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The role of a Healthcare Assistant
Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) work within a variety of NHS Hospital and community settings. Their specific duties depend on the area they work in however; in the next paragraph I will be outlining the general duties for you. The average rate of pay for a Healthcare Assistant is around £8.21 to £14 per hour. The daily duties of a HCA Observing, monitoring and recording patient’s conditions by taking temperatures, pulse, respirations and weight. Communicating with patients, their relatives/loved ones and carers. Assisting with clinical duties. Personal care including infection prevention and control, food and personal hygiene. Overall reassurance, comfort and safety. Checking and ordering supplies. Qualifications to be a HCA Although there are no set entry requirements you need to become a HCA – some employers may ask if you have: Grade A-C in English and Maths Healthcare qualification such as a BTEC or an NVQ in a Healthcare field Certain amount of experience in a Healthcare setting Skills you’ll need to be a HCA A caring nature An approachable nature An open mind Interpersonal skills Good communication skills Good listening skills Respect for client confidentiality Flexibility Ability to work as part of a team Ability to remain calm and patient in tough situations Good organisational skills Typical HCA interview questions What made you chose this area of Healthcare over others? Why do you think it’s essential to keep records? Give me an example of a time when you’ve had to use your initiative How would you care for the families of patients who are particularly distressed? Are you comfortable working anti-social hours? Can you describe a stressful experience you’ve had and explain how you coped with it? Can you describe what you think a HCA does and what type of people or groups you could possibly work with? Now you know everything you need to know about becoming a Healthcare Assistant - why don't you take a look at the Healthcare jobs we have available for you here! Don't feel like being a HCA is for you? No problem - take a look at our previous blog The role of a Support Worker!
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The Avengers Superheroes as recruiters
In light of National Super Hero Day and also the release of The Avengers: End Game last Thursday, we decided to celebrate National Superhero Day and show you how recruiters can be like the different Avengers starting from Captain America all the way to Black Widow. Are you ready? Captain America Captain America came into existence around the same time as the modern recruitment industry (1940s). Captain A has no natural super powers that we know of but he is very skilled in studying his enemies and making strategic plans against them. This kind of recruiter will research into their competitors to see how they can stand out from the crowd and be a natural leader! Iron Man Iron Man sets trends – he doesn’t follow them. He’s all about looking for new ways to beat his enemies. This type of recruiter will be constantly looking for new ways to attract candidates and out do their competitors. Thor The God of Thunder strategically plans for the future and the bigger picture. If he was a recruiter he wouldn’t just place any candidate in any job – he would carefully pick and place each candidate to the job they suit the most and the job they can progress in. The Hulk No one can deny that The Hulk is angriest of all Avengers. He uses his anger to his advantage when fighting his enemies. Remember – recruitment can be frustrating but try not to lose your cool when a placement doesn’t go your way. Instead this type of recruiter would use their frustration and turn it into dedication and perseverance to finding the perfect candidate for the role. Hawkeye Hawkeye is the undoubtedly the most determined Avenger. It was his determination that drove him in his quest of superhero status! Although he does not have any natural super powers he is at the peak of his human fitness which allows him to excel in studying and learning about every weapon he is met with – making use of the tools available to him. A Hawkeye kind of recruiter will study and research into their client so that they can truly understand the needs of the business and which type of candidates will suit and progress there. Black Widow Crime fighting – just the same as recruitment, requires a healthy mind and lifestyle. Being an Avenger Super Hero can be just as tough as being a recruiter! So if you’re going to be a Black Widow style recruiter you will need to be fuelled with lots of energy which can be done by getting good night’s sleep, going to the gym and eating healthy! This will gain you a sharp mind to fork out the perfect candidates for your vacancies! Remember, not all Superheros wear capes! So take a look at our job search page here to see what our Super Recruiters can do for you!
