Support Workers

companion homecare ltd; Preston; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Companion Homecare Ltd is seeking Support Workers to join our team, helping individuals stay safe, comfortable, and as independent as possible in their own homes and local community.

The role is varied and person-centred, with duties tailored to each person’s needs and choices, including personal care, meal prep, companionship and documentation. Training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Good communication and listening skills.
• Caring, patient and compassionate approach.
• Ability to follow care plans and risk assessments.
• Reliability and excellent timekeeping.
• Willingness to complete mandatory training.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with personal care such as washing, dressing and continence care.
• Provide medication support in line with care plans and MAR records.
• Assist with meal preparation and hydration.
• Offer companionship and emotional support to reduce loneliness.
• Encourage independence and assist with safe tasks.
• Assist with light household duties and maintain a clean environment.
• Support mobility and moving and handling as required.
• Encourage community access and attend appointments or activities.
• Observe and report changes in health or wellbeing.
• Complete accurate care records and adhere to safety policies.

Job description

We are looking for caring, reliable and compassionate Support Workers to join our team, supporting individuals to remain safe, comfortable and as independent as possible within their own homes and local community.

The role is varied and person-centred, with duties tailored to the individual needs and choices of each person we support.

Key duties may include:

Supporting individuals with personal care, including washing, bathing, showering, dressing, toileting and continence care, while maintaining dignity and privacy at all times.

Medication support, including prompting, assisting or administering medication in accordance with the individual's care plan, MAR records and company medication procedures.

Meal preparation, including preparing meals, snacks and drinks and encouraging adequate nutrition and hydration.

Providing companionship and emotional support, including conversation, reassurance and helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

Supporting individuals to maintain their independence and encouraging them to complete tasks they are able to do safely for themselves.

Assisting with light household duties where identified within the care plan, such as washing dishes, changing bedding and maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Supporting individuals with mobility and moving and handling, using appropriate equipment where required and following individual risk assessments and care plans.

Supporting individuals to access the local community, attend appointments, go shopping or participate in social activities where required.

Observing and reporting any changes in an individual's health, wellbeing or behaviour to the appropriate person.

Completing accurate and timely care records and documentation following each visit.

Following safeguarding, confidentiality, infection prevention, health and safety and other company policies and procedures.

Treating every individual with dignity, respect, kindness and compassion, recognising their individual choices, preferences, culture and wishes.

Previous care experience is beneficial but not always essential, as appropriate training and support can be provided. Applicants should be dependable, patient and genuinely committed to providing high-quality, person-centred care.

The role requires flexibility, reliability and the ability to work as part of a team while also working independently in the community.

We are looking for individuals who are caring, compassionate, reliable and committed to providing high-quality, person-centred support. Previous experience in health and social care is welcomed; however, it is not essential, as full training and ongoing support will be provided to suitable applicants.

Applicants should ideally demonstrate:

• Good communication and listening skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with service users, families, colleagues and other professionals.
• A caring, patient and compassionate approach, with a genuine desire to support vulnerable adults.
• An understanding of the importance of dignity, respect, choice, independence and confidentiality.
• Reliability and excellent timekeeping, as service users depend upon staff attending their scheduled care visits.
• The ability to follow care plans, risk assessments, medication procedures and company policies.
• Confidence in supporting with personal care, medication, meal preparation and companionship.
• Full training will be provided where required.
• The ability to recognise and report changes or concerns relating to a service user's health, wellbeing or safety.
• Good written skills to complete accurate care notes and records.
• The ability to work independently while also being an effective member of the wider care team.
• A flexible approach to working, including the ability to work agreed shifts, weekends and/or evenings where required.
• Previous experience within domiciliary care, community care, residential care or a similar support role would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Care Certificate and/or Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care is desirable but not essential.
• Willingness to complete all mandatory training and maintain training compliance throughout employment.
• Applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate Enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory employment references.
• Due to the community-based nature of the role, a full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle may be required depending on the area of work.

We welcome applications from both experienced Support Workers and people who are new to care.

The most important qualities are reliability, compassion, professionalism and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference to the people we support.