A Career in care 2019

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

8 page pull-out & keep guide

A career in care

DEMENTIA

CAREER GUIDE

NURSING

A CAREER GUIDE TO: NURSING • SOCIAL SERVICES DEMENTIA • THERAPY REHABILITATION RESIDENTIAL CARE SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Thursday, May 2, 2019 So much more than just a carer

Newbury Weekly News

I was fortunate enough to get that promotion. “Working with a diverse, compassionate, and caring team, I don’t think I would have been able to achieve the progress of my career without them and the support provided to me by the council. “From my experience working for West Berkshire Council, they provide really good opportunities such as access to internal vacancies, updated training, allowing people to be more effective and productive at work, a great pension scheme and sick pay, which I think most companies do not offer.” There are currently opportunities available across the district in the following roles: n Registered general nurses (day and night) n Registered care officers (day and night) n Dementia practitioners (day and night) n Care practitioners (day and night) n Reablement officers (re-ablement) n Care assistants (re-ablement and domiciliary care) West Berkshire Council is actively considering Apprenticeships in some services so please do ask. If you are interested in any of the vacancies please contact Lisa Beith on (01635) 33967 to discuss the positions and locations available.

PEOPLE working in care often describe themselves as ‘just a carer’. West Berkshire Council challenges that way of thinking – they do not believe that anyone is ‘just a carer’. Their care staff are passionate, dedicated and committed to the core values they have created to support residents and customers to fulfil their potential and enjoy their lives at every stage, regardless of any physical or cognitive challenges they face. At any given time, care staff are supporting people. This could be to get out into the community; to get ready to welcome their friends and family, helping someone to reminisce with memory aids and support, or simply to make sure they take their medication. As an employer, West Berkshire Council is dedicated and driven to provide the best possible career opportunities to all its care staff. This includes comprehensive training to obtain the Care Certificate in their first three months of employment and access to QCF qualifications at all levels during their career. As an active partner within Adult Social Care the council’s care staff are considered for opportunities across the spectrum of social care roles. This includes roles in care management, care delivery specialising as a practitioner, developing into management roles or studying to be a

said: “We want to hear from anyone who shares our values and may be looking at care as a career option, irrespective of any previous experience in care. “We know we can teach a person how to deliver care, but we can’t teach our values. We look forward to hearing from people with the right kind of beliefs and attitude who want to join our team and make a difference.” Assistant unit manager at one of the residential units Jacek Filipczak described his journey

with West Berkshire Council so far. “I have been working for West Berkshire Council for the past five years and I am really enjoying my time with the council. “I used to work for a private health care company, but my career did not really progress well, as there were not many opportunities for me. “I applied for a care assistant position in one of the residential homes run by West Berkshire Council and I was given

opportunities and training for my career development. “I was fortunate enough to apply for and get an internal promotion as a residential care officer. The position broadened my knowledge, skills and experience working with vulnerable adults. “After working for a period in this role, I applied for an assistant manager position in one of the other residential homes and after a thorough selection and interview process,

qualified social worker or occupational therapist.

In return, the council expects its staff to share its four core values; Respect, Inclusion, Compassion and Empowerment. These drive their practice and are central to everything they do. They are core to the council’s service delivery and they are looking for people who share those values to join their team. Service manager at West Berkshire Council Sue Brain

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

Take a look at Winchcombe Place care home VISIT Winchcombe Place care home in Newbury and you’ll notice there’s a real buzz – residents and staff are having fun together. The luxury 80-bed care home in Maple Crescent, Newbury,

support of a close-knit team. Winchcombe Place is an exciting and positive place to be. Residents are happy and so are the care team. So come and join them. What relatives say “This is a wonderful caring place. All staff members treat residents with the utmost respect. The idea that this is the residents’ home is implemented by all the staff and applied equally to relatives, so we always feel welcome to visit and to contribute to care and comment.” “I have been really impressed with everything I have encoun- tered at Winchcombe. The staff are first class. There is a lovely atmosphere about the place and my mother is very happy here. It is such a relief to know she is receiving the best of care” “My mother has recently moved into Winchcombe Place and has settled well largely due to amazing staff. They have made her feel welcome and are very respectful of her needs.” To find out more about Winchcombe Place, or about career opportunities at the home, please contact Amanda Vamvakidis on 0300 130 3030 or email Amanda.Vamvakidis@ careuk.com. Alternatively, pop in to the home to pick up a job application form. Winchcombe Place Care Home, Maple Crescent, Newbury, RG14 1LN. www.careers.careuk.com

