Care Assistant / Caregiver at SW Domiciliary Care – Cheltenham’s Leading Home Care Provider

Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £13.50 – £18.72 per hour

Why Choose a Career as a Care Assistant with SW Domiciliary Care?

Joining SW Domiciliary Care means becoming part of a team dedicated to delivering exceptional home care services across Cheltenham and surrounding areas. As a leading domiciliary care provider, we pride ourselves on supporting clients to live safely and independently in their own homes. Whether you’re an experienced Care Assistant or entering the field for the first time, SW Domiciliary Care offers:

Competitive hourly pay (£13.50 – £18.72) reflecting skills, experience, and shift patterns.
Mileage reimbursement between client visits to offset travel costs.
Comprehensive, paid training, including classroom instruction, online modules, and hands-on shadowing.
Immediate starts through a streamlined hiring and induction process.
Career progression opportunities, from Senior Carer to Team Leader roles, empowering you to build a rewarding healthcare career.
Company perks, such as paid holidays, pension contributions, referral bonuses, and employee discounts at local businesses.
A contract offering flexible hours—days, evenings, and weekends on a rotational basis—so you can balance personal commitments and work.
Supportive managers who value your well-being and provide ongoing mentorship.

About SW Domiciliary Care: Mission, Values, and Community Focus

SW Domiciliary Care has been serving the Cheltenham community for over a decade, specializing in personalised home care for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from illness or surgery. Our mission is to enhance clients’ quality of life through compassionate, high-quality care delivered with dignity and respect. Key pillars of our service include:

Person-Centred Care Plans: Tailored to each client’s unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Community Engagement: Collaborating with local health services, charities, and volunteer groups to ensure holistic support.
Innovation in Care: Implementing best practices, such as digital care records, to improve accuracy and communication.
Staff Development: Investing in ongoing training and professional development, ensuring our Care Assistants are equipped with the latest healthcare techniques and safeguarding standards.

By joining SW Domiciliary Care, you become part of an organisation that truly values staff and clients alike, fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, and continuous improvement.

Role Overview: What Does a Care Assistant / Caregiver Do?

As a Care Assistant / Caregiver at SW Domiciliary Care, you’ll provide essential support that enables clients to maintain independence, comfort, and dignity in their own homes. Your daily tasks will encompass a range of domiciliary care duties, including—but not limited to—the following:

Personal Care and Hygiene Assistance

Bathing and Showering Support: Helping clients safely get in and out of the bath or shower, ensuring proper hygiene and client comfort.
Dressing and Grooming: Assisting with selecting appropriate clothing, putting clothes on, and supporting grooming activities (hair brushing, shaving).
Toileting and Continence Care: Providing sensitive assistance with toileting and managing incontinence, using safe handling techniques and respecting client privacy.

Medication Administration and Monitoring

Medication Reminders: Prompting clients to take prescribed medications at the correct times, adhering to the care plan and any specific dietary instructions.
Safe Handling: Completing medication administration training (including dosage calculations, record-keeping, and side-effect monitoring) to ensure compliance with CQC regulations and local authority guidelines.
Health Monitoring: Observing and reporting any changes in clients’ health status—such as vital signs, mood changes, mobility issues—to the designated Care Coordinator or healthcare professional.

Meal Preparation and Nutritional Support

Cooking Healthy Meals: Preparing balanced meals that meet dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural preferences.
Hydration Monitoring: Encouraging and assisting clients to drink fluids regularly, checking for signs of dehydration, and documenting intake.
Assisted Feeding: Helping clients eat safely if they have swallowing difficulties or need hand-over-hand feeding support.

Light Housekeeping and Domestic Tasks

Household Tidy-Up: Performing light cleaning tasks, such as dusting, vacuuming, and wiping surfaces, to maintain a safe and hygienic living environment.
Laundry and Linen Changes: Washing clothes, bed linens, and towels, folding laundry, and ensuring clothes are ironed or pressed if needed.
Shopping and Errands: Accompanying clients to supermarkets, collecting groceries, and running essential errands like pharmacy collections.
Pet Care (If Required): Assisting with feeding, walking, or administering medication to household pets when part of the client’s care plan.

Emotional Support and Companionship

Active Listening: Engaging clients in meaningful conversation, offering companionship, and reducing feelings of loneliness or social isolation.
Social Outings: Accompanying clients to community activities, medical appointments, or family events, enhancing their sense of connection.
Recreational Activities: Organising simple activities like board games, reading, or listening to music, tailored to clients’ interests and abilities.

