Relief Care Assistant

McCarthy Stone; Bedford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate with unsocial‑

Company pension and life assurance

Discounted stays in McCarthy Stone–ap履

24/7 counselling and wellbeing support

Exclusive employee discounts platform

Job summary

McCarthy Stone in Bedford is seeking a Relief Care Assistant to provide high-quality, person-centred care at Oakhill Place, a Retirement Living PLUS development. You will support residents in a single location, with no travel between clients, in a warm, respectful environment.

You’ll work a mix of early and late shifts, including alternate weekends, and receive paid training. The role offers competitive hourly pay (£13.26–£14.56) with enhancements for unsocial hours, a pension plan, life

Qualifications

• Warm, friendly, and passionate about supporting older adults.
• A team player who is reliable and willing to learn.
• Over 18 years old and preferably able to drive but not essential.
• Experience in care or a Health & Social Care Level 2 qualification is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Supporting residents with personal care and daily routines.
• Organising and joining in with activities
• Booking appointments and helping with practical tasks
• Escorting residents on outings and appointments
• Being a consistent, friendly presence in residents’ lives
• Light cleaning and domestic duties

Skills

Warm personality

Team player

Reliable

Willing to learn

Over 18

Education

Health & Social Care Level 2 qualification

Job description

The Vacancy

Looking for a Relief Care Assistant job in Bedford, Bedfordshire

Join McCarthy Stone as a Relief Care Assistant and enjoy a rewarding role based in just one modern location. No travelling between clients - just quality care in a beautiful environment. Whether you're experienced or just starting out, we'll support your journey.

Are you looking for a rewarding care role where all your clients are in one place - no travel between calls? Join Oakhill Place and make a genuine difference every day.

Oakhill Place

Oakhill Place is a Retirement Living PLUS development comprises of a mix one and two bedroom retirement apartments. Exclusive to the over 70s, it has some outstanding communal facilities, communal lounge and on-site restaurant.

You will be working a mix of early shifts, and late shifts, including alternate weekend.

Why You'll Love This Role

• No Travel Required - Work in one location with Oakhill Place, Bedford, Bedfordshire no community rounds
• Modern, Inspiring Workplace - A comfortable and welcoming place to work
• Competitive Pay - £13.26 per hour, up to £14.56 for some evening/weekend shifts*
• Paid Training - Learn on the job with full support
• Supportive Team - Be part of a compassionate, professional care team

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate with enhancements for unsocial hours
• Company pension and life assurance
• Discounted stays in McCarthy Stone apartments
• 24/7 counselling and wellbeing support
• Access to our exclusive employee discounts platform

What You'll Do

As a Relief Care Assistant, you’ll deliver high-quality, person-centred care. Your role will include:

• Supporting residents with personal care and daily routines
• Organising and joining in with activities
• Booking appointments and helping with practical tasks
• Escorting residents on outings and appointments
• Being a consistent, friendly presence in residents’ lives
• Light cleaning and domestic duties

About You

• Warm, friendly, and passionate about supporting older adults
• A team player who is reliable and willing to learn
• Over 18 years old and preferably able to drive but not essential.
• Experience in care or a Health & Social Care Level 2 qualification is beneficial but not required.

Please note: We can only consider applications from candidates currently living in the UK.

About Us

As the UK's leading developer and manager of retirement communities, we provide high quality homes to exacting specifications. As of January 2025, McCarthy Stone operates over 545 developments across the UK for more than 24,200 people.

We believe in championing the role, wellbeing, and happiness of older people in society. We help our customers have a better later life, so they feel more connected, recognised, and valued than ever. In late 2020 we launched the McCarthy Stone Charitable Foundation to support local causes that help older people in need across Britain.

We are proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work 2025 as well as making the Great Place to Work Wellbeing list!

The Benefits

• 24 days annual leave
• Pension plan
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance helpline
• Health screening
• Eyecare voucher scheme
• Long service award

Testimonials

"I enjoy working for McCarthy and Stone as a House Manager because I am very well supported in my Role by my manager. I am able to make the day to day decisions but always have immediate support on the rare times I need help. It's a breath of Fresh Air working for a focused dynamic company who know what they are trying to achieve with a team."

“Linda Diamond - House Manager”

“Only at McCarthy Stone can you start in the middle of a pandemic and feel at home within a couple of weeks ... it's all about our great people and how welcome they make you feel ... even if it was through a screen!”

“Andrea Waldron - Senior HR Business Partner”

“From my first week I felt like part of the team, everyone is helpful and pro-active, which is crucial in a fast paced environment. I've had the opportunity to work on some exciting projects, it's a very 'hands-on' approach here with plenty of opportunity to be involved and play a part in delivering developments.”

“Emily Bishop - Principal Planning Associate”

“Working for McCarthy Stone is a very fulfilling experience. The staff here are all empathetic and professional. Guiding people in purchasing an apartment, watching them settle in and make friends, and then watching them lead a happy and carefree retirement is very rewarding.”

“Caroline Craig‑cordel - Sales Consultant”

“I found it inspiring how working in McCarthy Stone gives you a chance to make so many people happier, every day. And what we do is so important to our homeowners! In my marketing career before I couldn't dream about customers sharing their thoughts about my campaigns, but here it happens all the time.”

“Stan Smolyar - Head of Brand”