Working in Care
The role of a Care Assistant
"My work doesn't feel like a job".
A Care Assistant or support worker provides support for someone to help them stay independent. At Cera we look after people with a wide range of needs, including the elderly, dementia patients, or adults and children with complex or additional needs.
As a Care Assistant, you may be expected to do some personal care, meal preparation, housework and, most importantly, provide a listening ear when needed. You'll need to be warm, friendly and patient as you work with service users. As a Complex Care worker you will also support individuals with clinical needs such as medication administration, ventilation, PEG feeding or seizure management - our team of nurses provide additional training and support for carers working in this field.
Depending on the care services we provide in your community, you may be visiting several people in a day for short visits, or providing 1:1 care to an individual for a full shift - either way you will be making a huge difference to their quality of life.
Some service users live alone and others live with family or housemates. For someone living alone, you may be one of their only visitors, so you have a massive part to play in making sure they're okay.
The role of a Field Care Supervisor
A Field Care Supervisor holds a significant position that often combines both administrative and hands-on patient care responsibilities. You will typically be involved in managing and overseeing the work of care workers and working directly with Service Users to assess their needs, develop their care plan and ensure that the care provided aligns with individual plans and is adjusted over time to account for changing needs.
You will conduct regular reviews, audits and spot checks for quality assurance and take corrective action when needed. You will also work closely with other professionals such as social workers, doctors and nurses to coordinate care services and support.
The role of a Care Coordinator
A Care Coordinator plays a key role in organising, facilitating, and delivering comprehensive care and support to people who need assistance with daily living. This may include individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, elderly individuals who require help with day-to-day tasks, or individuals with mental health needs.
You will ensure that care workers' rotas are organised, matching care assistants and clients based on the type of care they need and ensuring care rounds are well organised geographically. You will also be responsible for resourcing new care packages and building hours of care.
The Care Coordinator's role can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding, as you will play a significant role in helping individuals to maintain the highest possible quality of life, despite their health or social care needs.
I love my job as a Care Coordinator
I enjoy being able to help palliative care patients the most.
making sure the end of their lives is as comfortable as possible
The role of a Registered Manager
Being the registered manager of any social care service is a critical role - you will be registered with the local independent regulator (CQC/CIW/CI) and are responsible for the day to day running of the service. The registered manager will ensure that high-quality care is provided in line with the standards and regulations set by the regulator. Registered Managers at Cera may lead a range of services including Domiciliary Care, Supporting Living, Learning Disabilities, Extra Care, Complex & Clinical Care.
As a branch manager at Cera you will be responsible for ensuring your service runs smoothly, that compliance records are up to date and that safety, quality of care, dignity and respect and safeguarding are always a priority. You also play a pivotal role in ensuring that care workers and branch staff are competent, motivated and engaged employees, setting an example for positive culture and excellence in care. You will manage your budget, engage with wider operational and support stakeholders and ensure you strive for continuous improvement. You will look for ways to grow your service and ensure risks are identified and managed.