Mobility Assistance and Safe Transfers

Safe Handling Techniques: Using hoists, transfer belts, or slide sheets (after training) to assist clients with limited mobility safely between beds, chairs, and wheelchairs.
Walking Support: Providing steadying support during ambulation, encouraging confidence, and preventing falls.
Personal Exercise Routines: Guiding clients through gentle range-of-motion or strengthening exercises as specified in their care plan and approved by a physiotherapist.

Every day will be different: one day you might help a client with complex mobility needs attend a weekly medical appointment, and the next you could spend time preparing a nutritious lunch and engaging in light gardening activities. This variety makes the role engaging and ensures you’ll develop a broad set of caregiving skills.

Key Responsibilities: Delivering Outstanding Domiciliary Care

To succeed as a Care Assistant / Caregiver at SW Domiciliary Care, you’ll demonstrate the following core responsibilities:

1. Uphold Person-Centred Care Principles

Implement Individualised Care Plans: Follow detailed care plans created by care coordinators and healthcare professionals, ensuring each client’s routines, preferences, and goals are met.
Respect Client Dignity: Treat clients with respect and sensitivity, maintaining their privacy, choice, and independence in all activities.
Document Care Delivery: Accurately complete electronic or paper-based care records at each visit, noting tasks completed, client observations, and any concerns requiring escalation.

2. Maintain Health and Safety Standards

Risk Assessments: Perform quick risk assessments at each visit, identifying trip hazards, slip risks, or potential medication errors.
Infection Control: Adhere to strict infection prevention protocols—handwashing, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe disposal of clinical waste—to protect clients and yourself.
First Aid and Emergency Response: Understand basic first aid procedures and know when to call emergency services or inform the care coordinator of critical issues.

3. Communicate Effectively with Clients and Team

Collaborative Communication: Share accurate, objective information with the care coordinator, colleagues, and other health professionals—including updates on client well-being, changes to care needs, or equipment issues.
Feedback Loop: Actively participate in team handovers and team meetings, providing insights to improve care planning and service delivery.
Empathy and Patience: Listen attentively to clients’ concerns, validating their feelings, and adapting your approach to suit individual communication styles (including non-verbal cues for clients with limited speech).

4. Promote Rehabilitation and Wellbeing

Encourage Independence: Motivate clients to perform tasks they can safely manage, building confidence and preserving functional abilities.
Support Physiotherapy Exercises: Follow physiotherapy guidelines to assist with prescribed exercises, transporting clients to therapy sessions, and using mobility aids correctly.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: Identify signs of depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline, and report concerns to supervisory staff so that appropriate interventions (counselling, social worker referrals) can be arranged.

5. Enhance Quality Assurance and Compliance

CQC Standards: Ensure care delivery aligns with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations concerning safety, effectiveness, and person-centred care.
Training and Competency: Complete mandatory training—safeguarding vulnerable adults, preventing abuse, food hygiene, and infection control—to maintain competency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Continuous Improvement: Suggest process improvements or client activity ideas to the Care Coordinator—whether adopting a digital care journal or piloting a reminiscence therapy session—to enhance service quality.

Essential Qualifications and Competencies for Career Success

SW Domiciliary Care seeks candidates who bring a combination of practical skills, personal attributes, and a genuine desire to care for others. Below are key qualifications, competencies, and qualities that will set you up for success:

Qualifications and Certifications

No Previous Experience Required: We welcome applications from individuals new to home care. All successful applicants receive in-depth, paid training.
Driving Licence and Vehicle: A valid UK driving licence and access to a reliable car are essential for travel between client homes across Cheltenham and nearby villages.
Basic Education Requirements: Minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths is preferred for record-keeping and communication tasks.
Essential Training (Post-Hire):
- Care Certificate: Completion within 12 weeks of start date, covering standards such as duty of care, equality and diversity, and safeguarding.
- Medication Administration Course: Certification to assist with prompting and safe handling of client medications.
- Mandatory Safeguarding and Health & Safety Modules: Ensuring you are prepared to identify and report concerns about client welfare.

Technical Skills

Computer Literacy: Competency with basic digital tools (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to access electronic care records (eMAR systems), schedule visits, and communicate with the care team.
Reporting and Documentation: Ability to write clear, concise reports detailing care provided, client observations, and any incidents.
Data Entry: Accurate input of care notes and records to maintain up-to-date client histories.

