Head of Care

Job description

Job hours can be discussed and adjusted based on availability of the candidates.

We are looking for an experienced Head of Care to join our team at Chantry House, Saxmundham. Working closely with the Registered Manager and Nurses you will ensure complete organisation of the care staff including rota writing and ER. Experience is preferred but Senior Carers looking for their next step within their careers will also be considered as full training will be provided.

Please see full job description below:

Main Duties of the Job

• To support Management in all aspects of the Home’s running.
• To work as part of a team providing and maintain high standards of care to suit the individual needs of each resident as directed by the Manager or Deputy, working within the policies and procedures set out by Cathena HealthCare to ensure CQC standards are met.
• To enable residents to lead as active and independent lives as possible by providing holistic and personal care.
• Provide personal care and support (including laundry, housekeeping and kitchen duties) as identified in the care plan, whilst promoting choice and enabling residents to maintain independence and dignity
• To be responsible for the care staff throughout their work lifecycle. Actively participating in recruitment, probations, 1:1’s and training.
• To complete audits as instructed by the Home Manager
• To support all units when on shift and ensure all care staff are maintaining high standards of care at all times.
• Administer Medicines when appropriate and qualified to do so.
• To induct and support agency staff through shifts. General Duties of the Job
• To work in accordance with a rota that supports meeting the care needs of the home. This will include working alternate weekends, evenings, bank holidays and/or any other shift pattern that has been established by the Registered Care Manager based on the needs of the care home.
• To work with the Home Manager and Deputy to ensure the care team are organised, this includes assisting with care rotas and care staff training.
• To work in a “person-centred” way to promote the emotional and physical well being of residents seeking to provide as far as possible, a happy stimulating and stable environment.
• As Senior on shift, to ensure the smooth running of the home and to monitor, assist and support all junior and domestic staff so they contribute to the best of their ability to the efficient running of the Home and the creation of a homely atmosphere.
• To assist in the formulation of care plans for new residents and the review of care plans for established residents.
• To be responsible for the efficient and correct dispensing of all medications for which the Home has taken responsibility for and to maintain the necessary records to the standards required by the Home, Cathena Care and the CQC.
• To actively help care staff in delivering personal care to Residents:
• - Washing and bathing residents and assisting with dressing and undressing.- Assisting with toileting requirements of residents, especially those who are physically, mentally frail or confused.- Assisting residents with their mobility by the use of mobility aids provided for their use.- To ensure that personal grooming is also carried out and check regularly on shift for the cleanliness of Residents, their clothes and any equipment they use.
• To Ensure there are activities planned for Residents (in times where there is no Activity coordinator on shift) in which they can join and will enhance their quality of life.
• To monitor and organise mealtimes to ensure standards are met in respect of Residents eating on time and in their own time, that those requiring assistance with meals are cared for correctly and in a person centred, engaged way and that mealtimes are as relaxed, happy and stimulating as possible.
• Reporting observations of alterations in behaviour, physical conditions e.g. changes in skin state, body fluids etc to the Care Manager and Deputy and to ensure that the relevant paperwork is completed.
• Identifying and reporting signs of poor practice or abuse.
• To ensure that any Resident receiving palliative care is cared for in the appropriate manner and that all staff are monitored to ensure the Residents needs are met professionally and to standard.
• Recording and monitoring of effective paperwork on each shift e.g. care charts, observation, updating risk assessments, post falls monitoring charts and any other paperwork relating to the Residents health, safety and well-being.
• To monitor and assess the Keyworkers if assigned to you and be responsible for the care of those persons’ rooms, clothing, emotional needs etc. To hold monthly meetings with your assigned Keyworkers and to complete key worker assessment sheets.
• To ensure that bedrooms and communal areas are properly cleaned and maintained and adequately heated in accordance with requirements.
• To be fully involved in the social activities and outings with residents.
• To attend and participate in training and staff development programmes as identified in the staff appraisal system.
• To support the Manager and Deputy in their duty as ‘responsible officers’ for the Home under the Health and Safety at Work act and the Fire Regulations.
• To help the Care Manager and Deputy maintain such log books and records as may be required by the Registering Authority or the Association.
• To undertake on call or sleep duties when designated as part of a working shift pattern to ensure we maintain the Residents safety and well-being at all times.
• To participate in other duties delegated to you by the Manager or Deputy which may be required from time to time to ensure the efficient running of the Home and the safety and well-being of the Residents.
• To be part of the “on-Call” rota on a basis discussed and agreed during induction with home Manager.

Care-specific responsibilities

• Ability to read, understand and complete / contribute (Nursing Home) to care plans.
• Health and Safety in the workplace.
• Manual Handling procedures.
• Safeguarding vulnerable adults.
• Food Hygiene.
• Commitment and passion to provide high quality care.
• Strong interpersonal and empathy skills.
• Approachable attitude.
• Ability to work as part of a team or individually.
• Ability to prioritise and plan around resident’s needs.
• Create an environment where customers feel able to participate and contribute ideas.
• Wearing appropriate clothing (Cathena HealthCare Uniform) and I.D at all times. Person Specification
• NVQ Level 3 essential. NVQ Level 4 preferred.
• Genuine interest and clear experience of working within a caring environment at a senior level.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Team Player.
• Adopts a positive and professional approach when dealing with residents to meet their needs.
• Willingness to participate in vocational training programmes.
• Willing to undertake e-learning
• Satisfactory police check and check against the ISA list.
• Understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• Understanding of Infection Control.