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The role of a Support Worker
Are you looking to go into a new career but you’re not sure what to do or where to start? How about a career in Support Working? We have put together everything you need to know about the world of Support Work… take a look! The role of a Support Worker can vary depending on what kind of one you are, but the main overview is to assist and support vulnerable individuals with their day to day tasks such as washing, dressing, maintaining personal hygiene, paying bills and also providing companionship. The average rate of pay for a Support Worker is around £8.21-£11 per hour. Daily Duties of a Support Worker Assessing the needs of new clients by conducting interviews with them and their families/loved ones. Reporting on assessments. Monitoring medical conditions Supporting with day to day tasks such as washing, dressing, personal hygiene and admin tasks i.e. paying bills. Recreational activities with clients. Providing information and support to the families and loved ones of those in your care. Maintaining medical records. Providing companionship and emotional support. Qualifications you’ll need to be a Support Worker There are not many qualifications that you need to become a Support Worker, it’s more skill and personality based than essential qualification, however there are three essential requirements… Valid DBS NVQ in care/healthcare or a related field Grade A-C in English and Maths Skills you’ll need to be a Support Worker An interest in people and a commitment to helping others. Ability to communicate clearly. Good listening skills. Ability to carry out practical and domestic duties. Good leadership skills. Organised. Ability to work independently. Interpersonal skills. A non-judgemental attitude. Respect for client confidentiality. Typical Support Worker interview questions What can you bring to this Support Worker position? Can you outline a stressful experience that you have had and explain how you handled it? Describe how you would assess a client’s needs? How would you rate your communication and interpersonal skills? Tell me about your ability to work under pressure What are your strengths that will help you in this specific role? What are your goals as a Support Worker? Outline an occasion where you worked as part of a team and how did you contribute? Now you know all you need to about becoming a Support Worker, click here take a look at our job search page to see what Support Worker roles we have available for you!
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The most dangerous areas in the world for HGV Drivers
If you haul internationally, the odds are that you have been all around the world (or at least Europe), seeing breath taking sites that you have no choice but to just pass by and go about your normal working day. However lovely these sites are to see, some are highly dangerous. We have put together the top six most dangerous areas for Drivers and their Heavy Goods Vehicles, take a look… Mountains Some of the most amazing views are seen at the top of these heights, although you wouldn’t want to get stuck in a HGV on one, trust me. Could you imagine yourself driving up the thinning roads and getting stuck like the truck at the end of The Italian Job? Scary! Icy Landscapes HGV Drivers should know better than anyone that ice can be terribly dangerous. Some even refuse to transport goods across potentially thin ice. Even for a normal car, it can be hazardous. Black ice is also really dangerous as it’s normally never seen and therefore causes accidents that cannot be avoided! Deserts Unless you have a life time’s supply of water in your HGV, many drivers avoid driving in and along the Desert environment. Temperatures can soar and with no other vehicles around for miles, it can be so dangerous. Especially for an older HGV which could be liable to break down. Small Towns So it might sound like we’re going from one extreme to the other regarding size of areas but hear us out! With obstacles such as tight turns, tiny and narrow high streets and low bridges with no option but to proceed through, it can be very difficult and hard to drive through this type of area. Also there are normally vulnerable road users in these areas so if you have to ever find yourself driving through these areas... check your blind spots! Bridges Bridges to HGV Drivers are like The Joker to Batman – mortal enemies. Although hopefully you saw a sign that stated the height restriction and either carried on confidently or turned around and planned another route. Last thing you want is to get stuck and end up dragging down parts of the bridge. Similarly, driving over a bridge – you will need to know the weight limit just in case the bridge is old and liable to fall – your HGV could end up falling through it! So remember HGV safety. Cliffs With bits of the cliff coming lose and falling off and splashing into the water creating a slippery surface on the roads it can be very hazardous! Also with the winding roads – the tires could slip and also it can be hard to dodge the falling rocks in a huge HGV. These areas have caused many accidents where HGVs were involved. So be vigilant and careful about where you're driving and what routes you are planning! Always remember road safety and safety standards ! If you're looking for HGV roles then please click here to see what opportunities we could offer you!
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5 job seeking lessons we can learn from Game of Thrones
The time has finally come, we have waited 596 days, a Summer and 2 Winters, but it has finally arrived… Game of Thrones, the eighth and final season! Unfortunately all good things (or in this case wonderful, exceptional, amazing, tremendous things) must come to an end, after all “The things we love destroy us every time, lad”. So in light of this remarkable day – we have put together a Game of Thrones style blog for all you fan girls and boys who are also looking for a new career. So sit back, relax and let us talk you through it! Networking is essential Just like Petyr Baelish, you should use your network and connections to help you get what you want. Baelish used his connections to get to the Vale. It was his ability to help and assist people that gained him these connections who in turn, owed him favours. Moral of the story, always lend a helping hand, as you never know when you may need something from someone. Learn to prioritise Although it is honourable to hold onto your dream job role and focus all your time on it, you should think about whether it is achievable or whether you should prioritise a more realistic job opportunity. Just like Ser Jorah Mormont, he had his heart set on getting back in the good books of the woman he loves when he obviously should have prioritised finding the cure for Greyscale and staying alive! Always be ready to sell yourself You never know when you’re going to get the opportunity of a life time. So always be prepared to sell yourself and always be prepared with an ‘elevator pitch’. Tyrion has proved to us that talking someone into believing you are worth keeping alive (or hiring you for that matter) could be life changing! Try to memorise a standard pitch in case you run into anyone. Don’t push away the people who are trying to help We would recommend choosing a support team who you trust. Do not, I repeat, do not take a leaf out of Cersei’s book and start cutting off the people who could potentially be valuable allies just because you have reached the top, you may need them sooner than you think. Seek out mentors Even though Daenerys is confident, head strong and independent, she also knows to surround herself with people who can give her good advice and guidance. Don’t be afraid or scared to ask for help and support from other people, you never know who the people you know could be connected to. Are you looking for a new role? Take a look at our vacancy page here!