Personal Attributes and Soft Skills

Compassion and Empathy: A caring nature that drives genuine concern for clients’ physical and emotional needs.
Reliability and Punctuality: Consistent attendance and on-time arrival for scheduled visits, ensuring client trust and continuity of care.
Adaptability: Comfort with changing schedules, diverse care environments, and varying client needs—from complex mobility assistance to simple companionship visits.
Team Collaboration: Willingness to work closely with colleagues, supervisory staff, and external healthcare professionals to deliver cohesive care.
Problem-Solving Ability: Initiative to identify minor issues (medication stock running low, equipment needing repair) and communicate promptly for resolution.
Professionalism: Observe strict client confidentiality, maintain a grooming standard aligned with infection control protocols, and adhere to SW Domiciliary Care’s Code of Conduct.

Comprehensive Training and Professional Development Pathways

At SW Domiciliary Care, we recognise that investing in our Care Assistants is integral to delivering top-quality care. Our structured training and development framework ensures you gain both foundational skills and advanced competencies:

Paid Induction Programme

Day 1–5: Core Mandatory Training
- Safeguarding and Prevent Duty: Identifying and reporting abuse, following national guidelines.
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Embracing diverse client backgrounds and respecting cultural sensitivities.
- Health & Safety, Fire Safety, and Manual Handling: Practical sessions on lifting techniques, use of hoists, and safe equipment handling.
- Infection Prevention & Control: Hand hygiene procedures, PPE use, and cleaning protocols to reduce cross-infection risk.
Week 2–4: Shadowing and Mentoring
- On-the-Job Shadowing: Pair with an experienced Care Assistant to observe client visits, practice safe transfer techniques, and learn documentation procedures.
- Mentorship Sessions: Discuss challenges, reflect on learning experiences, and set personal goals for skill improvement.

Care Certificate Achievement (Within First 12 Weeks)

The Care Certificate covers 15 national standards, including:
- Understanding Roles and Responsibilities
- Duty of Care and Consent
- Person-Centred Care
- Basic Life Support and First Aid Principles
- Confidentiality and Data Protection
Completion involves a combination of online modules, assessments, and reflective journals to demonstrate competence in each standard.

Specialist Skill Development (Months 4–6)

Medication Administration Training: In-depth instruction on dosage calculations, eMAR usage, medication storage, and reporting side effects.
Dementia Care and Person-Centred Approaches: Strategies for interacting with clients living with dementia—communication techniques, behaviour management, and reminiscence therapy.
End-of-Life Care Principles: Guidance on palliative care best practices, emotional support for clients and families, and grief management.
Nutrition and Hydration Workshops: Understanding dietary requirements for older adults, texture-modified diets, and support for safe swallowing.

Ongoing Professional Development (Months 6+)

Quarterly Refresher Training: Updates on new CQC guidelines, CPR certification renewals, and advanced manual handling techniques.
Elective Modules: Choose from courses such as Parkinson’s Care, Diabetes Management, Stroke Rehabilitation, or Mental Health First Aid.
Career Progression Pathway:
- Senior Care Assistant: Lead small teams, mentor junior staff, and manage complex care cases.
- Care Coordinator: Oversee care scheduling, liaise with healthcare professionals, and ensure optimal care plan implementation.
- Team Leader / Supervisor: Manage branch operations, support recruitment and training, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Work Schedule and Flexibility: Balancing Work and Life

We understand the importance of work-life balance. As a Care Assistant at SW Domiciliary Care, you can expect:

Contract Types and Shift Patterns

Full-Time Roles: Typically 35–37.5 hours per week, spread across days, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays on a rotational basis.
Part-Time Roles: Flexible hours to suit your availability—minimum of 16 hours per week required.
Zero-Gap Rotas: Consecutive shifts may include a maximum of 5 days on, followed by a minimum of 2 consecutive days off, ensuring adequate rest.
Night Support: While most care is delivered during waking hours, on-call support may be required for clients with complex needs or urgent care situations (optional for Care Assistants).

Location Coverage

Primary Area: Cheltenham town centre, Charlton Kings, Leckhampton, Prestbury, and up to 30-minute drive radius.
Travel Reimbursement: All mileage between client visits is reimbursed at a competitive rate (e.g., 45p per mile), ensuring no financial loss for travel.

