Apprentice Care Assistant – Garden House

Bristol, Somerset
St Monica Trust

Working 30 hours per week, including study time in accordance with your apprenticeship requirements. £10.50 basic per hour, plus enhancements (where applicable). Normal shift patterns include 07:00 – 14:30 and 14:00-21:30 Monday – Sunday.

What can you expect from an apprenticeship?

• Support to develop your career in your chosen field.
• Gain a level 2 qualification whilst earning and learning.
• After your induction you will be working 30 hours per week with protected time to complete apprenticeship work.
• Support from your team, line manager and the Apprentice Work Placement Lead and apprenticeship provider.

What will you learn?

• You will not only learn the technical aspects of the job, but you will also come away with the experience of working in an authentic working environment. You will meet people with a range of experiences and backgrounds.
• We believe that you will learn as much as you put in, so we encourage you to move out of your comfort zone and try out new experiences on offer.

What could it lead to?

• While not guaranteed, the apprenticeship may lead to a permanent position with St Monica Trust after completion of your apprenticeship.
• A qualification that you can use to support other work opportunities or progression within the health & social care sector.
• Further education experience on your CV.
• The opportunity to develop your career with a well-established and high-profile employer in the South West.

Key Outcomes/Results:

• Contribute to delivering of day-to-day holistic care for residents and meeting their unique needs. Duties include (but not exclusive to): personal care; assisting with mobility needs; medications (as appropriate to role); infection control; supporting residents with dementia, and end of life care; changing bed linen, sorting laundry, safe disposal of clinical waste, manage stock levels and equipment such as wheelchairs.
• Learn and develop an understanding of people living with dementia and other mental and physical health issues.
• Build strong relationships with the team and colleagues from different departments.
• Learn and develop understanding of food nutrition. Assist with food choices, serving drinks and assisting with eating/drinking.
• Accurate maintenance of records relating to care and regulatory needs.
• Attend and learn from handovers, team meetings and supervisions.

Skills and Qualifications:

Essential:

• Punctuality and professionalism.
• Caring and compassionate nature.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
• Patience and understanding.
• Willingness to undergo relevant training and development.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the care provided.
• Understanding the importance of reliability in a care setting.

Desirable:

• Awareness of older people’s needs and some understanding of dementia.
• Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent). This is only desirable, functional skills will be included as part of your apprenticeship if required.
• Confident with using IT and possess a basic understanding of Microsoft Word/Outlook (e-mail).

Communication Skills

• Write notes and messages. Records information as trained.
• Communicate with people with differing communication needs.
• Understand and follow instructions and procedures.

Thinking Style

• Structures tasks/activities.
• Refers appropriate decisions to line manager.
• Challenge, or suggest new ways of working, to promote the efficiency of the unit or team.

Working with Others

• Works effectively as part of a team.
• Build relationships of trust with others (team, residents and their family & friends).
• Works effectively as part of a team.
• Build relationships of trust with others (team, residents and their family & friends).
• Potential exposure to challenging, physical or emotional situations.

Well-being and Values

• Aware of cultural and individual differences in all interactions and service areas.
• Demonstrate interest, care and attention.
• Create a positive impression.
• Promptly respond to or refer to team leader/line manager issues of residents or colleagues’ health or well-being.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment – reporting faults, repairs or hazards through appropriate channels.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. If you possess the necessary qualities and are interested in this rewarding role, we would love to hear from you.

The role

As a Care Assistant, you get to support and deliver care to our residents, by assisting them with their daily needs. Building strong relationships is the key in this role, supporting their health and well-being.

Training and development

You will get all the support and training needed to, if you wish, become a Senior Care Assistant and to work under guidance from our Registered Nurses, carrying out more complex care activities, as well as taking more responsibility for residents around the home.