Open Positions

Position Summary

The Care Worker is responsible for delivering high-quality, person-centered care that enhances the well-being and independence of service users. This role requires strict compliance with regulatory, health, and safety standards, ensuring that all care practices align with CQC regulations, Avalon Care Solutions policies, and safeguarding best practices. Care Workers play a vital role in identifying, reporting, and escalating compliance issues, ensuring service users receive safe and effective care.

Role and Responsibilities in detail 

1. Service User Support & Person-Centered Care
   1. Provide person centred care, including washing, dressing, and assisting with mobility, while maintaining dignity and respect.
   2. Support service users with meals, medication administration (if trained and authorized), and companionship.
   3. Encourage service users to maintain independence by supporting daily living skills and social engagement.
   4. Observe and report any changes in health, mood, or mobility to the Senior Care Worker or Field Care Supervisor.
   5. Ensure all care is delivered in line with care plans and risk assessments.
   6. Work closely with service users and their families to provide personalized and responsive care.
2. Care Planning & Service Quality Compliance
   1. Follow pre-approved care plans and contribute to ongoing updates by providing accurate feedback to Care Coordinators.
   2. Ensure that all service user risk assessments are adhered to and report any gaps to supervisors.
   3. Assist in completing quality checks by Field Care Supervisors and support care plan reviews where necessary.
   4. Contribute to incident reporting procedures, ensuring all concerns are recorded and actioned correctly.
3. Compliance, Safeguarding & Risk Management
   1. Ensure all care delivery complies with CQC, local authority, and internal company regulations.
   2. Identify and immediately report safeguarding concerns to the Field Care Supervisor or Care Manager
   3. Maintain full compliance with moving & handling, health & safety, and fire safety regulations.
   4. Support internal compliance audits and quality assurance processes by providing accurate documentation and reports.
   5. Follow risk assessments at all times and escalate concerns if a care plan requires updates.
   6. Adhere to confidentiality and GDPR guidelines, ensuring data protection in all care documentation.
4. Communication & Teamwork
   1. Communicate clearly with Senior Care Workers, Field Care Supervisors, and Care Coordinators regarding service user updates.
   2. Ensure smooth shift handovers by providing verbal and written reports where necessary.
   3. Act as a point of support for service users and their families, directing any complex issues to senior team members.
   4. Attend and contribute to team meetings, training sessions, and supervision check-ins.
5. Training & Professional Development
   1. Complete mandatory training and refresher courses, including safeguarding, manual handling, and medication management.
   2. Participate in shadowing and mentoring programs for new Care Workers.
   3. Undertake additional skills development opportunities, including NVQs in Health & Social Care.
   4. Participate in shadowing and mentoring sessions with Senior Care Workers and Field Care Supervisors.
   5. Take responsibility for continuous professional development, ensuring ongoing learning and competency.
6. Emergency & On-Call Responsibilities
   1. Respond to emergency care needs during shifts, following company protocols for escalation and reporting.
   2. Work within the structured on-call rota for last-minute shift coverage (when applicable).
   3. Follow clear emergency response procedures, ensuring service users remain safe and supported at all times.
7. Additional Responsibilities
   1. Be flexible and responsive to changes in service user needs and care plans.
   2. Support the onboarding of new service users by assisting in initial visits alongside Field Care Supervisors.
   3. Cover emergency shifts when required, ensuring service continuity.

Other

• Final Authority On:
  • Delivering care in accordance with care plans and training received.
  • Maintaining real-time documentation of care provided.
  • Ensuring personal compliance with health & safety, safeguarding, and infection control procedures.
  • Escalating any concerns or incidents in a timely manner.

Key Relationships

• Key Relationships & Collaborations
• Reports to Field Care Supervisor and works closely with Senior Care Workers, Care Coordinators, and the Care Manager
• Engages with service users, families, and healthcare professionals (district nurses, therapists, social workers, etc.).

Person Specification

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards it).
• Experience in domiciliary, supported living, or residential care is desirable.
• Mandatory training completion within the probationary period.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Compassionate, patient, and person-centered in approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow care plans and report observations accurately.
• Confidence in using basic digital systems for care documentation.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts if required.