Flexibility Perks

Shift Swapping: Trade shifts with colleagues subject to managerial approval, accommodating personal commitments or emergencies.
Annual Leave Requests: Submit leave requests well in advance via our care scheduling software; managers strive to approve leave within 2 weeks, where operationally feasible.
Additional Leave Days: Earn extra leave based on length of service (e.g., after 2 years, an extra day of paid leave is added annually).

Company Culture: A Supportive, Inclusive Workplace

At SW Domiciliary Care, our team culture is central to delivering outstanding home care. We believe a positive work environment empowers staff to provide the best possible service.

Core Cultural Values

Compassionate Care: We prioritise empathy, kindness, and respect in every client interaction.
Team Collaboration: Regular branch huddles, peer support groups, and digital forums encourage open communication and idea sharing.
Continuous Improvement: Your feedback is valued—monthly team meetings include a “What Went Well / Improvements” segment to discuss lessons learned.
Respect and Inclusion: We celebrate diverse perspectives—staff come from various cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, reflecting the clients we serve.

Wellbeing Initiatives

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential counselling and mental health support available 24/7.
Wellness Workshops: Quarterly sessions on topics like stress management, mindfulness, and nutrition for carers.
Staff Recognition: “Caregiver of the Month” award with a gift voucher, plus annual celebration dinners.
Social Events: Summer BBQs, holiday parties, and team-building outings that foster camaraderie.

Leadership and Mentorship

Branch Manager Support: Accessible management with an open-door policy—discuss concerns, career aspirations, or personal needs freely.
Mentor-Buddy System: New recruits are paired with experienced Care Assistants who provide guidance during induction and beyond.
Skill Shadowing: Opportunity to shadow senior staff during complex care visits, building confidence and expertise.

Benefits and Perks: Investing in Your Future

We recognise the commitment and hard work of our Care Assistants. To show appreciation, SW Domiciliary Care provides a robust benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth:

Financial and Practical Benefits

Competitive Hourly Pay: £13.50 – £18.72 per hour, based on experience, qualifications, and shift patterns.
Mileage Reimbursement: Paid at 45p per mile for travel between client visits.
Company Pension Scheme: Automatic enrolment with employer contributions to help you save for retirement.
Referral Bonus Programme: Earn up to £250 for referring a qualified candidate who successfully completes three months of service.
Free Uniforms and PPE: High-quality uniforms, gloves, masks, and sanitizer provided to ensure professional appearance and infection control.

Leave Entitlements

Paid Annual Leave: Generous holiday allowance—starting at 28 days pro rata (including bank holidays), increasing with years of service.
Additional Leave Days: Earn an extra day of leave for each full year of service after 2 years, up to a maximum of 5 additional days.
Sick Pay: Statutory sick pay (SSP) from day one, moving to enhanced occupational sick pay after 6 months of continuous service.

Professional Development and Career Growth

Paid Training Courses: Budget allocated for external courses—e.g., Level 3 Care Certificate updates, Dementia Care, End-of-Life Care, or Medication Management.
Qualification Support: Reimbursement for vocational qualifications (NVQs in Health & Social Care, Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care Services).
Career Pathway Mentoring: Structured pathway from Care Assistant to Senior Carer, Care Coordinator, Branch Supervisor, and beyond.
Study Leave: Up to 5 days of paid study leave per year to support coursework for relevant qualifications.

Wellbeing and Lifestyle Perks

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential counselling, financial guidance, and legal advice available 24/7.
Wellness Allowance: Quarterly vouchers (worth £25) for gym memberships, fitness classes, or mental health apps.
Bus and Train Travel Advance: Interest-free loan to purchase annual travel passes, encouraging environmentally friendly commuting.
Birthday Leave: One paid day off on your birthday (or to be taken within the same month) as a token of appreciation.

How We Support Clients and Enhance Quality of Life

At SW Domiciliary Care, our Care Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring clients lead fulfilling lives within their own homes. By delivering high-quality, person-centred care, you will:

Promote Independence and Dignity

Empower Clients: Encourage clients to perform tasks they can safely manage—building confidence and preserving functional abilities.
Respect Choices: Offer choices in daily routines, meals, and activities, honoring cultural preferences and individual autonomy.

Enhance Wellbeing and Social Connection

Reduce Isolation: Provide companionship, conversation, and emotional support, especially for clients living alone or with limited social contact.
Community Integration: Facilitate attendance at local clubs, church events, or community centres, promoting social engagement and mental stimulation.

