Considering care home job but want to get this right

[Deleted User]

Have had a stange interview today couldn't believe it a group interview for a care home !!! didn't see that coming! don't know if I'm running away with myself, I don't know just because I done care work before I seemed to get an 'express' interview I didn't even get to sit down !! :sad: if I can get £60 for a CRB and take my certificates to the home the job is mine

Just feel a little urgh because I didn't get to ask questions, how to know I'm not making yet another mistake?

The guy's attitude in my '5 mins' was well you have a real smile and that is what the old folks want to see, :) he seemed straight up in a lets not mess around way after I mentioned the domaciliary care trouble

Is this enough though really after great expections of a job interview though it was probably one where I was the least organised in truth, I'm going to try do a list of pro's and con's of job this time?

Wonder if I go back to the home with the fee whether I can enter into more of a chat and get a shot of those I'll be working with, otherwise it looked really nice and didn't have that smell (I've worked in dirtier hotels got to say), heard one of the other interviewee's saying her friend worked there must be good? and the home is expanding - good news?

RiverStar

Hi l work in a care home and we pay for all pvg checks. I'm in Scotland though and l dont know if its different in England.
Otherwise the interview doesnt seem to have gone into any depth. There is more to it than having a nice smile as l'm sure you know.
I'd call back and say you were keen and offer to help out for a few hours then you may know if it is the job for you.
Im sure someone:p will be along to advise if jobseekers pay for.their own crb.
Good luck

piglet25

Usually payment for checks is made if its an agency, not a 'home', seems a bit odd to me, are you sure its not an agency with it being a group interview?

elsien

If I were you I'd ask for an informal visit to look around and get a feel for the place - you could phrase it under the guise of wanting more idea of the routines and activities you'll be helping out with so you can be prepared for when you start. If they pull a face at that, it would ring warning bells for me.
I think it varies who pays for the CRB (now called DBS btw) - we always pay for new staff but I know of homes where people are expected to pay for their own.

loulou123

I work in a care home and had to pay for my own crb (this was 4 years ago though....)

Did you find out what kind of care home it is - residential care/nursing care/mental health care etc or a combination of these. as this'd make a huge difference to what your job would entail (not sure what kind of care you've done before but residential to mental health as an example would be hugely different.)

It does sound like your interview was a bit to brief, so I'd Definately be wanting to find out more. I love my job (most of the time!) But the hours and pay aren't the best - minimum wage for me and having to work 12 hour shifts every other weekend is expected at mine for example.

[Deleted User]

Thanks all,
Elderly (would never do anything but TBH) Residential Nursing Home with a Matron - don't know if this is any different to care home? the 12 hour shifts are overnight so that is something and yeah know only to well about being paid £6.20 ph and weekends don't exist which I'm not bothered so much about

To be honest I've never had an employer pay for any CRB/DBS checks so that doesn't worry me that it is some sort of scam -
though this particular employer says they will pay half back after I've worked with them for a period of time so we shall see which was different to the advert of we pay half at commencment of check, maybe I should insist on this in writing and see where this takes me

Suppose the DBS might take some time to come back and I can't work till it is received right? I was really hoping a home would take me on as a complete newbie/novice but as soon as the past care experience is learnt it's like you can start straight away subject to clearance and lets go at 1000 miles per hour ! it's really sad no-one interviews in-depth in elderly care (just my personal opinion) as it is just such an important job

National_Careers_Service

First things first... congratulations on getting the job! It may have felt like it was a strange interview but you obviously made a good impression! It just goes to show that we can talk about interview techniques and the top ten list of interview questions but we can’t prepare ourselves for everything!

It sounds like you’re little unsure about this new opportunity and are thinking about past experiences. I like the way you’re keeping an open mind though and I see you’re already working on ways of getting more information about the job. I wonder if I could help kick start your list of pros and cons with a few points to think about?

• The guy who interviewed you has a clear picture of the type of person they’re looking for and wants you to fit in with the rest of the team. It sounds like you made a great first impression. Hold on to that thought!
• You’ve done the job before so you’ll have a better idea of what to expect. You already have the tools to do the job and will need less training than someone brand new to this type of work. You’ll begin to feel like part of the team a lot quicker!
• The home is expanding so it’s likely to offer greater job security and possibly a better chance to work your way up.
• Your first impressions sound positive. It sounds like you like the place and have taken on board some positive comments about other people who work there.

I really like your idea of returning for more of a chat. I think preparation is the key with this idea. You want to make sure you get what you need from even a fleeting conversation and need to try and make sure you don’t miss that golden opportunity to get answers to those burning questions.


Think about these points:

• What do you want to get from that conversation?
• Who do you need to speak to?
• When are they available?
• How much time do they have?

It sounds quite formal but if you think about it a little forward planning will make a big difference. It sounds like you’re keen to find out more so why not give them a call and ask if there’s anyone available for a quick chat when you call in with your ‘fees’.

Just one small point to add, the CRB Check as it used to be known is now called a DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service) You can find out more on the GOV.UK website

Let us know how you get on!

Tracey

loulou123

I only pointed out the different types of care, as my home specializes in mental health - dementia, severe bipolar, schizophrenics etc and we've had SO many staff come and go as they imagine its simply giving tea to cute little old ladies and helping them to the loo - not the case at all!

Our clients are still elderly (mostly) but unpredictable and aggressive at times.

Hope you manage to get a bit more information - let us know what happens