Care and Support Planner

Reports To:
Registered / Branch Manager

Location:
Cheltenham

Salary:
£ per annum

Hours:
full time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm

About Retain Healthcare
Retain Healthcare is a leading provider of high-quality, person-centred care services. We are committed to promoting independence, choice, and dignity for every individual we support. Our mission is to deliver compassionate care that helps people live safely and comfortably within their own homes and communities.

As an organisation, we are driven by compassion, professionalism, and innovation — delivering services that go beyond care to truly enrich lives.

Job Purpose
The
Care & Support Planner
plays a vital role in ensuring that care and support services are person-centred, safe, effective, and outcome-focused. You will be responsible for completing comprehensive assessments, developing personalised care and support plans, and conducting risk assessments in line with the
Care Quality Commission's (CQC) Single Assessment Framework.
Working both in the community and within the branch, you will collaborate closely with service users, their families, care staff, and external professionals to ensure that every plan reflects individual needs, wishes, and outcomes. You will also support care teams to understand and deliver care plans effectively, contributing to Retain Healthcare's aim of achieving an
"Outstanding"
rating with CQC.

Main Duties & Responsibilities
Person-Centred Planning & Assessment

• Conduct detailed assessments for new and existing customers to identify needs, preferences, and desired outcomes.
• Champion the use of technology enabled care solutions such as falls prevention devices, environmental monitoring and electronic medication management to improve outcomes and efficiency
• Develop and maintain individualised Support and Care Plans that promote independence, dignity, and wellbeing.
• Record all prescribed medication on the MARS chart in line with the latest prescription and support plan.
• Complete risk assessments and implement proportionate control measures to keep people safe.
• Review and update care plans regularly or when a change in circumstance occurs.
• Ensure all documentation is person-centred, outcome-focused, and aligned with the principles of "Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture."

Quality, Compliance & Governance

• Support the Registered / Branch Manager to ensure full compliance with the CQC's Single Assessment Framework and relevant legislation, including the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and the Care Act 2014.
• Ensure all records and plans are Person-Centred, accurate, complete, and stored securely in line with GDPR and data protection legislation.
• Participate in audits, spot checks, and internal quality reviews to maintain and improve standards.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement and service development initiatives.
• Promote and uphold Retain Healthcare's values, policies, and procedures at all times.

Team Support & Communication

• Work collaboratively with the care delivery team to ensure all staff understand and follow individual care and support plans.
• Provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback to care staff to promote excellence in care delivery.
• Act as a point of contact for customers, their families, and professionals regarding support planning and changes in care needs.
• Identify and report any safeguarding concerns promptly, following company safeguarding procedures.
• Assist with Rota management to ensure all customers are covered with the right staff and at the right time.
• Assist with training and competency development by identifying learning needs within the care team.
• Participate in on-call duties on a rota basis, ensuring continuity of service outside of office hours.

Administration & Record Keeping

• Maintain clear, accurate, and up-to-date documentation across all service user and office records.
• Ensure compliance with internal systems and digital care planning platforms.
• Manage workload effectively, prioritising assessments and reviews according to service needs.
• Uphold confidentiality and professional boundaries in all aspects of the role.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Essential

• Experience in care or support planning within a health or social care setting.
• Strong understanding of person-centred planning, safeguarding, and risk management.
• Knowledge of the CQC Single Assessment Framework, particularly the five key questions: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficient IT skills, including the use of care management software and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work autonomously while maintaining accountability and compliance.
• Minimum NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent) and a willingness to work towards Level 3.

Desirable

• Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• Experience with electronic care planning systems.
• Prior experience in a supervisory, senior carer, or coordinator role.
• Working knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and CQC's Quality Statements.

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate, empathetic, and committed to person-centred care.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented.
• Proactive, adaptable, and solution-focused.
• Professional, approachable, and supportive.
• Strong sense of integrity and accountability.
• Committed to continuous professional development and reflective practice.

Additional Information

• This role involves travel to customer homes so a driving licence is essential and may include participation in the on-call rota.
• Use of a pool car when available for client assessments
• An Enhanced DBS check is required.

Retain Offers:

• Join a dynamic, collaborative, and expanding team where your contributions are valued.
• Enjoy free parking and our commitment to helping you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• We invest in your future with training and competitive pay.
• Your birthday off and a company pension scheme.
• Access exclusive discounts via the Blue Light Card and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Staff events and company rewards.

Retain Healthcare Ltd and Retain Skills (South West) Ltd are an equal opportunities employer, offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS Check.