Care Assistants and Support Workers provide essential personal care and support to individuals, primarily elderly adults, those with long-term physical disabilities, and adults with learning disabilities, enabling them to live as independently as possible in their own homes or within the community.

This includes assisting with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, meal preparation, medication administration, maintaining their home environment through light domestic duties, accessing the community for social visits and appointments, and providing companionship.

The role is centred on promoting the dignity, privacy, and wellbeing of the service user.

New Care Assistants and Support Workers typically receive full induction training, meaning no previous experience is necessary. Many employers offer ongoing training, including refresher courses.

Opportunities are often provided to gain formal qualifications such as the Care Certificate and potentially progress to a Level 2 or 3 Health and Social Care Diploma.

Some employers also provide access to industry-leading career development pathways and internal promotion opportunities.

Care Assistant and Support Worker roles often offer flexible working hours to suit different lifestyles. This can include options for full-time and part-time work, as well as shifts covering days, evenings, weekends, nights, and sleepovers/waking nights.

Some roles also offer guaranteed hours for job security, and relief worker positions are available for those with other commitments who wish to work based on their availability.

Benefits packages vary by employer but commonly include competitive hourly pay rates, sometimes with enhanced rates for bank holidays. Other benefits can include paid holiday entitlement, company pension schemes, paid induction training, paid mileage for travel between visits, free uniform and mobile phone, and payment for DBS checks.

Some employers also offer joining bonuses or vouchers, refer-a-friend schemes, wellness programmes, and access to discount platforms or schemes like the Blue Light Card.

While not always essential, a driving license and access to one's own vehicle are often preferred or required for Care Assistant roles, particularly for those involving travel between clients' homes in various service areas.

Some employers reimburse mileage to help cover travel costs.

Care providers emphasize a supportive working environment. This includes support from friendly office teams, access to ongoing training and professional development, and often a focus on staff well-being through resources such as employee assistance programmes, mental health first aiders, and healthcare cash plans.

Team collaboration is also highlighted as a key aspect of the work environment.

Employers consistently look for individuals who are caring, have a genuine desire to help others, and demonstrate empathy. Reliability and a flexible approach to working hours are also crucial.

A commitment to a person-centred approach and the ability to respect service users' dignity, confidentiality, and privacy are fundamental to the role.

Yes, an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) or PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check is typically required for these roles. Employers often cover the cost of this check.

Two suitable references are also usually requested.