delivers a wide range of quality, round-the-clock care services for older people, including residential, nursing, short-term respite care and sensitive end-of- life care. The team believes that living in a care home should be just as good as living in your own home – or better. Run by Care UK, Winchcombe Place is only five years old, so the facilities are fresh and modern. The home has a hair and beauty salon, coffee shop and cinema along with a library, vintage- themed lounge and an arts and crafts room, so residents can continue to enjoy the very best lifestyle. Keeping busy, having fun The Winchcombe Place team gets to know each resident’s preferences and wishes and designs activities to suit them. Team members working at the home all play a part in making sure that there are interesting things for the residents to do – over the Easter weekend, there was an Easter bonnet parade with hats residents and care team members had made earlier in the week, and everyone enjoyed a visit from the friendly animals from Rushall Farm – including adorable piglets and lambs.

Coming up soon is a table top sale to raise money for good causes and local school pupils regularly visit to chat to residents or share school projects. Ready for a refreshing career change? The Winchcombe Place team is made up of lots of new people who are enthusiastic about the future and about delivering great

care. Winchcombe Place is a large home and provides round-the- clock care, so they are always on the look-out for new people to join their team. All the team, from carers and nurses to housekeeping staff, develop very strong bonds with residents and their families, making a positive, long-term

contribution to their lives. Support and balance Winchcombe Place offers rewarding, fulfilling careers that are full of opportunity. All team members are supported with innovative training and clear career paths, and you can enjoy working in a friendly, supportive environment where

residents’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything they do. Few roles offer such incredible job satisfaction. If you’re already working in care or healthcare, moving your career to a care home gives you a better work/life balance. You’ll still be busy and challenged and you’ll have the

Wakako takes Val to the salon... and back in time Rewarding careers in caring

Picture yourself at Care UK You’re the sort of person who shows they really care. Which is why we think you’d make a valuable member of our team at Winchcombe Place. For a fulfilling career, with quality training, good pay and the chance to get qualifications, just get in touch. Pay rates for Carers starts at £9.02 per hour for days and £10.94 per hour nights. For a more fulfilling career, visit careers.careuk.com, email: Amanda.Vamvakidis@careuk.com or call 0300 130 3030

We are recruiting Carers, Senior Carers, Housekeeping and Domestic Assistants Winchcombe Place Care Home, Newbury, RG14 1LN

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

Consider a career in care with Bupa

AS one of the leading names in the care home sector, Bupa is committed to helping residents lead longer, healthier and happier lives – while also providing rewarding careers for staff. What’s more, with the company currently on a local recruitment drive, there’s never been a better time to join. With four care homes in and around Newbury, Bupa is looking to fill a range of positions from nursing and care, through to housekeeping and Thatcham Court Tammy New said: “Whether you’re looking for a full-time career, or some- thing you can balance around family life, there are so many opportunities within our homes.” Having joined Bupa as a care assistant in 2008, today Tammy manages a team of 78 who care for 60 residents in the Thatcham care home. She continued: “By either caring for residents directly or providing the support services that keep the home running, colleagues at our homes end the day knowing that they’ve made a difference. You can’t beat that feeling.” All colleagues at Bupa receive at wide range of benefits from competitive pay to gym discounts and interest free season ticket loans for travel. As a company that understands the importance of employee health, all colleagues also get kitchen roles, as well as activities co-ordinators. Home manager at Bupa

apprenticeships.” Committed to helping

access to the Anytime Health- Line, a 24/7 phoneline manned by trained nurses who can give advice and support for health concerns. Likewise, Bupa’s Healthy Minds helpline offers free, round-the- clock access to a team of dedicated therapists for support with any mental health concerns. “Regardless of your role, there are a range of benefits that make Bupa a great place to work, including opportunities to develop through training and

