Senior Care Assistant reference: R1198528

## Career Opportunity: Senior Care Assistant at Parkside Care Home

Are you an experienced and compassionate Care Assistant looking to advance your career and make a significant impact in a supportive environment? Parkside Care Home, a highly-rated facility in Reading, is seeking a dedicated Senior Care Assistant to join their established team. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking a permanent, full-time role with competitive pay and a strong emphasis on personal and professional development.

Why Choose Parkside Care Home?

Parkside Care Home offers a unique and rewarding work environment, renowned for its commitment to providing exceptional, person-centred care. With outstanding ratings from both the CQC and Carehome.co.uk (9.7/10), the home is recognized for its high standards and resident well-being. Nestled in a leafy, residential area, Parkside fosters a true community feel, making it an appealing place to work and live.

The home specializes in nursing, residential, short-stay recovery, respite, palliative, and Parkinson's care. The purpose-built facility is bright, spacious, and features well-maintained gardens, creating a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere. At Parkside, the core philosophy revolves around upholding resident dignity, respect, and independence, actively encouraging them to engage in activities, learn new skills, and maintain social connections. The inclusion of an onsite hairdresser and a visiting mobile library further enhances the quality of life for residents.

Your Role and Impact

As a Senior Care Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in the daily operations of a unit, contributing significantly to the well-being of residents and the development of your team. Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the smooth running of your designated unit on a day-to-day basis.
• Supporting nurses with essential clinical duties, including medication administration, observation, and care plan reviews.
• Maintaining accurate and comprehensive resident records.
• Leading, inspiring, and developing a team of Care Assistants, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, personal care.
• Facilitating shift handovers to ensure seamless continuity of care.
• Assisting with the training and supervision of new staff, fostering a welcoming and supportive onboarding experience.
• Building strong, trusting relationships with residents, their families, and external healthcare professionals such as GPs and District Nurses.
• Providing direct personal care to residents, always with kindness and respect.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Professional Development: Parkside is committed to your growth. They actively support staff in achieving or continuing their NVQ Level 3 in Care, offering further training in digital care practices and ongoing clinical and social care developments. You'll be surrounded by industry experts, providing invaluable learning opportunities.
• Leadership Experience: This role offers a fantastic opportunity to hone your leadership and management skills by guiding and mentoring a team of Care Assistants.
• Meaningful Impact: Directly contribute to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals, providing them with the dignity, respect, and personalized support they deserve.
• Supportive Environment: Work within a collaborative and caring team that values each member's contribution.
• Attractive Compensation and Benefits: A competitive hourly rate of £12.40 - £14.01 (depending on experience) for a 44-hour week. Beyond salary, Bupa offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your holistic well-being, including:
  • Viva Wellbeing Programme: A global initiative encompassing mental, physical, financial, social, and environmental well-being.
  • My Healthcare: 24/7 access to health support, including remote GP appointments, physiotherapy, and mental health services.
  • Annual Healthcare Allowance: Approximately £350 to spend on Bupa healthcare products.
  • Wagestream: Early access to up to 40% of your earned wages.
  • Generous Holiday Entitlement: 28 days of holiday.
  • Sick Pay Scheme: Additional support beyond statutory sick pay for frontline teams.
  • Long Service Rewards: Recognition and rewards for milestones.
  • Free Meals: Provided on every shift.
  • Travel Loan: Interest-free annual loan for public transport season tickets.
  • Pension Plans: Access to Bupa pension schemes.
  • Family Friendly Benefits: Including parental leave schemes.
  • Menopause Support Plan: Specific resources for women's health.
  • Gym and Fitness Discounts: Access to a wide range of facilities.
• Inclusive Culture: Bupa champions diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, actively supporting disabled applicants through their Level 2 Disability Confident Employer status.

Who You Are:

This role is ideal for an individual who:

• Holds or is working towards an NVQ Level 3 in Care (support will be provided if needed).
• Possesses strong motivation, a positive attitude, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Thrives in a close-knit team environment.
• Has previous experience in a similar care role, understanding its unique rewards and challenges.
• Demonstrates a genuine passion for making a difference in people's lives through kindness, personalized support, and upholding dignity.

This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to enriching lives. If you are driven, caring, and eager to grow your career in a respected care setting, Parkside Care Home and Bupa offer a truly fulfilling path.