A HOME care provider in Devon has launched a campaign this month (December 2019) to help parents return to work after having their children.
Guardian Homecare, which has offices in Brixham and Exeter, wants to encourage full-time parents back into the workplace with its new returners’ programme.
Katie Jewell, Regional Manager for Guardian Homecare, said: “We appreciate that it’s not easy for parents returning to work after having kids, so, as part of our recruitment process, we are setting up a returners’ programme, not just for mums but for dads too, to help normalise the hiring of those returning to work after having children.
“Lots of potentially excellent candidates for the roles we have to offer in care do not feel confident enough to apply for our jobs. There are potentially hundreds or thousands of people in Devon wishing to return to work after bringing their children up who would not normally contact us about our vacancies because they are worried about the process of applying and how they will be viewed.
“We’re hoping that by having a specific, returners’ programme they will be encouraged to apply. Anyone who has taken time out can lack confidence as they haven’t been in a work environment often for several years. They are also concerned with how their CV will be perceived if they have career gaps. Other issues relate to childcare arrangements and flexible working.”
Guardian Homecare understands that working and looking after children can be difficult, so is offering flexible hours to potential new care staff who are returning to the workforce.
Katie added: “As well as providing continuous care to our service users, we also always make sure our staff are looked after, so as part of our returners’ programme, we’re offering the opportunity for people to take on weekend or evening work.
“Weekends and evenings are our busiest times and these hours could be ideal for parents too. Our hours can fit around their childcare, as we are able to be very flexible. Anyone interested should give us a call at our Brixham office on 01803 853198.”
Guardian Homecare delivers personalised home care supporting people wishing to stay living safely and comfortably in their own homes in Devon.
It currently employs 140 carers and is looking for 100 new honest and kind-hearted individuals to help add to its teams in the county.
“All of our office staff are extremely caring and supportive so if you’re a new mum or dad going back to work after having children, we can offer support and any advice you might need as going back to work again can be a big pressure. We can also prepare care cover for service users in case of emergencies or if you have to take time off if you or your child is unwell. We encourage our new staff to sign up to our Connect & Collect scheme, which offers childcare vouchers.”
Guardian Homecare also offers new recruits a five-day training induction and a 12-week onboard programme working towards a care certificate.
“We’re committed to up-skilling our workforce. Being a carer is a highly skilled, professional vocational occupation that is essential to the fabric of our society. We’re searching for people who are looking for a long-term career as care is a rapidly expanding sector and there is work in the area for many years to come.
“We offer career advancement opportunities that mean we have a highly trained, motivated and appreciated team. We provide the opportunity for our staff to obtain professional qualifications up to Level 5 in health and social care. We have jobs available in the area now with immediate start, no experience necessary just a willingness to care and to learn.
“It is a great opportunity for people to achieve a recognised qualification and they’ll also be able to have access to exclusive discounts online and in-store via our Connect & Collect scheme from retailers including Tesco, Primark and Argos.
“We also offer flexible working hours, both full and part-time, as well as competitive wages, generous holiday allocation and a refer a friend scheme.
“Our support is not solely elderly care, we offer home care for adults of various abilities and our team puts people first by helping individuals live independently and providing peace of mind for families. Our service is also completely personalised and ranges from daily visits to respite and overnight care.”
Anyone wishing to find out more about Guardian Homecare and career in care, should call 01803 853198, which is based in Drew Street, Brixham or visit www.guardianhomecare.org.uk.
