Job Description

Senior Care Worker Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications:

A senior care worker takes care of older people by supporting their needs within care establishments, day care establishments or in their own home. The role of a senior care worker is also to manage other care workers, including care assistants and home carers.

Senior care worker duties and responsibilities

The role of a senior care worker is to care for older people as well as manage other care workers. Senior care workers provide a safe environment for older people and facilitate their comfort. Below is a non-exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities of a senior care worker:

• Lead the team of care assistants they are responsible for and train new staff
• Have ownership of the care plan, including the creation of the care plan and its delivery
• Monitor general health and vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure
• Communicate with families about their relative’s progress
• Deliver activities to stimulate and engage older people
• Fill in medication reports
• Assist older people in dressing, washing and using the bathroom
• Serve meals and assist with feeding when required
• Medication Administration
• • Being caring, sensitive and understanding
  • Having patience and knowing how to remain calm in stressful situations
  • Being able to lead a team of care workers and having the ability to work well with other health professionals
  • Being energetic, resourceful and having a caring nature
  • Having an attentive ear and excellent communication skills
  • Having stamina and being able to keep up with work that requires high levels of energy
  • Displaying a good sense of humour

Senior care worker experience requirements

Senior care workers should have an NVQ Level 3 or SVQ Level 3 in Scotland equivalent. Candidates usually have a background in social care and move up the ladder with experience and by achieving the appropriate qualifications. Some senior care workers also have nursing qualifications. Some employers will require senior care workers to have a full driving licence. In addition, care workers are required to go through thorough background checks.

Senior care worker education and training requirements

Some senior care workers will reach this role through a college course in care, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management. Others will have completed a Lead Adult Care Worker advanced apprenticeship to enter this field. The apprenticeship typically takes 18 months to complete and contains a mix of workplace learning and study. Many senior care workers start as care support workers and move their way up the ladder into this senior role through training and promotions within the organisation they work for.