Care Assistant 

Location:  

Dorchester 

Salary:  

£13.50 per hour days £14.50 per hour nights 

Overtime additional £1 per hour 

Work Pattern:                                    

Day Shifts: 8am to 8pm (long-day), 8am to 2pm (morning) or 2pm to 8pm (afternoon) 

Night Shifts: 8pm to 8am. 

Early Bird shifts and Twilight shifts:   7am – 2pm and 4pm – 10pm  

Current requirements:  

Night Care Assistant x 2: 42 hours per week. 3 nights one week and 4 nights the next. 

Hourly rate: £14.50. 

There is the option of picking up additional hours at both homes for an enhanced rate. Shifts may be subject to change to meet the needs of the home. 

Located in the heart of Dorchester, this small and friendly residential care home is set within a beautifully converted Victorian house, overlooking Borough Gardens. It offers personalised care and support for up to 23 residents in a warm, homely environment. 

The team takes pride in delivering compassionate, person-centred care — tailoring support to individual needs, routines, and preferences. Residents enjoy comfortable communal spaces, private bedrooms they can personalise, a peaceful garden with an all-weather awning, and a varied activity programme led by two dedicated co-ordinators. 

Fresh, nutritious meals are prepared daily onsite, with snacks and refreshments always available. The home is led by an experienced and caring Registered Manager, who fosters a supportive team culture and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

This is a place where kindness, dignity and connection come first — for both residents and staff. 

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Care Assistants. You will play a vital role in providing high-quality care and support to residents in a warm and welcoming environment. 

Your role will be varied, and you will need to respond to the needs of each individual, acting in their best interests, following care plans and taking the time to get to know residents needs and preferences well so that high standards of care can be delivered. The care home is their home, so in your role you will need to be mindful of this and prioritize the residents and their loved ones needs. 

You will need to participate in regular training and behave in a professional and friendly manner towards other staff and visitors, embodying the companies’ values and standards in all you do. 

Duties  

Typical duties include: 

Assisting residents with personal care tasks, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, while respecting their dignity and independence. 

Supporting residents with medication administration as per their individual care plans and ensuring compliance with medication protocols. 

Safeguarding the residents and treating them with dignity and respect in all that you do. 

Assisting residents during mealtimes, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition and hydration. Collaborating with the in-house chef to accommodate residents' dietary preferences and restrictions. 

Facilitating social activities and events for residents, encouraging participation and promoting a sense of community within the care home. 

Liaising with Healthcare Professionals. Coordinating and communicating with local GPs, hairdressers, chiropodists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure residents' holistic well-being. 

Liaising with families and friends of the residents, ensuring they are welcomed, supported and appropriately included in their loved one’s care. 

Providing emotional support and companionship to residents, fostering meaningful relationships and addressing their psychosocial needs. 

Promoting the well-being and independence of residents, encouraging participation in social activities, outings, and therapeutic interventions. 

Promoting a safe and hygienic environment for residents and staff, adhering to health and safety regulations and infection control procedures 

Accurately documenting residents' care activities, observations, and any changes in their condition, in accordance with care home policies and procedures. 

Maintaining up to date knowledge and understanding of latest care legislation and guidance. 

Participating in mandatory and other training as required. 

Following company policies and procedures. 

Representing the home in a professional manner. 

This is not an exhaustive list, other duties and responsibilities may be required from time to time which are within your capability or skill set. 

Requirements        

Previous experience in a similar role within the care sector 

A compassionate and empathic approach towards elderly residents and their families. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with residents and colleagues. 

Basic understanding of health and safety regulations and infection control practices. 

Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required. 

Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends.