Senior Care Assistant – Dementia Care

The Prestige Group; Rookhope; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate £13.88

Induction and dementia training

Funded qualifications route

Workplace pension

Free uniform

Employee assistance programme

Free DBS check

Supportive management team

Job summary

West Lodge Care Home is seeking a confident Senior Care Assistant to lead the care team on shift in our dementia-focused home. You will deliver compassionate, person-centred care while guiding staff and ensuring residents feel safe, valued and at home.

You will supervise a 12-hour shift, administer medicines safely, write and update care plans, support distressed residents, liaise with families and provide clear handovers, mentoring junior carers along the way.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (or willingness to work towards it).
• Confidence leading a team and organising a shift.
• Medication training, or willingness to train.
• Good understanding of person-centred care, safeguarding and the Mental Capacity Act.
• Patience, empathy and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the care team on shift, allocating work and acting as a role model for good dementia care
• Administer medicines safely and accurately, and keep medication records up to date
• Write, review and update person-centred care plans and risk assessments, including life stories and preferences
• Support residents who are distressed, understanding what they may be communicating and using calm, non-restrictive approaches
• Monitor residents’ health, nutrition, hydration, skin and wellbeing, and elevate concerns to GPs, district nurses or other professionals
• Liaise with families, keeping them informed and involved
• Give clear handovers and keep accurate records
• Support, mentor and supervise care assistants, including new starters
• Promote meaningful activity, independence and choice throughout the day
• Follow safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act and DoLS, infection prevention and health and safety procedures

Skills

Team leadership

Compassionate care

Medication administration

Communication skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care

Job description

Senior Care Assistant - Dementia Care

Are you a carer with a passion for dementia care, ready to lead a team? West Lodge Care Home is a 60-bedroom home specialising in dementia care. We’re looking for a confident, compassionate Senior Care Assistant to lead shifts, support our care team and make sure every resident receives warm, person-centred care that helps them feel safe, valued and at home.

About the role

As a Senior Care Assistant, you will lead the care team on shift. You will combine hands-on care with leadership, making sure residents living with dementia are supported with kindness, patience and understanding. You will work 12 hour shifts.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the care team on shift, allocating work and acting as a role model for good dementia care
• Administer medicines safely and accurately, and keep medication records up to date
• Write, review and update person-centred care plans and risk assessments, including life stories and preferences
• Support residents who are distressed, understanding what they may be communicating and using calm, non-restrictive approaches
• Monitor residents’ health, nutrition, hydration, skin and wellbeing, and elevate concerns to GPs, district nurses or other professionals
• Liaise with families, keeping them informed and involved
• Give clear handovers and keep accurate records
• Support, mentor and supervise care assistants, including new starters
• Promote meaningful activity, independence and choice throughout the day
• Follow safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act and DoLS, infection prevention and health and safety procedures

About you

Essential

• Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards it
• Confidence leading a team and organising a shift
• Medication training, or willingness to train
• Good understanding of person-centred care, safeguarding and the Mental Capacity Act
• Patience, empathy and excellent communication skills

Desirable

• Dementia care training or qualification

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £13.88
• Full paid induction, medication training and specialist dementia training
• Funded qualifications and a clear route to Team Leader, Deputy Manager or Associate Practitioner roles
• Workplace pension scheme
• Free uniform
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Free DBS check
• A supportive management team

Flexible Bank Opportunities Available

In addition to this vacancy, we are also looking for dedicated colleagues to join our Bank team. Bank staff work flexible shifts across our care homes, helping provide high-quality care when extra support is needed. This is ideal for anyone seeking flexible hours and the opportunity to work across different locations.

West Lodge Care Home is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we care for. The successful candidate will need an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.