Care Assistant

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

**JOB TITLE**:Care Assistant

**REPORTING TO**:Qualified Nursing Staff (Nursing Care Home)

Deputy Home Manager / Senior Care Assistant (Residential Care Home)

**JOB PURPOSE**:To assist in the provision of care and work as part of a team to achieve required standards.

To ensure People retain their dignity and individuality. To be involved in the general activities of the Care Home / Unit.

**SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS**

**Required**:

- Genuine interest in working within a caring environment
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
- Team player
- Willingness to participate in Vocational Training Programmes
- Satisfactory Police Check and check against the POVA List (where applicable)

**Desired**:

- Relevant Vocational Qualification (achieved / working towards)
- Experience of working with the relevant Client group

**MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES**

Care:

- Ensure the highest possible levels of care are maintained by supporting/assisting People in our Care, when required, with washing, toileting, dressing, undressing, and all other aspects of daily living.
- Assist People in all aspects of their care needs (e.g. physical, emotional and spiritual). Provide attention when needed, whilst ensuring People retain their comfort and dignity.
- Pay particular attention to assisting People who have limited mobility, or physical / learning difficulties, making the best use of aids provided.
- Closely monitor People who may be confused and / or who have behavioural problems.
- Assist in the promotion of continence.
- Assist in the delivery of care for People who are dying or who have a progressive illness. Assist with last offices.
- Observe care planning needs for People and complete written daily records as instructed and in line with the Company’s policies and procedures.
- Assist in framework of social activities by interacting with People and helping them continue with hobbies and activities in the Care Home.
- Answer Nursecall system, giving assistance as required. Answer the door and telephone appropriately. Respond accordingly, and pass on messages promptly.
- Under the supervision and guidance of senior Care Staff, report on the well-being of People.
- Carry out regular checks on People at intervals determined by senior Staff Members.
- Make Visitors feel welcome. Provide refreshments/assistance as and when required.
- Make and change beds, ensuring that rooms are clean and tidy, and commodes are empty, in line with the Care Home’s disposal of waste policy. Ensure the Care Home’s resources are used appropriately.
- Clean and maintain equipment used by People / Relatives e.g. wheelchairs, hearing aids, spectacles etc. Ensure the Care Home is kept clean and tidy, in line with the Company’s attention to detail philosophy.
- If applicable, care for People’s clothing and rooms as named, and ensure that all clothing is recorded and clearly marked.
- Ensure full privacy and dignity is maintained for the dying and the bereaved, in line with the Company’s policies and procedures.
- Assist People who need help during meal times (be aware of swallowing difficulties, dietary requirements etc). Assist with serving of food / drinks as requested / required. Set and clear tables and trays. Wash up as requested / required.
- Escort People travelling to and from the Care Home e.g. on social outings, hospital visits etc.
- Practice maximum integrity in all dealings with People's personal and financial affairs, and avoid abuse of the privileged relationship that exists with People.
- Assist where needed in the rearrangement of people’s bedrooms moving furniture, beds etc having due regard for safe moving and handling techniques at all times.

Communication:

- Participate in Staff and Client meetings as and when required.

Training and Development:

- Maintain professional knowledge and competence.
- Attend mandatory training days/courses, on or off site, as and when required.
- Participate in relevant N/SVQ training to achieve required qualifications.

Health and Safety:

- Report immediately to the Home Manager, or Person in Charge, any illness of an infectious nature or accident incurred by a Person in our Care, colleague, self or another.
- Understand, and ensure the implementation of, the Care Home’s Health and Safety policy, and Emergency and Fire procedures.
- Report to the Home Manager, or the Handyperson, any faulty appliances, damaged furniture, equipment or any potential hazard.
- Promote safe working practice within the Care Home. General:

- Promote and ensure the good reputation of the Care Home.
- Ensure that all information of confidential nature gained in the course of duty is not divulged to third parties.
- Notify the Home Manager, or the Person in Charge, as soon as possible (but no less than 2 hours before the start of your shift) of your inability to report for duty, and also on your return to work from all periods of absence.
- Ensure the security of t