Pound Street and The Donnington, located next to the golf club of the same name. Bayford House in Stockcross is recruiting for care assistants and registered nurses, mean- while Bupa Thatcham Court in Chapel Street is growing its nursing team and looking to speak with registered nurses. All vacancies and information about our homes can be found at bupa.co.uk and candidates are also welcome to contact the homes directly and pop in at any time to learn more.

between care and nursing roles – allowing carers to progress while staying in work. For those interested in hearing more about the career opportu- nities, colleagues from Bupa will be attending the Careers in Social Care Recruitment Fair. Hosted at Newbury college from 2pm to 4pm on Thursday, May 2, colleagues like Tammy will be on hand to answer questions and give potential candidates more information on the roles available. Tammy said: “This is a great

opportunity for people to come along and meet colleagues from our homes to hear more about the roles on offer. “Regardless of whether you’ve had similar roles before, or if this is a brand new start, we’ll be able to give you practical advice – and hopefully a job too!” Current opportunities are available across four care homes in Newbury and Thatcham. There are vacancies for care, nursing and various home support roles at Bupa Argyles in

colleagues progress in their careers, Bupa currently has more than 700 care home colleagues in apprenticeship roles – enabling them to learn as they earn and reach new opportunities. Apprenticeships are available for everyone, from entry level colleagues through to home managers. Bupa has also launched a Care Practitioner Apprenticeship, designed to help bridge the gap

Here at Bupa care homes, we believe it’s our privilege to look after the lives of the elderly and the vulnerable. It’s why we value our people. It’s why we look after you. And, it’s why we make sure you feel appreciated for all the hard work you do. We’re growing our teams in the Newbury area and we’re looking to speak with Care Assistants, Registered Nurses and Home Support staff. Call or text Emily Moorhouse on 07545 056 767 to arrange an interview or to book a visit at one of our homes.

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

Join the brighterkind team at Hungerfo d Care Home

operator in the care sector. They have invested heavily in professional development and have created a number of industry-leading training programmes to help their managers and leaders to be the best. They aspire to provide their employees with a truly rewarding opportunity to proactively shape the company culture and influence the development of the business. This really is an exciting time to join brighterkind. They offer a challenging and rewarding environment for proactive and innovative individuals to flourish and develop. They are looking for professional, creative and energetic candidates to join their friendly and passionate team all working towards the same goals – to help those in their care love every day. Hungerford Care Home The home in Hungerford has five in-house trainers, eight cultural champions and champions for fall prevention, dementia and dysphagia. Hungerford thrives on its multi-

BRIGHTERKIND is a dynamic care home group that is delivering a new approach to care, putting residents’ happiness and health at the heart of its philosophy. Currently a standalone business within the Four Seasons Group, brighterkind has aspirations to develop independently into one of the leading care home providers in the UK. Join a caring, fun and forward thinking business Brighterkind runs 70-plus care homes throughout England, Scotland and the Channel Islands and employs more than 4,000 people. They are already the fifth largest care home provider in the UK with aspirations to develop further over the next three years. Brighterkind is focused on becom- ing the brand of choice within the care sector. Their plan is that, in time brighterkind becomes a byword for unrivalled levels of personal and nursing care, offering outstanding recreation and activities, and delivering a high quality food and dining experience to all its residents. Put simply, they aim to establish themselves as the best-known and most highly respected

cultural team and new employ- ees are always made welcome and nurtured by the team. They run an employee of the month scheme, which is voted for by the whole team and team members from all departments have been awarded. Your talent and ability will be a reflection of the brighterkind culture and values and will help showcase the best of our organisation. www.brighterkind.com/care- homes/hungerford

We believe every day is a new opportunity to engage, encourage and appreciate. To be there when it matters. Involved in all the little moments of kindness that help make life feel brighter. When sharing time, conversations and activities means everyone contributes something different. By sharing a little love, every day, we help those we care for to love every day. Find out more about living in a care home by popping in to see us. brighterkind at a brighterkind care home we help our residents to love every day

