, across 4 days a week – giving you a great balance between work and personal time. Your working days will vary based on a scheduled rota, which we’ll share 3 months in advance so you can plan ahead with confidence. This role involves working alternative weekends and some bank holidays, for which enhancements are paid in line with the HCC salary policy.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Other job titles you may be searching for: Care Assistant, Carer, Customer Services, Care Giver, Disability Support Professional, Companionship Specialist, Family Care Coordinator, Personal Care Assistant.

Values Based Recruitment

We recruit for attitudes and values in Adults’ Health and Care. We invite you to evidence how you demonstrate our 5 core values in your application. For more information on our values, please refer to the candidate pack.

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.