Can I still apply if I have not worked for a care agency before?

Yes you can. There are other way we gain experience, like caring for a relative or by voluntary work. You may have done work experience at school or like working with older people. It is what makes you want to work in care that is important.

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Will I receive training?

TLC Homecare Ltd., is committed to having a skilled workforce. All newly appointed workers must undergo induction training where they will be taught necessary skills. These will include correct moving and handling techniques, food hygiene, emergency aid, health and safety, and many other aspects relating to social care. You would also work alongside (shadow) an experienced worker until you are ready to begin working alone.

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Can I start as soon as I leave my current job?

You must have completed the induction training and shadowing before you can work alone. The shadowing could be arranged at weekends if that was more convenient. The other training is during the daytime, but perhaps you could take annual leave to attend that. We would also need to obtain an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau and a Protection of Vulnerable Adults disclosure before commencement of your employment.

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Does my current employer need to know?

We would need to contact your current employer at some stage before you began working for us for a reference. This can be delayed until after the induction and shadowing, but you would need to be able to offer us another person who can give you a reference until we can contact your employer.

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Am I able to obtain any qualifications?

All employees are encouraged and supported in taking NVQ level 2 in care. This is free and you will be given the time needed to complete this at TLC headquarters. Level 3 is also possible for those who wish to go further.

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What happens if I do not take the NVQ?

It is not compulsory. Some people find that once they start work and have support and encouragement they want to take it. The choice remains with you at all times.

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Will I have to work weekends, Bank Holidays, evenings or nights?

Social care is a 24 hour, seven day a week service. We need staff to be flexible, and to ensure all staff have quality time off you will be required to work some weekends, Bank Holidays and evenings. Currently only those staff who choose to do 'through the night' sittings have to work nights. You will however receive enhanced pay for weekends and double time on Bank Holidays.

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I have night school classes I go to. Will I have to give them up?

No. Each week you can say when you are available and your line manager will rota you around your commitments as long as you are available at other times. Obviously if you have too many committments, this may not always be possible. We need enough staff on duty to cover the service at all times.

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What if I find its not for me?

You won't know until you have tried it. That is why you will start on a three month probationary period. You will be given help and support during this time; but, if during this period either you or TLC Homecare Ltd decided it was not working out, then either of us can terminate your employment. Sometimes it is appropriate to extend the probationary period. You would not usually be expected to take leave during this time.

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What happens if I have a holiday already booked?

TLC Homecare Ltd. will honour any existing holiday that is booked. As it is paid leave, you may be required to repay some or all of this if you leave within the first twelve months.

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Do I have to be a car driver?

Not necessarily. There are some positions available for walkers, but you may be required to use public transport to get to the area in which you are working, and you will be more limited in the number of service users available.

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What happens to my existing pension?

Your existing pension will be safe. However if it was a company pension, you will no longer be able to pay into it. If you wish to continue to pay into a pension you will need to make new arrangements. TLC Homecare Ltd. makes available its company pension scheme for all employees to join.

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If I have any other concerns is there anyone I could contact?

If you are still unsure, you are welcome to contact one of our District Managers who will be happy to answer any further queries you may have.

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