Jo is a long-standing and much respected member of our team. Jo started her career at Premier Homecare as a carer and is now a Senior Supervisor. Read about why she joined Premier Homecare and the journey she has taken.
Why did you choose Premier Homecare to start with?
I was unhappy with the previous care company I had worked with for around a year and a half. I had never done care before and was only trained for 3-4 hour shifts, calls were missed and I was working all hours – splitting shifts to make sure the clients had a call. There was only 5 minute travel time and most calls were at least 10-15 minutes apart, which ended up a lot of time unpaid as only paid for the time in calls.
There was no communication between the office and clients or carers and I felt really unsupported and anxious going to the office for any reason.
I was also promised a more senior role that never came to anything.
I decided I wanted to change company as I loved the job and the clients, but was not happy with the company and I wanted to progress in my career. A client that I worked with mentioned that Premier Homecare had a really good reputation, so having researched online, I applied and got invited for interview.
I liked that the company was a family run company and appeared very professional.
I liked the training structure: 1 week watching carers and 1 week doing the calls with the support of a carer. I couldn’t believe you get the clients care plans beforehand, so you got a bit of background about the client and what they liked to be called and you knew what was expected at the call before you went in. I was used to going into calls not knowing anything about the person or what I would be doing and clients would get upset if you went in and called them Doris but they liked being called Jean!
I accepted the job with no hesitation, I felt really comfortable and it felt like it was just a chat. I have now been with Premier for nearly 8 years.
How were your first few months as a Care Supervisor – what was the training & support like?
As I had been with the company a while as a carer, the transition to my new role felt smooth and easy. I spent time shadowing the other supervisors, getting to know my team of carers and we had regular meetings with management to discuss how things are going and what, if anything, could be improved. I also worked alongside office staff and got to know their roles more deeply, so we could all work effectively as a team. I was supported by management who were/are always available for a chat to support me in my role.
What sort of things do you get up to on a typical day?
A typical day would involve shadowing or doing direct observations with carers, new and old, to see how they are getting on and identify any training needs; liaising with office staff and management to arrange any further training if required, which could be out in the field or office based; writing reports; carrying out supervisions; keeping in touch with other supervisors and planning next steps for carers; keeping in touch with carers; covering calls; and carrying out risk assessments for new equipment or routines.
What do you like best about your role?
I love that my job does not feel like a job, each day is different and the time just flies by. I really enjoy training new carers and showing them the standards that are expected within the company to ensure all our clients receive top quality care. I particularly like and get huge job satisfaction when a new carer starts that has never done care before and is quite anxious, supporting them then seeing them a couple of months later when they are settled in their role, feeling confident and really enjoying their job. I also like being ‘on call’ with the phone to be on the end of the line if anyone needs any help or support whilst out working.
Have you had challenges along the way and how were you supported?
If I have experienced a challenge I have had the support of my supervisor team, office staff and management. There is always someone to talk to and help and things are always dealt with promptly. Premier have fully supported me through not only my job but personal changes or issues as well.
What is it really like to work for Premier Homecare?
Premier is a positive, professional and flexible company. The whole team is friendly and dedicated and the support is second to none. The job is one where you work on your own a majority of the time but you will never feel alone. Changing companies was the best thing I ever did. I have been happy, progressed in my career and really enjoy my job and how the company works.
Are there opportunities to progress?
Yes! I started as a zero-hour contract carer then went onto a contract and worked in the office alongside this. I then progressed on to be a Senior Carer, then Supervisor and Senior Supervisor. There are various roles for progression. Carers’ previous experience, skills and strengths are recognised and it is encouraged for carers to progress within the company. My supervisor when I first started is now the deputy manager!
What would you say to someone thinking of applying?
If you have never done care before, you do not have to worry: you will receive all the training you need from the moment you start.
If you have done care before: change is always daunting and you wonder whether you are doing the right thing or whether it really is as good as it seems especially if you have a bad experience with another company but please don’t hesitate – you will not be disappointed! Premier really are a cut above the rest and you will not regret it.
You are paid from the time you start work to the time you finish on a zero-hour contract, the minimum call time is an hour and there is at least 15 minutes in between each call which means you are not rushing around, have ample time to spend with the clients not only completing tasks but actually talking with them which is important for their well-being.
Premier is flexible and work with you and your lifestyle, so whether you are looking for a career or part time work to fit around other things in your life, you will be supported through the whole time by a lovely, friendly team of colleagues not only out in the field but by the office staff-and there is always someone on the end of the phone to talk to and get advice.
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Don't forget, on Wednesday our Head of Business Development, Gemma Lock, will be attending as a guest speaker at the Lasting Powers of Attorney Seminar, which Harold Stephens will hold at Stoke Lodge Centre in Bristol.March 27th from 9:30 - 11:30am.Gemma will discuss crucial insights on 'Navigating Care Choices' for home care.For more useful information, please visit our website here: ow.ly/1n2050QEZC5#lastingpowerofattorney#financingandfunding#homecare#premierhomecare... See MoreSee Less
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