Compliance & Safety Mindset

• Understanding of safeguarding, health & safety, infection control, and CQC requirements.
• Able to handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.

Main Job Purpose

• To provide personal care and practical support to service users to enable them to lead as independent a lifestyle as possible within a designated area daily.  This care service will involve a personal care and household management programme that is personalised for each service user in the form of a Care Plan.  Care duties will, therefore, include assisting the service user with the following activities. In so doing, they will always observe safe working practices and respect the service user’s dignity, privacy, and independence as far as practical. 
• To help train and supervise junior staff members in all aspects of their work, delegating tasks and roles as appropriate to support their development.

Key Role Responsibilities

Provision of Care

• To support Care Workers in the practical support provided to service users.
• To read, fully understand and adhere to each Service user care plan and risk assessment.
• Assist with the physical care of service users by helping with:

• General mobility
• Dressing and undressing
• Personal care hygiene, bathing of eyes, mouth, hair and nails
• Care of skin and pressure areas
• Continence management
• Preparing, serving and assisting feeding of meals and drinks
• Escorting service users in preparation and support when doing daily activities. Walking, shopping, hairdressing appointments etc.
• Medication administration.

• To work flexibly to meet the service user’s needs, including participation in the Out of Hours Duty System.
• Relate to and interact with the service users. Receive and pass on messages and information.
• To comply with the Care Quality Commission and Company policies and procedures

Communication 

• Ensure communication suits different service user needs based on their condition.
• Ensure that care plans are followed through by all who contact the person using the service. 
• Responsible for overseeing the practice of others and may have some responsibility for managing individuals’ care budgets. 
• Liaise with health professionals and their families.
• Accurately report, record and maintain records as required and working to care plans.
• Report to Care Coordinator /Field Care Supervisor or Registered Manager on any aspects of service user care which you feel warrant investigation or urgent attention.

Health and Safety

• Promote health, safety and security. 
• Carry out risk assessments in the context of the environment, competence of other staff and the needs of individual care plans.
• Update care plans where necessary in discussion# with the Line Manager. 
• Lead on changes in practice to minimise risks in the future and train staff in these changes. 
• Work by duty of care and safeguarding of adults.
• Follow emergency procedures and escalate any issues arising immediately.
• Arrange emergency supplementary care where necessary.

Leadership and Supervision

• Be a role model for other staff, always living the Seren values.
• Participate in the induction of new staff. 
• Ensure staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities and maintain professional boundaries.
• To assess and sign off new Care Workers shadowing rotas.
• Contribute to staff development and identification of training needs of Care Workers.
• Familiarise yourself with policies and procedures and ensure correct interpretation and implementation.
• Review staff performance, providing feedback to care coordinator/field care supervisor.
• Compile and submit supervision and audit reports.
• Conduct one-on-one supervision sessions once every quarter.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all dealings with staff and service users.
• Participate in appropriate training, including NVQ3 and attend staff meetings as requested by your manager.
• Undertake audits as directed by the Registered Manager / Care Coordinators.

Principles of Care 

• Promoting effective communication and relationships. 
• Promoting anti-discriminatory practice (including policies and codes of practice).
• Maintaining confidentiality of information.
• Promoting and supporting individuals’ rights to dignity, Independence, empowerment, choice and safety.
• I am acknowledging individuals’ personal beliefs and identity and respecting diversity.
• Protecting individuals from abuse
• Providing individualised care.

