Deciding to switch jobs is a big step, and it’s natural to have questions about what happens next when you join us as a domiciliary carer. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from new recruits is: “If I join your team, will I get set hours right away?” Here’s what you can expect when transitioning to a domiciliary care role at Unique Senior Care.
Recruitment Process
From the moment you apply for a role with us, we ensure your transition is as smooth as possible. Throughout the recruitment process, you’ll receive comprehensive support from a dedicated team. You’ll receive weekly updates to keep you informed about your compliance checks, references, and the stage of your application. This constant communication ensures you are always up to speed and can plan accordingly.
Immediate Integration and Support
Once hired, a thorough onboarding process provides you with all the information and training you need to feel confident and prepared from day one. This includes introductions to our systems, procedures and a detailed overview of your responsibilities.
To give you a solid foundation of the skills you’ll need, you’ll first complete e-learning modules that you can work through at your own pace before starting your role. This e-learning covers the essential knowledge required to perform your duties effectively.
Following this, you’ll attend a three-day face-to-face induction at our head office in Stratford upon Avon where you’ll put your skills into practice. Here you’ll learn in-depth about various aspects of the job, including manual handling, first aid, and housekeeping. During this induction, you’ll also become familiar with our policies, processes, and meet your dedicated support team. This hands-on training ensures that you are fully equipped to provide high-quality care to our clients from the very start.
Understanding Your Availability
We recognise that everyone has different needs and commitments outside of work. That’s why we take the time to understand your availability and preferences from the very beginning. During your initial chats with our recruitment team, we will discuss your ideal work schedule to ensure we’re on the same page from the outset. This helps us accommodate your needs straight away.
Once you’ve completed all your training, you’ll have a meet and greet with your manager. At this stage, you’ll have a thorough chat about your availability and the hours you are available to work. Whether you need flexible hours to manage family commitments or prefer a more fixed schedule, we aim to provide a working pattern that suits you.
While we strive to accommodate flexible schedules, we also pride ourselves on our continuity of care. This means we need to maintain consistency for our clients by sending the same carer wherever possible at the agreed times. This continuity helps build strong relationships and ensures high-quality care.
Set Hours and Flexibility
Our clients have a variety of needs and schedules. Many need care either early in the morning or in the evening, but the varied nature of our role means that our clients need us throughout the day. This allows us to offer flexible working patterns to fit different availabilities.
We know how important it is to have a stable and predictable schedule, especially when you’re making a big change like moving jobs. While we may need some initial flexibility as we match your availability with client needs, our goal is to get you into a consistent routine as soon as possible. A predictable schedule can help you balance work and personal life better, reducing stress and making your job more enjoyable.
We want to make sure that both your needs and our clients’ needs are met, giving you a balanced and fulfilling work experience.
Building a Reliable Routine
In most cases, we can offer set hours from the start, giving you the stability you need. We take the time to match your skills, availability, and personality with our clients’ needs and preferences. This thoughtful person-centred approach benefits everyone involved. It ensures a comfortable and fulfilling work environment for you and an effective care experience for our clients. Your Care Coordinator is here to make sure you have a manageable and consistent workload. As you settle in, you’ll find your routine becoming more predictable, which helps you plan your life with confidence. Having a reliable schedule benefits not just you but also ensures our clients receive consistent and high-quality care.
Ongoing Communication and Support
We believe that open communication is key to a successful working relationship. If you have any concerns or need to adjust your hours, our team is always here to listen and support you. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions ensure that you feel valued and heard. Our culture is built on continuous learning, so if you ever want to upskill or feel you need to know more about something, please don’t hesitate to ask.
If you need to change your hours, we can accommodate this, but it’s important to remember that our clients rely on both you and us for continuity. To ensure the transition is seamless for our clients, we ask for as much notice as possible. Our aim is to be as flexible as possible while making sure everyone’s needs are met. We understand that things can change, so we’re here to find solutions that work for everyone.
Our Commitment to Quality Care
Our dedication to putting people above all else means providing the highest standard of care to our clients. This commitment extends to you as a team member, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to deliver exceptional care. By focusing on quality, you can take pride in your work and make a real difference in the lives of those you care for. When you are well-supported and happy, your clients will be too. We aim to create an environment where both you and your clients feel valued and satisfied.
Transitioning to a new job can be daunting, but you will receive support from a knowledgeable and friendly senior team and like-minded colleagues. By understanding your needs and providing a balanced work routine, we help you build a reliable and satisfying career.
If you’d like to hear more about how we can support you in your new role, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@uniquecare.co.uk or 01789 453838 or explore our available roles.
Lucy is an experienced professional with over 20 years of experience in the care sector. Currently appointed as the Director of People at Unique Senior Care, she is responsible for shaping and overseeing Recruitment, Talent Management, Leaning and Development, Retention and Human Resource strategies. Lucy is accountable for aligning People policies with our strategic business objectives and ensuring a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Lucy has a bachelor’s degree and has held various significant roles, including Talent Acquisition Director at A Wilderness Way, Head of Recruitment at Prestige Nursing & Care, and The Good Care Group. She enjoys impacting the company’s most important resource—its people—and witnessing the positive differences made for clients and colleagues daily.
