Frequently Asked Questions
Read our frequently asked questions
Questions About Recruitment
- How old do I need to be?
- How long does the recruitment process take?
- What type of interview do you do?
- How can I prepare for the interview?
- Will I need a DBS check?/What is a DBS check?/Do I have to pay for the DBS?
- What training will I be given?
- How do I apply?
Questions About Our Company
- Are there opportunities for progression?
- What benefits do you offer?
- How will I know that I’m doing well in my job?
Questions About a Job Role
- What experience/qualifications do I need?
- Do I need to be able to drive?
- Will I be working alone or in a team?
- What do Care Assistants do?
- How flexible is the work of a Care Assistant?
- Will I be seeing the same clients every time I work?
- How much travel time do I get?/Am I paid for travel time?
- What breaks will I get during my shift?
Questions About Recruitment
How old do I need to be?
All staff must be a minimum age of 18 to work for The Private Care Company.
How long does the recruitment process take?
The recruitment process is based on various factors such as requesting references and DBS checks, but on average from submitting your application to starting work, it takes approximately 2-4 weeks.
What type of interview do you do?
Our interview process begins with an informal telephone call to find out more about you, your experience and why you want to be a Care Assistant. Suitable applicants will be invited for a face-to-face interview which will consist of questions about your previous experience, your understanding of the role and some scenario type questions. The interview process is designed to be friendly and make you feel at ease from the moment you walk in the door.
How can I prepare for the interview?
In order to prepare for your interview, we suggest researching the role you’re applying for and reading through all the company information on our website. We will provide you with lots of information during the interview process, but it might be useful to make a list of questions so that you don’t forget to ask something important.
Will I need a DBS check?/What is a DBS check?/Do I have to pay for the DBS?
To ensure the safety of all our clients, all staff employed by The Private Care Company must go through a DBS check. This checks your police record for any convictions and will show if you have been barred from working with certain groups of people. The DBS check will be paid for by The Private Care Company and you will not be allowed to work until the check/certificate is received back. There is a service provided called The DBS Update Service which enables you to register your DBS certificate online and means employers can instantly check an existing certificate. If you have a DBS certificate that is registered on The DBS Update Service, this can speed up the recruitment process.
What training will I be given?
We provide a full induction training programme to all our new team members which is provided via e-learning, face-to-face learning and on the job shadowing. The training will cover topics including safeguarding, medication, first aid, moving & handling and much more.
How do I apply?
To apply for one of our vacancies, please complete our online application form. If you need any help with completing the form, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Questions About Our Company
Are there opportunities for progression?
Yes, we are very proud of the opportunities we provide to our staff that are keen to progress in their career. We offer The Care Certificate to all new starters within the first 3 months of starting as well as offering fully funded Level 3 & 5 diplomas in Health & Social Care. These qualifications will provide you with the skills and knowledge to be able to progress into more senior roles within the company, these roles may include Senior Care Assistants, Care Supervisors, Care Coordinators, Care Managers and others.
What benefits do you offer?
Please refer to the Rewards & Benefits page.
How will I know that I’m doing well in my job?
All staff have regular supervisions with our Senior Care Team and will receive regular feedback from this to understand how they are progressing within their role. We also encourage our clients and other team members to let us know when they have seen outstanding care and we will celebrate this by letting you know what’s been said and putting you forward for ‘Carer of the Month’.
Questions About a Job Role
What experience/qualifications do I need?
To be considered for a Live-in Care Assistant role or a Waking Night Care Assistant role you must have at least 6 months experience of working as a professional carer. For our domiciliary Care Assistant roles, we ideally look for candidates that have experience whether that be professional or personal experience, however, as we provide full training this role is suitable for anyone that can demonstrate our core values and show a willingness to learn.
Do I need to be able to drive?
Several of our routes do require staff that can drive and have access to a car, however, there are many more routes that are suitable for cyclists. If you do not have your own bike then we can support with this by offering bikes to hire for free or support and discounts on buying your own bike.
Will I be working alone or in a team?
For the majority of the time you will be working alone in the client’s home, however, there are times where we do double up calls and you may work alongside another Care Assistant to provide the right support for the client.
What do Care Assistants do?
Care Assistants provide support with general day to day tasks that may include personal care (washing, dressing, continence care etc.), cleaning, shopping, providing medication, support with moving around the home, accompanying to appointments, or getting out of the house.
How flexible is the work of a Care Assistant?
We offer a variety of full-time and part-time hours that can fit around your lifestyle. Our full-time roles are worked over 3 or 4 consecutive days per week offering a great work-life balance.
Will I be seeing the same clients every time I work?
We believe that both our clients and our Care Assistants benefit from seeing the same people each time they work as this can help to establish a great working relationship, rapport, and trust. Wherever possible we will ensure that our Care Assistants are given regular clients to ensure continuity of care.
How much travel time do I get?/Am I paid for travel time?
Travel is factored into the hourly rate and over a full-time shift you will have 1 hour of travel time (4 x 15mins) spread throughout the day.
What breaks will I get during my shift?
As a full-time Care Assistant, you will be allocated a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. As a Live-in Care Assistant, you will be allocated a 2-hour unpaid break. Part-time Care Assistants do not get a break as they are working less than 6hrs per day.
Cant find an answer to your question?
If your question isn’t covered above, please don’t hesitate to call.
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