Aberdeen to host recruitment days for care sector vacancies

Special recruitment days will be held this week and next week in Aberdeen in a bid boost the city’s care sector workforce.

Bon Accord Care Ltd [BAC] will host two `jobs fare’ days at Aberdeen Arts Centre on Thursday 20 February, 9am–4pm, and Thursday 27 February, 9am–12noon, as part of a drive to create a pool of Support Workers to work in establishments across the city and in people’s own homes.

People can simply turn up on the day to find out more about the work – and can complete an application form there and then, and may be invited to attend an interview on the same day. Prospective employees need to bring copies of qualifications, proof of the right to live and work in the UK, a document showing their name and address like a driver’s licence or passport, and proof of membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme if they are a member.

Leaflets and other information will be available at the King Street venue, and application forms can be taken away and brought back later or to the next session, after completion. People will also be able to apply online and can then attend from 1pm–4pm on 27 Feb, if they have been shortlisted.

Social Care and Wellbeing convener Councillor Len Ironside CBE said: “I would strongly encourage anyone interested in a career in caring to come along to the Arts Centre to find out more. People can be sure of a warm welcome from the Bon Accord Care staff who will be there on the day and will get the chance to receive full information about what the role entails.

“There are job vacancies here in the care sector, because of Aberdeen’s traditionally high employment rates, which we are very keen to fill. It is extremely rewarding and reliable work, with clients of all backgrounds, and I am certain that people with experience in the field and people who are simply considering this type of work would find it a very fulfilling role.”

Support Workers will work with people in a variety of settings to create an environment in which each service user can maintain and develop their potential. They will contribute to the service users’ social, physical and mental wellbeing and promote active citizenship in residential homes and in people’s own homes. A key aspect of the work will be to make sure a high standard of personal care and wellbeing is provided for each service user.

The work will be flexible and subject to negotiation with BAC, which is seeking to build a bank of staff to cover posts as and when needed.

The company is looking for experienced people and new entrants, who will be given full training to achieve their SVQ level 2/3 as well as:
  •  health and safety training, including moving and handling, management of challenging behaviour, first aid, food hygiene, infection control, and administration and management of medication;
  •  online interactive learning, including ‘For Your Eyes Only’ ICT security, protecting children, adult support and protection level 1, and data protection;
  •  fire safety training awareness level 1;
  •  training for the role, including a complete BAC Induction and ongoing training and development.

Rates of pay will be £10.45 per hour and support workers would be expected to work shifts as required including evenings and weekends, work at different places at different times including lone-working, and take responsibility for shift planning and team working. They will adhere to Scottish Social Services Council codes of practice, BAC policies and procedures, and all relevant legislation.

BAC was established as an arm’s-length trading company by Aberdeen City Council last summer, and is designed to deliver high-quality social care services for adults. It runs three care homes and two day centres for older people, a rehabilitation centre, and integrated care at home for people in sheltered housing and in their own homes.

BAC’s vision is to “work together for five-star service” based on six values which all staff work towards – Service, Quality, Integrity, Pride, Value and Innovation – and to work with the people of Aberdeen to respond to their needs to enable them to live as independently as possible.