All of our care staff undertake a rigorous screening and recruitment process, which is probably the most thorough in home care, to ensure that we provide only the most passionate, reliable, trustworthy, hardworking and committed individuals.
The process includes:
- Completing an application form
- Passing a knowledge and skills test
- Answering interview questions
- Agreeing upon job description
- Completing a practical ability checklist
- Completing an eligibility questionnaire
- Undergoing a Criminal Records Check
- Being checked against the adults' and children's barred list
- Completing a health questionnaire
- Providing two written references
Following an appointment, all care staff are provided with induction training in order that they comply with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, Care Act and the fifteen standards in the Care Certificate. The training includes theory, practice, shadowing other staff and field competence to ensure that each carer both understands, and meets, the high expectations that are necessary when caring for clients. Furthermore, care staff receive refresher training on many of the modules on an annual basis.
Staff are further encouraged and expected to undertake further training such as NVQ2, NVQ3, NVQ5, apprenticeships, diplomas and advanced subjects, eg Dementia, Medication, Moving & Handling.
Specialised training may be provided to care workers who work with clients who have special communication needs, sensory loss, dual sensory impairment, complex health care needs, terminal illness, stroke, learning disabilities, mental health difficulties, infectious and contagious diseases, dementia and people with challenging behaviours.
Caring Crew believes that the key to successful care is their investment in training, not only to care workers but also to managers. Four members of senior staff are trained trainers and can deliver Moving & Handling, CPR and Basic First Aid and Medication Management, in-house, which not only means that the training can be made relevant for the agency and the clients, it also gives us the flexibility to train and refresh training, when we need to, not when it's available from third parties.