Anita Walter, human resources manager at Extra Hands, which provides domiciliary and domestic care in Norfolk.

Rapid Response Social Carer

Answers supplied by Anita Walter, human resources manager at Extra Hands, providers of domiciliary and domestic care in Norfolk. Extra Hands draws on more than 13 years of experience in delivery care and support to people of all ages with a wide variety of needs to assist them to live as safely as possible in their own homes for as long as they wish/or are able to do so.

What does the job entail?
You would be responding to the needs of service users and liaising with other services as necessary. This includes providing assistance with personal care, meals, shopping and other household tasks as required along with emotional and social support. You need to be able to assess and review care packages and complete risk assessments as required. As a rapid response carer you would also be called on to respond to emergency situations where extra or urgent care is required.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
You will need to have a sound knowledge of social care either gained in the community or in a residential setting with an understanding of the need for risk assessments and the relevant legislation that relates to our industry. NVQ II in care or above is desirable but not essential as full training will be given. This would include a full induction programme and on the job training with monitoring and supervision progressing on to NVQ qualifications.

What type of person will fit in?
You need to be flexible and prepared to travel so your own transport is essential. You must be self-motivated and be able to work on your own initiative reporting and responding to other care professionals. You need to have a caring and compassionate nature, be reliable, have excellent communication skills and have the ability to work as part of a team of caring professionals.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
On the plus side you will be promoting independence for the service users. You will also gain satisfaction from helping others, a sense of achievement, plenty of variety, interesting and rewarding work. On the minus side, the hours worked may not suit everyone as you could be required for early starts and may find yourself working alternate weekends. Travel in remote areas and dealing with difficult situations.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
There are plenty of opportunities for career progression such as going on to become a registered manager. In this role you will be able to support a team of social carers in providing a responsive and flexible service to all service users.

What can I expect to earn?
In our case the rapid response team works 30 hours per week to include alternate weekends. Shifts are 7am to 1pm five days per week and salary for this is £11,419.20 with NVQ (£10,639 without qualifications). Additional care hours are often be available if required. Mileage allowance is paid and you may earn enhancements for bank holidays.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
If interested in working for Extra Hands you should contact your local office for information about vacancies and to obtain an application pack with full job descriptions. The Extra Hands Broadland office number is (01603) 898623. It is also worth keeping an eye on the recruitment section of the local press.