Senior Care Assistant

The Priory Care Home; Chippenham; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Senior pay

Qualifications support

Career progression

Mentoring

Bank holiday pay

Pension scheme

Uniform & DBS

Warm team

Job summary

The Priory Care Home in Chippenham, Wiltshire, is seeking a Senior Care Assistant to lead the care team on shift, ensuring personalised, person-centred care for residents while supporting junior staff and maintaining high standards.

You will work with families, contribute to care planning, and have access to training including medication administration. NVQ Level 3 and 2 years' experience are desired; progression to Deputy Manager is offered in a supportive, close-knit team.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, or working towards it.
• Minimum 2 years of care experience.
• Medication training is beneficial but can be completed after joining.

Responsibilities

• Lead the care team on shift and be the first point of contact for residents and families.
• Supervise and mentor Care Assistants, providing guidance and support.
• Contribute to care planning, risk assessments and reviews.
• Administer medication safely and accurately in line with training and protocols.
• Maintain detailed, accurate care records and care plans.
• Ensure CQC standards and regulatory requirements are upheld on shift.
• Liaise with families, GPs and healthcare professionals.
• Respond to changes in residents’ condition appropriately.

Skills

NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care

2+ years care experience

Leadership on shifts

Medication administration training

Communication skills

Enhanced DBS

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

Senior Care Assistant Jobs in Chippenham, Wiltshire

Lead with confidence at The Priory Care Home — one of Wiltshire’s most respected care homes. A senior role with real career progression, competitive pay, and a genuinely supportive team.

Full Time Senior Pay Band Career Progression NVQ Level 3 Support

About The Priory Care Home, Chippenham

The Priory Care Home is a privately owned residential care home in Chippenham, Wiltshire, providing high-quality care for up to 23 residents. Set in a beautiful Grade II listed Edwardian building on Greenway Lane, our home has been a trusted part of the Chippenham community for over a century.

We are proud to be one of the highest-rated care homes in Wiltshire — CQC registered, award-winning, and consistently praised for the quality of our care and the warmth of our team. For us, every member of staff is a key part of what makes The Priory special.

The Senior Care Assistant Role

As a Senior Care Assistant at The Priory, you will take a confident lead role on shift, guiding and supporting the care team while maintaining the highest standards of personalised, person-centred care for our residents. This is an excellent opportunity to grow into care leadership in a warm, supportive environment.

You will work closely with our care team, contribute to care planning, liaise with residents’ families, and serve as a positive role model for junior staff. Medication training is provided for candidates who are not already trained.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the care team on shift and act as first point of contact for residents, families and visiting professionals
• Supervise and mentor Care Assistants, providing guidance and support
• Contribute to care planning, risk assessments and reviews
• Administer medication safely and accurately in line with training and protocols
• Maintain detailed, accurate care records and care plans
• Ensure all CQC standards and regulatory requirements are upheld on shift
• Liaise professionally with families, GPs and healthcare professionals
• Respond to and elevate any changes in residents’ condition appropriately

What We Are Looking For

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or working towards)
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a care setting
• Experience leading shifts or mentoring colleagues
• Medication administration training (or willingness to complete)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Caring, professional and reliable manner
• Enhanced DBS (cost covered by The Priory)

What We Offer

• Competitive senior hourly pay rate
• Support towards further qualifications including NVQ Level 4 and 5
• Clear progression pathway to Deputy Manager
• Mentoring and leadership development support
• Enhanced bank holiday pay
• Company pension scheme
• Uniform and free DBS check provided
• Warm, close-knit team where your leadership is genuinely valued

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need?

We look for NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, or candidates actively working towards it. Minimum 2 years of care experience is required. Medication training is beneficial but can be completed once in post.

What shift patterns are available?

We operate both day and night shifts. Shift patterns will be discussed at interview depending on current team requirements and your availability.

Is there progression beyond Senior Care Assistant?

Yes. Many of our management team progressed from Senior Care Assistant roles. We actively support progression to Deputy Manager and beyond through mentoring and funded qualifications.

How is The Priory rated by CQC?

The Priory Care Home is registered with and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). We hold a rating of Good across the five key assessment areas.

See All Vacancies at The Priory

Care Assistant, Kitchen, Activities and Housekeeping roles also available at our Chippenham care home.