A Career in care 2019

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