Devon's vulnerable need you - apply for a job in health and care today

People of all ages and backgrounds are urgently needed to care for vulnerable people across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay this winter.

Those who are caring, compassionate and committed are being called on to register their interest in a variety of healthcare assistant roles across the county on the Proud to Care Devon website, even if they have no previous experience.

Applicants who have left the profession, recently found themselves out of work and recent college leavers are also being encouraged to register, as are those who have not previously considered a career in care.

Every winter care providers, residential homes and the NHS are under pressure as demand for services increases with the onset of cold weather and flu. This year this pressure has increased as the Covid-19 ‘second wave’ takes hold.

Health and care workers are needed for both temporary and permanent positions with working hours during the daytime, evenings and across weekends, in residential settings, hospitals and in people's homes.

All applicants have to do is register their name, postcode, email address and contact phone number at proudtocaredevon.org.uk. A free DBS check will be provided.

It only takes a couple of minutes and once registered someone from the Proud to Care team will call back for an informal chat.

Successful applicants may be required to support people with their personal care needs which could include assisting with eating, drinking and washing.

Applicants don’t necessarily need formal qualifications or previous formal work experience, but they do need the right values to work in health and social care.

These opportunities are a first step into an exciting career in health and social care in Devon.

Successful job holders can expect to complete relevant Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications with the opportunity to progress a career as a registered manager, social worker, registered nursing associate or nurse or in the allied health professions, including occupational therapy, podiatry and radiography.

Philippa Slinger, lead chief executive for the Devon health and care system, said: “These are flexible and rewarding roles in a teams that make a real difference to other people’s lives. Healthcare assistants play a vital role in the health and care sector, which offers fulfilling and lifelong careers.”

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Health and Social Care said: “As winter approaches, we need caring, compassionate and diligent people to register their interest as healthcare assistants more than ever. As a healthcare worker you will have the potential to make a huge difference to the quality of someone’s life.
“This can make it a very rewarding and fulfilling job, providing a real sense of achievement that’s difficult to experience elsewhere.
“Care workers are highly skilled, highly valued, empathetic individuals who are as necessary to the healthcare system as our district nurses, GPs and pharmacists.
“If you care about people and enjoy social interaction, a role in care could be just for you.”

Plymouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Councillor Kate Taylor said; “We are all acutely aware of the pressures that are facing us in addition to the pandemic this year. Now more than ever, we need people to consider a career in the caring profession. There is nothing more heart-warming than knowing that you have made a difference to someone’s life. Caring is such a rewarding career and it’s fantastic that applicants will be given the opportunity to progress their careers with access to learning and development."

Councillor Jackie Stockman, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Public Health, said: “Every day across Torbay, Plymouth and Devon we are witnessing the amazing work of those who make a real difference to people's lives across the community in these important frontline roles. As we know, all those organising care in our communities and the NHS really need as much support as they can during these winter months, so if you have found yourself in a position where you are thinking of a change of job or career, or considering coming back to a health or care role, please check out the website. There are great opportunities for work that is so much more than just a job and with real prospects to develop and progress.”

Go to the Proud to Care website to register your details or find the latest jobs.