Job-FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have experience of Care Work?

Ideally we would like you to have some experience but it is not essential, as we provide comprehensive training.

How long from applying until I begin working?

When we have received your application, we can decide whether we think you will be suitable. We then invite you to attend an interview. If successful, you will be able to start work as soon as a suitable enhanced DBS is issued. However, if you wish to, you can begin your training immediately. Once we have seen your DBS, you will then be in a position to start working immediately. The DBS check can take as lttle as 24 hours to complete, although it can take considerably longer.

What localities would I be working in?

All of our clients live within the Bracknell Forest Area - See our Service Area.

What is a DBS and POVA check?

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) The service was implemented to provide criminal record checks for all individuals who come into contact with children, the elderly and other vulnerable people through their work. This service extends the availability of police record checks to all organisations which previously could only be accessed by certain public sector organisations.

POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) scheme is a register of professionals who have harmed vulnerable adults in their care. Your name will be checked against this register during the DBS check.

Do you employ workers from overseas?

Yes - As long as you are currently resident in the UK, and are eligible to work here. You will need to provide the necessary documents, and show that you have a good command of written and spoken English.

Do I need to be able to drive? 

If you are applying for a position as Carer or Supervisor / Senior Carer, you will need to have a full driving licence (Provisional in the case of a moped/motorcycle) and a reliable vehicle.   Please check our advertisement for requirements. You will also need to produce the following documents:-

• Current Driving Licence

• Current Insurance certificate

• Current MOT certificate

• Up to date Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Tax)

Copies of these will be kept on file, and the expiry dates will be diarised. You will be required to produce updated documents as old ones expire.

Do I need to be living locally?

Since we offer care to clients between the hours of 07:00 and 23:00, you need to be living fairly close to your area of work. You will not want to have a long journey to your first client, as it may involve an early start. In addition, mileage from your home to your first client cannot be claimed against tax, and the journey time is not included in living wage calculations..

 
Will you guarantee me work? 

We are unable to guarantee regular hours due to the nature of the work we provide. However it is in our interest to try and ensure that everyone is working, and a lot depends on your availability and suitability to work.

If you are only able to work for a few hours in the middle of the day, there is obviously less work available than during the early morning, evening and weekends.

 
How much do I get paid?

Please ask for details of our rates of pay when you come for your interview.

 
When will I get paid?

All of our staff are paid monthly (four or five weekly), on the last Friday of each month. Payments are made by direct debit into your bank account. Because you are paid for the hours you work, you must use the Mobile Phone App on in order to log In & Out at a client's house, and see care notes, and medication details. The app uses about 50mb per month.

Uniform & PPE
We provide all uniform and PPE free of charge.

How do I know about all the relevant policies and procedures of the company? 

When your application is successful, you will be issued a Staff Handbook.  You will also attend an Induction Course which will train you, explain how we expect you to behave, and how you can expect the Company to behave towards you.  Once you become a full member of staff you will also be able to view our policies and procedures online. You will also have access to additional on-line training courses.

What other training is available.

All staff are expected to complete the "Care Certificate" during their probationary period. This is an online course. Once you have finished that, you can then go on to do a QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social care. These courses are run by Bracknell and Wokingham College. The work is done in your own time, and your Training Assessor will meet with you in our offices.