Wantage Road, Hungerford Newtown, Berkshire, RG17 0PN 01488 682002 www.brighterkind.com

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

D.Osteen–putting the care of clients fir s

D.OSTEEN Homecare Support is a privately owned domiciliary care agency operating in the heart of Newbury covering the areas of From the first day the company opened for business in 2018 to serve the local community, putting the client care first has been at the heart of everything they do. They specialise in caring for older people in the comfort of their own homes. They take pride in the highest quality of care they provide and continue to maintain those high standards. They believe in going the extra mile to make every visit count. Even though D.Osteen Homecare Support is a new company in a competitive world of domiciliary care, the company is owned by two professionals, Elias and Del Ngonyama, who are both nurses with more than 16 years experi- ence in the health care industry. With their combined knowledge and experience in the care sector, they are using it to provide bespoke care to clients in the comfort of their own homes and supporting staff in a friendly, flexible and professional manner. Both are passionate about caring and take pride in getting involved in the day-to-day care of their clients and continue to be hands-on, leading by example to their staff. They both believe that this approach gives them better rapport with their clients as they get to know each individual. At D.Osteen Homecare Support the team are passionate about Thatcham, Hermitage, Newbury and Cold Ash.

life care and the Care Certificate. During this time staff will be supported by their managers with their training. The company is flexible with their working hours and would love to hear from people who are caring, compassionate, motivated and keen to provide professional care. Staff member Kerry Cox said: “I have been working for the company a few months now and in that short space of time I have gained a lot of knowledge and skills through extensive training. “I have had the pleasure of doing various specialist courses, which has enabled me to provide better quality of care to our clients. “During my training , I have been well supported from the time I started working at D.Osteen Homecare Support. “I enjoy coming to work, looking after clients and having a good rapport with clients as every day is different, making a difference to people’s lives. “As a single mother of two young children, the company has been very flexible and accommodating with the amount of hours I can work. “This has given me a balance between being a working mum doing the job I love and enjoy and being there for my children. “I admire the dedication the managers have, not only to the clients, but also to their staff, always willing to offer courses and diplomas, which I am looking forward in doing to further my career.” http://d.osteenltd.co.uk/

opportunities and giving them choice and control in the way care and support is provided. The company believes staff are key to the success of any business and they are passionate about staff training and development.

ensuring that people are enabled to maintain independence and choice in their own homes. Their services are people-centred and fit around their clients, enabling them to make decisions, maximising their life

company can look forward to being enrolled on to an induction programme to be completed within the first 12 weeks, which includes mandatory training, specialist courses in dementia, diabetes, medicine management, care of clients with MS, end of

Staff at D.Osteen can look forward to gaining a lot of skills through specialist training and carer progression within the company plus adult and social care diploma courses. New staff starting in the

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

Dimensions UK

care providers out there? n One of the key answers to this is that they are an organisation that sets the standards for the sector. n They offer great opportuni- ties for career development and offer sector-leading training programmes and qualification opportunities. n They are an inclusive employer, valuing the diversity of their workforce, being

respectful of differences and making reasonable adjustments to ensure people reach their full potential. n They also offer a great range of employee benefits, from the Rewarding Dimensions discount scheme and compre- hensive Employee Assistance Scheme, to childcare vouchers, a bike to work scheme and loans for commuter season tickets. n What’s more, as a support worker, you will be joining

The one motivation that links all of them is a desire to work with people, make their lives better and help them to learn something new or take a further step towards independence. Support workers certainly don’t see what they do as ‘just another job’. Why Dimensions? But why come to work for Dimensions in particular, when there are many other social

There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ support worker. They range from school leavers who want a job that involves helping people, to those who want a change of career, experienced support workers wanting to work for a company that truly places the people it supports at the heart of all it does and those at the end of a career in a completely different sector who want to give something back.

