Job Summary:

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated professionals in Bristol and the surrounding areas, to join our new and innovative Community Care service as Self-Employed Care Workers and Personal Assistants. You will provide exceptional care and support services to individuals in need, in the BS3 postcode area of South Bristol (covering Bedminster, Southville, Ashton Vale, Bower Ashton, Windmill Hill, parts of Totterdown and Knowle). Be part of something special and help us grow this community initiative where our approach is simple: Local Care for Local People.

As a Care Worker or Personal Assistant you will play a vital role in assisting clients with daily activities, helping them to remain as independent as possible, improving their wellbeing and connections to their local community. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Whether you already work in care, do other work, or have other commitments but need to make ends meet and want to support someone in your local community then BS3 Community Care might be perfect for you!

This is a freelance/ self-employed role and is therefore up to you to:

• Set your own schedule and availability (you could work for just a few hours a week if you have other commitments, you could offer full time availability / live in care, or anything in between)
• Negotiate your own rates (we will provide guidance depending on your qualifications and experience)
• Decide what kind of services you provide and have autonomy over your work

Example Responsibilities:

This is not an exhaustive list, and Care Workers/ PA's may or may not choose to support clients with these activities as part of their core service (depending on skillset, experience, and preference):

• Managing and maintaining nutrition (e.g. cooking meals, supporting to eat, support with food shopping).
• Maintaining personal hygiene (e.g. bathing and showering).
• Managing toilet needs (e.g. prompting or supporting to use the toilet).
• Supporting client to be appropriately clothed.
• Supporting client to remain safe in their home (e.g. support to use equipment such as walking aids, stair-lifts and wheelchairs when required, after you have been shown how to use them by the client or a family member).
• Developing and maintaining family or other personal relationships (e.g. supporting client to visit family and friends on foot or by car and supporting client to have friends and family over to visit them).
• Supporting client to maintain a safe and habitable home environment (e.g. keeping the home tidy and clean, well ventilated, appropriate temperature, free from health and safety hazards (e.g. trips, slips and falls).
• Accessing and engaging in work, training, education, or volunteering (e.g. when the client is able and willing, support them to find and apply for paid and unpaid work opportunities).
• Making use of necessary facilities or services in the local community, including public transport, and recreational facilities or services.
• Supporting with correspondence and finance (e.g. to do shopping in person or online, to get to the bank, to read and understand letters/ information and respond).
• Supporting client to book medical or other appointments and accompany them to appointments if required.
• Monitoring client’s general health and wellbeing and referring/ signposting to appropriate services as necessary.

Skills and knowledge:

• Safeguarding (incl. confidentiality and data protection)
• An understanding of disability rights
• Motivational interviewing and listening skills
• Ability to seek advice when necessary
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload independently
• Ability to remain calm and supportive during emergency or challenging situations.

If you need upskilling in any of the above we can signpost you to relevant training and resources.

Experience:

Desirable - Previous experience of caring for someone in a professional capacity and/or informal capacity (e.g. a child, elderly parents, siblings, partner, etc) and/or related work experience (e.g. teaching).

If you do not have previous professional experience in a caring role then we can signpost you to relevant training opportunities to make sure you feel confident and equipped to provide high quality care and support to your clients.

Role Particulars:

• This is a self-employed opportunity
• We will carry out thorough vetting of all Carers (including an informal interview, DBS and ID checks, references, proof of self-employment status, relevant training and qualifications and public liability insurance).
• If you do not have previous experience of care work and/or being self-employed we can provide support and guidance.
• We will facilitate initial introductions between care seekers and care providers (carers / personal assistants). But we do not get involved in the ongoing provision of care and support. You will have your own contract/ service agreement between yourself and your clients and your own terms and conditions.
• We will manage all payments through our online system so you can focus on providing care.