housing association jobs

Bedford Citizens Housing Association, BCHA, is a housing and care provider in Bedford. We are committed to providing high quality care, support and housing in Bedford. We have wide range of stock including a registered care home, extra care housing, sheltered housing and general needs housing.

We are currently looking for Home Care Assistants to provide care and support to tenants in their own homes at Oak Way House Extra Care Scheme.

We offer fixed contracted hours with shifts scheduled 4 weeks in advance. Shifts take place between 07:45 and 22:30, Monday to Sunday, with a requirement to work one weekend in two.

To work as part of the team providing personal care and support for tenants in a way that ensures they retain independence. To be responsible, when trained, for the administration of drugs medication, when required. To develop a strong understanding of the individual needs of tenants and build strong positive lasting relationship. To comply with the standards required by the Care Quality Commission and BCHA. To provide additional support services as required.

In return we offer a great working environment in new purpose built building, a friendly team and the ability to make a significant positive contribution to the lives of our residents. In addition, with a wide range of benefits to employees:

• Generous annual leave starting at 28 days
• Travel expenses
• Free onsite car parking
• Contributory salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Free life assurance cover
• Ongoing training and development programmes

Main Purpose of the role:

• To work as part of the team providing personal care and support to tenants of BCHA schemes.
• To support and care for tenants in a way that ensures they retain independence.
• To be responsible, when trained, for the administration of drugs medication, when required.
• To comply with the standards required by the Care Quality Commission and BCHA.
• To deliver a service that enable tenants to remain independent
• To provide additional support services as required
• To develop a strong understanding of the individual needs of tenants.
• To build strong positive lasting relationship with tenants.

Main duties and responsibilities:

1To assist tenants according to their planned care needs and in accordance with their wishes with personal care including washing, toileting, dressing, undressing, continence control and at mealtimes.
2After training, to use equipment provided for moving and handling tenants correctly
3To treat all tenants with dignity and respect at all times
4To be responsible, when trained and required, for the administration and safe handling of medication.
5To maintain accurate and comprehensive Care Plan Records in accordance with your responsibilities and instructions.
6To attend handover meetings
7Following training act within the legal and regulatory requirements covering care services, including:-
Care Standards Act
Health & Safety requirements
Fire Regulations.
8Demonstrate an up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding of vulnerable adults requirements and work within these guidelines at all times.
9To be aware of, and comply with, Bedford Citizens' Housing Association's Policies and Procedures.
10Ensure that interactions with customers are warm and professional and to any questions received from customers, referring to a Manager any questions which you are unable to answer.
11Assist with duties such as catering or housekeeping when required.
12To undertake training as required to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the role
Any other duties or variations to the above duties that may be reasonably required by BCHA from time to time

Essential Competencies
1.Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of older people
2.Willingness to undertake the required training to achieve a NVQ Level 2 in Care
3.Good written and verbal communication skills
4.Strong team player
5.Good customer care skills
6.Trained in the administration and safe handling of medication

Desirable Competencies
1.NVQ Level 2 in Care
2.Trained in the administration and safe handling of medication
3.Experience of working in a care environment
4.An understanding of Health & Safety