Dimensions at a really exciting time. They are a social care provider at the very cutting edge of support provision with a genuine commitment to be the leader within its sector. n They base what they do and who they are on their values, and they genuinely care. n You will be very welcome in the Dimensions team as a

AS one of the country’s largest not-for-profits, Dimensions UK are driven by their values. People with learning disabili- ties and their families are at the heart of everything they do and they want every person they support to have a great life, with excellent outcomes. They couldn’t achieve that with- out all the great support work- ers who join the Dimensions team – it all starts with them.

valued support worker. www.dimensions-uk.org/

Thursday, May 2, 2019 Choice Care Group CHOICE recognise that their staff are one of their most important assets. They always aim to recruit people who are passionate about

Newbury Weekly News

And this is Sammy’s story Support worker to service manager in three years Sammy joined Choice Care Group in 2015 as a support worker in one of their newer homes, in Addlestone, Surrey. Sammy had joined Choice after leaving university and needed to find a job. At the time, she saw it as a temporary option until she decided what she wanted to do. However, much to her own surprise, Sammy found that she loved the job and found it really rewarding. She said: “Your job is to literally support someone to live a full and happy life and that makes all your hard work completely worth it. meetings and doing paperwork, the next day I am at Chessington World of Adventures.” Quite quickly Sammy was promoted to shift leader, then senior, then assistant manager. She is now service manager in Guildford, overseeing two supported living services. She would definitely recommend giving a career in care a go and says, with a bit of dedication and hard work, anyone can achieve what she has done. Sammy sees her role as challeng- ing, varied, fun and rewarding. Recently she was involved in the opening of a brand new service, which she definitely found challenging, but also very rewarding. “Also, every day is totally different. One day I am in

working in care and support them to develop their career. As well as job satisfaction, they offer excellent training, great team-working and plenty of opportunities for career progression. They are a leading provider of high-quality residential and supported living services for people with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, autism and complex needs. They have been providing high quality, tried and tested services for 25 years. They currently have 60 residen- tial care homes and support around 100 individuals through their supported living services. They operate in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Wiltshire and the Midlands and are continuing to grow. Many of their staff have been with Choice a long time – many started as support workers and have progressed into more senior management roles. Here is Sarah’s story – one of their apprentices. She has progressed from apprentice social care worker to a team leader in a very short time. Apprentice social care worker – to acting team leader Sarah started working for Choice as an apprentice in February 2017 and is showing true

dedication and commitment. As soon as she was able to apply for a permanent position she did without hesitation, becoming a social care worker in December 2017. Her enthusiasm and love for the role was recognised by her colleagues, as well as her eager- ness to develop herself further. Sarah is now an acting team leader and is in the process of completing a Level 2 Diploma. Sarah is always keen to attend

any training provided and her tutor’s feedback (re Diploma Level 2) has always been very positive. She is always punctual, efficient, and stays longer to ensure all tasks are completed to the highest possible standards. Her enthusiasm is literally contagious – spreading from one staff member to another and creating a great team spirit.

home. Sammy said that Choice is a great place to work and that she has had loads of support from the company. She has been put forward for promotions and further training. She says that this shows that if you work hard, you do get noticed and you are appreciated.

She said she was involved in everything, from meeting the service users who would be moving in and spending time with them to get to know them so that she could work out how best to support them and write out a plan, to setting up the new staff team. From there, she worked together with her team to get everyone settled and make the house a

Sarah is very focused on continuing to progress.

RECRUITING NOW

SUPPORTING LIVES, DELIVERING CHOICES

At Choice, we aim to provide outstanding support services for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, giving them the opportunity to lead full and active lives. Our person-centred residential and supported living services provide safe, high quality environments where the people we support can progress at their own pace along the pathway to greater independence, in the way that best suits them.

Our care professionals and in-house Behaviour Support Team provide tailored therapy and structured activity programmes for adults and young people aged 16+, focused on achieving positive outcomes. In everything we do, our aim is to provide the high quality care that enables our service users to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Join our team today!

Tel: 0203 195 0136 louisa.daga@choicecaregroup.com www.choicecaregroup.com

Positive outcomes for peoplewith complex needs