Additional Responsibilities

• Undertake additional responsibilities as directed by the registered manager.  These may include but are not limited to the following tasks.
  • Care Coordination / Support
  • Field Care Supervision / Support
  • Operational Management / Support
  • Human Resource Management / Support
  • Administration Management / Support

Person Specification

• NVQ 2/3 in Health and Social Care desirable or a willingness to undertake the qualification
• Ability to manage a team and handle multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Good judgement, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Commit to flexible working pattern to meet the needs of the service user.
• Ability to manage a team and handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to handle difficult situations with minimum supervision.
• Able to deal with sensitive personal care tasks.
• Able to demonstrate basic life skills (i.e., cooking, cleaning, budgeting, shopping)
• Physically capable of manual handling.
• Demonstrates an ability to effectively evaluate and make decisions.
• Demonstrates willingness to change, adaptation and innovation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook and Excel)
• Full driving licence with access to a vehicle or working towards.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible attitude to the duties which may be varied (after discussion), subject to the needs of the Service Users and in keeping with the general profile of the role.

We are looking for an extraordinary person with the right personality and a passion for making a real difference in people’s lives by believing in and living the organisation’s values.  This will include but is not limited to scheduling and deployment of frontline staff working closely with the Registered Manager and the Deputy Registered Manager.  The individual must be highly professional and personable as they will liaise with the entire team to meet all our valued Clients’ needs. This role is extremely fast-paced and requires someone genuinely committed and dedicated to remain positive and professional when working under pressure.  The position holder will also work closely with the Senior Operations Administrator to ensure that the day-to-day operations of the frontline staff are fully compliant with relevant regulations and the company’s operating processes and procedures.  The role reports to the Deputy Registered Manager.   

Role and Responsibilities in detail 

1. Staff Coordination and Management (40%)
   1. Organise and manage the care staff’s schedules to ensure adequate coverage and continuity of care across all shifts.
   2. Coordinate the rota to efficiently cover all client needs, considering peak times, staff availability, and special requirements.
   3. Manage requests for time off and last-minute changes to ensure optimal staffing levels.
   4. Conduct regular staff meetings to discuss updates, introduce new policies, and review client care strategies.
   5. Facilitate workshops and training sessions focusing on best practices in client care, new regulatory updates, and service improvements.
   6. Encourage an open forum for feedback and suggestions from staff to enhance care services and the workplace environment.
   7. Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for all staff to ensure adherence to the highest standards of care.
   8. Organise external training with specialists to address specific care needs such as dementia care, mobility support, or emergency response.
   9. Assess staff performance and identify specific training needs to enhance skills and knowledge in care delivery.

2. Team Building and Morale
   1. Cultivate a work culture prioritising respect, inclusivity, and support among team members.
   2. Implement open-door policies and regular check-ins to encourage staff to express concerns and provide feedback without hesitation.
   3. Encourage staff to participate in decision-making processes that affect their work and client care, enhancing their sense of ownership and responsibility.
   4. Provide training on effective communication strategies, including conflict resolution skills, to help staff manage disputes internally and maintain a harmonious work environment.
   5. Utilise technology, such as staff intranets or messaging apps, to keep everyone connected and informed about organisational updates and important announcements.
   6. Hold regular briefings to ensure all team members are aligned with the latest care practices and organisational goals.

3. Recruitment and Onboarding
   1. Participate in recruitment to select qualified candidates who align with the care facility’s values and service standards as directed by the registered or deputy registered manager.
   2. Oversee the onboarding process for new hires to ensure a smooth integration into the team and a thorough understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

4. Other 

1. From time to time, the role holder will be required to support in other areas to support other staff and business as needed.  These could be (but not limited to)
   1. Undertaking assessments of new service users
   2. Completing field support visits, mentoring, 
   3. Facilitating consultations with potential new clients
   4. Visiting existing clients to carry out service reviews and quality assurance visits to certify the highest standard of care is provided
   5. Taking part in on-call and emergency care responsibilities 
   6. Start up new packages / build runs where required.
   7. Covering care calls as required.
2. Provide urgent support to a Care Service location where a shortfall in the quality or safety of the service has been identified, or the service is without a Care Coordinator.
3. The Care Coordinators must conduct themselves professionally, always remembering that they are ambassadors of Murray Healthcare Services Limited. 
4. To work in a manner that promotes a culture of continuous improvement in the organisation where feedback is sought from clients and staff and then acted upon.
5. To carry out such other responsibilities as the Registers Manager and may determine from time to time. 
6. Growing the business through identifying gaps in schedules and bidding for packages promptly when packages are released from the brokerage team.

