Apprentice Care Assistant (Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3)
Apprenticeships are open from age 16, once you have finished Year 11 (S4 in Scotland).
About the role
You will join a small team of care assistants and visit clients in their own homes across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Working alongside an experienced care worker at first, then more independently, a typical week will include:
- Helping clients with personal care; washing, dressing, continence care, and getting up or going to bed
- Prompting and administering medication and recording it accurately on our care app
- Preparing meals and drinks and helping with light household tasks
- Supporting clients to stay mobile, using hoists and other equipment safely where needed
- Writing clear visit notes on our electronic care planning system and reporting any concerns or changes
- Chatting with clients and their families and helping them stay involved in their community
- Following care plans, risk assessments, and safeguarding procedures
- Attending team meetings, supervisions, and training sessions at our Filwood office
Level 2 (Adult Care Worker) is for people new to care. Level 3 (Lead Adult Care Worker) is for applicants with some care experience who are ready to take on more responsibility, such as mentoring new starters and leading care plan reviews.
Requirements
Working week
37.5 hours per week on a rota. Shifts run from 7.00am to 10.00pm, seven days a week, and include alternate weekends. Breaks are taken between client visits. We agree on exact days and hours at the interview.
Skills
Required qualifications
Training & development
City of Bristol College delivers training mainly in the workplace, with visits from a college assessor, plus online learning and any college attendance the college requires. Off-the-job training of at least 6 hours a week is built into paid working hours. Caremark provides a full induction, the Care Certificate, and mandatory training (moving and handling, medication, safeguarding, first aid, infection control) at our Filwood Green Business Park office.
A permanent care assistant post on completing the apprenticeship, with progression to Senior Care Assistant, Field Care Supervisor and Care Coordinator roles. Level 2 apprentices can progress to the Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship, and Level 3 apprentices to Level 5 Leader in Adult Care. Several of our supervisors started as care assistants.
Company benefits
- Free uniform, PPE and enhanced DBS check
- Paid induction, Care Certificate and all mandatory training
- Mileage allowance for travel between visits
- 28 days’ holiday a year (pro rata) including bank holidays
- Workplace pension
- Care Worker of the Month recognition scheme
- Regular supervision and a named mentor
Things to consider
- Uniform and ID badge are provided and must be worn on every visit
- You will work in clients’ own homes, often alone, and travel between visits in all weathers
- The role involves personal care and moving and handling (using hoists and equipment, with training)
- Shifts include early mornings, evenings and alternate weekends
- Holiday entitlement is 5.6 weeks a year (pro rata)
- An enhanced DBS check and two references are required before you start
About Caremark (Bristol & South Gloucestershire)
Caremark Bristol & South Gloucestershire is a family-run home care provider based at Filwood Green Business Park. Since 2016, we have supported older and disabled people to live safely and independently at home, from short daily visits to full live-in care. We are rated Good by the CQC (Outstanding for Responsive), have won Caremark Regional Franchise of the Year, and hold a 9.8 rating on homecare.co.uk.
This role is in Bristol. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £650–£900 a month.