Guild Care chief executive explains benefits of working for the charity’s home care team

Specifically, I’d like to talk about those who work in home care services, which are incredibly important. They are vital for individuals who need help but don’t require the around-the-clock support that residential and nursing care homes provide. Home care enables older people and vulnerable adults to lead better quality lives while remaining safe and comfortable in their own homes.

Our charity’s home care service, which I’m proud to say is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission, was established in 1994. The service is staffed by our loving and professional community care assistants, who provide personal care and assistance with tasks such as shopping and medication.

Linda is one of our valued home care clients. Asked how she would describe her carer in three words, she answered ‘thoughtful, understanding and kind’.

She said: “I look forward to my carer arriving each morning for the help they give me alongside a friendly encouraging conversation.”

To further help those living in and around Worthing, we are recruiting more community care assistants to the team. The role is flexible, with part-time, full-time and bank contracts available. Shifts can easily fit around other commitments, such as study or childcare, with hours available throughout the week from 7am to 10pm.

Care experience in applicants, although of course welcomed, is not a necessity. Instead, our priority is finding people who are reliable, caring and dedicated to making a positive difference to people’s lives. Full training is provided, working towards a level two NVQ in health and social care, alongside a free DBS check. The only requirements are that you are aged 18 or above and have access to your own transportation.

There are a multitude of benefits to becoming a Guild Care community care assistant. Unlike many other home care providers, we do not use zero-hour contracts. Instead, we provide guaranteed hours and set rota patterns for our staff with travel time included. Additionally, we offer a mileage allowance of 45p per mile and a Worthing parking permit.

Last year, Lisa Harvey, one of our amazing community care assistants, talked to our communications team about working in the service.

She said: “The carers in the community, the people I work with, are amazing. They really are. They’re really committed to making sure that the clients’ needs are met and genuinely do care about them. I don’t hear any bad words about our clients at all. And if anyone needs to stay on because someone needs that extra time, we do it. That’s just what we do.

“I think that everyone is so supportive. If you’re going to see someone new, you can speak to your colleagues and they’ll help you through. People look out for each other. The carers in the community really are amazing – they really do genuinely care for the clients. And the clients are just brilliant. If they can help you, they will.”

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Guild Care community care assistant, please call our friendly recruitment team on 01903 863154 for an informal chat or visit our website. Alternatively, if you or a loved one is interested in making use of our home care service, our friendly customer service team are available to talk on 01903 327327, or you can again find information on our website.