Job Requirments

Educational Background

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a care setting, with at least one year in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience in domiciliary or supported living settings is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of effectively managing a team of care staff.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working with diverse groups, including clients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Proficient in scheduling and resource allocation to maximise efficiency and care delivery.
• Ability to develop and implement care plans tailored to individual needs.

Knowledge

• In-depth health and social care sector knowledge, including relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of care needs for various client groups, such as elderly, disabled, or those with chronic illnesses.
• Familiarity with risk management and quality assurance processes.

Role requires individuals who are flexible to work different hours

Location: Avalon Care Solutions

Reports to: Group CEO

Position Summary

Avalon Care Solutions is seeking an experienced and dynamic Registered Manager to lead our organisation during a critical phase of establishment and growth. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience setting up and expanding social care businesses, ensuring compliance, and driving operational excellence. As the Registered Manager, you will lead business development efforts, foster a positive staff culture, deliver exceptional customer relations, and maintain quality standards.

Role and Responsibilities

Business Development and Growth

• Lead initiatives to identify market needs and launch new services, such as “Living In,” “Nights,” “Long Days,” “Companionship,” and “Supported Living” within targeted regions.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and execute strategies for growing the business, enhancing revenue streams, and expanding service offerings.
• To strengthen our market presence, we will build strategic partnerships with local healthcare providers, community organisations, and stakeholders. We will also develop and implement a marketing plan, leveraging digital channels and community outreach.
• Drive brand awareness through targeted marketing campaigns, networking, and community events.
• Establish clear performance indicators to measure growth, assess business development strategies, and make data-driven adjustments.

Staff Management and Engagement

• Lead and inspire the care team to deliver high-quality services. Create a positive work culture through regular one-on-one and team meetings, team-building activities, and open communication.
• Implement systems to recognise and reward staff contributions. Offer tailored training programs and professional growth opportunities.
• Promote an inclusive environment that values diversity, safety, and employee well-being.
• Regular staff satisfaction surveys should be conducted, and insights should be used to improve the work environment continuously.

Customer Relations

• Regularly assess and enhance client satisfaction through feedback mechanisms and personalised care services.
• Ensure clients receive tailored care services that align with their preferences and needs.
• Establish effective communication channels between clients, their families, staff, and stakeholders to maintain transparency and trust.
• Develop efficient procedures for addressing and resolving client concerns promptly.
• Organise client engagement events to foster a sense of community and well-being.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with CQC regulations and other relevant standards. Stay informed of regulatory changes and adapt policies accordingly.
• Conduct regular internal audits to assess compliance and create quality improvement plans based on findings.
• Provide ongoing training to staff on compliance requirements and best practices in care delivery.
• Regularly simulate inspection scenarios to prepare staff and systems for CQC inspections.

Operational Excellence

• Streamline business processes to achieve efficiency in service delivery. Develop care protocols aligned with local guidelines.
• Implement electronic record-keeping systems for efficient data management and enhance communication among care teams.
• Encourage innovation by involving staff in decision-making and adopting new approaches in care delivery.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring financial targets are met without compromising quality.

Leadership

• Create leadership training programs for staff at all levels, promoting a culture of ownership and responsibility.
• Implement a transparent performance management system with regular appraisals and constructive feedback.
• Maintain regular communication with directors to align departmental goals with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
• Foster a collaborative work environment by actively involving staff in key decisions.

Person Specification

Essential Job Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Requirements

• At least three years in a social care management role, with proven experience setting up and growing a social care business.
• NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care or equivalent 
• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing teams in a healthcare or social care setting.
• Deep knowledge of CQC standards, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage budgets and achieve financial targets while maintaining quality.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a passion for engaging staff and clients.
• Confident user of IT systems, including electronic record-keeping software.

How We Support You

Avalon Care Solutions offers a competitive pay package, 5.6 weeks of annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and professional development opportunities to help you succeed in this critical role.