New Year, new career? Chance to drop-in to find out more

DEVON residents whose New Year’s resolution is to find a new community-based vocation are being invited to consider a career in care by a leading care provider in the county (January 2020).

Guardian Homecare wants to hear from kind, honest and reliable people who are considering making a career for themselves in the care industry and would like to find out more.

Catherine Porter, Manager for the care provider, which operates in the  Exeter area, explains: “The New Year is the opportune time for anyone wanting to make a career change to finally bite the bullet and do it. To help anyone interested in finding out more about a career in care we’re hosting drop-in days in January during normal office hours, so people can pop-in for an informal chat.

“We offer fantastic training and the opportunity for internal advancement. Anyone who joins us is not only getting a new job, they are creating a career path with the different qualifications they can achieve and a vocation for themselves thanks to the very rewarding work they will be carrying out.

“No experience is necessary to become a carer, as we offer free, full training, which includes a company induction, first aid, information on dementia, health and safety, food safety, infection control, handling medication and moving and handling service users, with the opportunity to achieve industry-recognised qualifications after the initial six months probationary period.

“New recruits are given free uniforms, access to national staff discount scheme for all major brands as well as 28 days paid holiday, paid travel between calls and paid mileage.”

Guardian Homecare delivers personalised home care supporting people wishing to stay living safely and comfortably in their own homes in Devon.

Guardian Homecare Carer, Lucy Chalk is relatively new to the care industry having moved to the sector after spending 16 years working in childcare and nursery management. She has transferred pre-existing skills gained from her other career to her new role and has also completed a care certificate.

She says: “I am privileged daily to assist people with a wide range of tasks inside and outside of their homes. It is an incredibly rewarding career where I am able to make a real difference. Depending on the service user’s preferences and needs, every day and every task varies.

“I help with all sorts of things from carrying out practical tasks, such as shopping, housework or laundry, to assisting with a service user’s intimate care or personal support needs. This assistance is invaluable, as it enables them to maintain their independence in their own homes.

“It works wonderfully around my home/family life providing me with a good work life balance. The key qualities I think people need for this job include being respectful, reliable, patient, caring and empathetic.”

Anyone interested in a position at Guardian Homecare should call 01803 853198 to request an application pack or drop in at its Drew Street branch in Brixham in January during normal office hours for an informal chat.

Catherine adds: “Being dependable is key to this role as people will be looking after the needs of vulnerable adults. Applicants also need to be even tempered and caring and must enjoy making a positive difference to people’s lives.  

“Being patient, able to cope with change and having the ability to display empathy and warmth are also essential.”

Guardian Homecare currently employs 140 carers and is looking for 100 new honest and kind-hearted individuals in January to help add to its teams in the county.

“We’re committed to up-skilling our workforce. Being a carer is a highly skilled, professional vocational occupation that is essential to the fabric of our society. We’re searching for people who are looking for a long-term career as care is a rapidly expanding sector and there is work in the area for many years to come.

“We provide the chance for our staff to obtain professional qualifications up to Level 5 in health and social care. It is a great opportunity for people to achieve a recognised qualification and they’ll also be able to have access to exclusive discounts online and in-store from retailers including Tesco, Primark and Argos, and also covers holidays and electrical goods.

“We also offer flexible working hours, both full and part-time, as well as competitive wages, generous holiday allocation and a refer a friend scheme.

Anyone wishing to find out more about Guardian Homecare and career in care, should  visit www.guardianhomecare.org.uk.