Ensure Safety and Health Outcomes

Prevent Hospital Admissions: Early identification of health changes—such as weight loss, dehydration, or falls—leading to timely medical intervention and reduced emergency visits.
Monitor Chronic Conditions: Assist clients with long-term conditions (e.g., diabetes, COPD, heart disease) by tracking symptoms, medication compliance, and liaising with healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Care Assistant Applicants

1. Do I need prior experience to apply?

No previous experience is required. We provide comprehensive, paid training covering essential care skills, safeguarding, and first aid. Compassion and a willingness to learn are more important than past experience.

2. Can I work part-time or adjust my hours?

Yes. Both full-time and part-time roles are available. We can discuss flexible scheduling during the interview to fit your personal commitments.

3. Is a driving licence mandatory?

Yes, applicants must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a reliable vehicle, as travel between client homes is essential.

4. Do you offer visa sponsorship?

No, SW Domiciliary Care does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

5. What training is provided after hiring?

All new hires complete a structured induction programme, including Care Certificate training, medication administration, infection control, and shadowing experience. Ongoing training and professional development opportunities are also available.

6. How soon can I start?

We run a fast-track hiring process. If successful at interview, you could start within two weeks, subject to background checks and references.

7. What kind of client needs will I encounter?

Clients vary in need—from basic companionship and light housekeeping to more complex care needs like dementia support, post-surgery assistance, and end-of-life care.

8. How is mileage paid?

Mileage between client visits is reimbursed at 45p per mile to cover fuel and vehicle wear.

How to Apply: Your Path to a Rewarding Care Career

Ready to make a direct impact on people’s lives every day? Follow these steps to apply for the Care Assistant / Caregiver role at SW Domiciliary Care:

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

CV / Resume: Highlight any relevant experience, transferable skills, and personal qualities suited to caregiving.
Cover Letter: Briefly explain your motivation for joining SW Domiciliary Care, emphasizing your compassion, reliability, and commitment to enhancing client wellbeing.

Step 2: Submit Online or In Person

Visit our website and complete the online application form, uploading your CV and cover letter.
Alternatively, drop off a printed copy at our Cheltenham branch (address below) to meet the team in person and ask any initial questions.

Step 3: Interview and Skills Assessment

Phone Screening: A brief call with HR to confirm eligibility, driving licence, and right to work in the UK.
In-Person Interview: Meet with the Branch Manager and a Senior Carer to discuss your suitability, availability, and scenarios based on typical care situations.
Skills Assessment: A short, practical demonstration of safe manual handling and basic first-aid questions to gauge competency.

Step 4: Background Checks and References

We conduct DBS checks to safeguard vulnerable adults.
Provide at least two references—one from a previous employer or educational institution—who can vouch for your reliability and character.

Step 5: Induction and Training

Upon clearance, you’ll start the paid induction programme, which includes completing your Care Certificate standards within the first 12 weeks.
Join your “buddy” (experienced Care Assistant) on shadow visits, gradually transitioning to independent visits while receiving ongoing feedback.

The Impact You’ll Make: Changing Lives Every Day

As a Care Assistant at SW Domiciliary Care, your work goes beyond tasks—you become a vital part of clients’ daily lives:

Enhancing Independence
- Daily Living Support: By helping clients with personal care, you enable them to remain in their own homes, preserving dignity and autonomy.
- Confidence Building: Encouraging clients to perform manageable tasks fosters self-esteem and a sense of purpose.
Boosting Health and Wellbeing
- Preventive Care: Early identification of health issues reduces hospital admissions and accelerates recovery.
- Emotional Uplift: Friendly conversation, genuine listening, and emotional support contribute to improved mental health, especially for clients who live alone or have limited social contact.
Strengthening Community Connections
- Social Inclusion: Accompanying clients to community centres, social clubs, or GP visits helps them maintain social ties and prevents isolation.
- Advocacy: By liaising with healthcare providers and families, you ensure clients receive the comprehensive support they need.
Supporting Families and Carers
- Respite Provision: Giving family carers a reliable break, knowing their loved ones are safe and well-cared for.
- Resource Coordination: Signposting clients and families to local support groups, charities, and benefit services that complement domiciliary care.
Your role as a Care Assistant is not merely logistical—it’s profoundly relational, combining practical assistance with emotional presence to transform client experiences and outcomes.