Answers to all of your carer recruitment questions
If you’re considering becoming a private carer for Helping Hands, you may have some questions about how it all works. These are the most common questions our new carers ask, all answered for you.
Joining our award-winning team as a care assistant couldn’t be easier. Search for the latest carer job vacancies here.
Apply nowDo I need previous care experience to apply?
You do not need any previous experience to be a carer with us. We will support you from the moment you apply, through the assessment process and into shadowing an experienced carer until you feel confident to carry out your role. All we look for is the right attitude and a passion for helping others.
What types of customers would I be working with?
We support a variety of different people, but they are all over the age of 18. We will always ensure you have information about your customer before you arrive in their home, and once you have been working for us for a while, you will have regular customers who you can build up relationships with.
How long will it take until I can start?
Our application process takes a matter of minutes. Following that you will have a brief chat on the phone with a member of the team before being invited in for a face-to-face interview. Following that we just need to make sure you are compliant to work – sometimes this stage takes a little while due to the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, but we will be making all the preparations in the background for you to start as soon as that is done.
What will I be paid?
We pay market leading rates to our carers but this does change depending on where you live, so it is best to check on the individual advert before you apply. In addition to your hourly rate, you will also be paid your mileage in between calls and you will accrue holiday pay.
What are the career progression opportunities?
Many of our carers go on to other roles within the company; we like to promote from within. You will have regular 121s with your manager to discuss your development and what you would like to achieve with Helping Hands. Many of our managers started their Helping Hands journey as a care assistant – the sky’s the limit!
Can I work flexible hours?
Yes. All of our carers work flexible hours and we will assign you shifts around your availability. You can work as much or as little as you like, but we do need to know your availability ahead of time to ensure we can form a rota.
Do I need to be able to drive?
For the majority of our locations, you will need to be able to drive because some of our customers live in rural locations. However, in some locations (especially London), we do accept walkers or cyclists. It is best to call your local branch and double check with them before you apply.
Other people are interested in...