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The role of a HGV Driver
Are you looking to change your career but not sure what to go into? Or maybe you’re looking to further your career by changing it up a bit. Whatever your situation, we’re here to help you through it. So sit back, relax and let us explain your options to you! Let’s start with HGV driving… In a nutshell, a HGV Driver’s responsibility is to transport goods between the suppliers and the customers. The average HGV Driver salary is around £31,787 per annum. The daily duties of a HGV Driver: Ensuring goods are safely secured. Keeping your vehicle in good condition. This includes daily safety driver checks. Loading and unloading the vehicle safely. Planning and taking the most effective routes to your destination. Requirements of a HGV Driver: Even though you don’t need a degree to become a HGV Driver, there are two essential requirements… You are over 18 years of age. You have a valid UK driving and HGV licence. Most companies ask for previous experience. Most companies ask for Driver CPC. The skills needed to become a HGV Driver: There are a few skills you will need to possess in order to be a HGV Driver… A sense of responsibility Alertness An ability to work independently Impeccable driving record Customer service skills Knowledge of truck mechanics Maintenance skills Physical stamina Ability to meet deadlines Reliability Organisational skills Excellent driving skills Interpersonal skills Concentration skills Attention to detail Typical HGV Driver interview questions: So you’re up to this point and now you must be thinking “I wonder what a HGV interview would be like?” Let me give you an insight to the kind of questions you could be asked… How comfortable are you driving in unfamiliar areas? What would you do if you got lost whilst driving for us? How would you stay focused whilst driving for long hours? Imagine you are in an accident that isn’t your fault, what would you do? If a client was not satisfied because you arrived late with their delivery – how would you handle it? Imagine you are running late for a delivery because you encountered problems on route. What could you do to preserve customer service quality without compromising safety? If I asked you to do basic maintenance to a truck, what steps would you follow? HGV Driver interview tips: So you read some of the possible questions that could come up and now you’re sure you want to become a HGV driver, but you are still yet to go through the interview process. Here are some tips you should take on board for your interview… Learn about the company you are interviewing at – look at their website and take some notes on what they have achieved and where they are looking to take their business. Dress smartly for the interview – appearances can count for a lot and although you won’t be required to wear a suit when on the job, making an effort will show you are serious. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the interview – this can account for any traffic or delays you may run into. When you speak to people, make sure you make eye contact and greet them with a firm handshake. Listen to questions carefully and ensure you stay on topic! Now we have laid out the role of a HGV Driver for you, you’re ready to start looking for your new role! Check out our vacancy page here for more information on what roles we have available for you! If you’re still unsure on where you want to be with your Driving career, stay tuned for our next blog The Role of a Multi Drop Driver.
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4 reasons why recruitment is like the Grand National
So, it’s that time of year again! Have you placed your bets yet? As I’m frantically waiting for the races to start, I couldn’t help but think how Recruitment is like the Grand National. So sit back, relax and let me walk you through it… Hurdles Recruitment would be nothing without a little hurdle to overcome every now and again. This can be anything from your candidate being booked into an interview and at last minute accepting another job offer! But the thing to remember is to always get back up, dust yourself off and keep going. Quitters don’t win and winners don’t quit! Always betting on your favourite In recruitment, it can be easy to establish your favourite candidate, the one who shows up to all interviews, always answers your calls/emails and attends all training needed without any fuss, sound familiar? It can be even easier to want to put them forward for every single role you think they are qualified for, but remember, there are other great candidates to place your bets on! The underdog can still come out on top! Remember the story of the rabbit and the tortoise? There is always a chance that the unexperienced candidate’s personality and skills could shine through and they could bag themselves the job! Riskier odds can lead to better wins As a candidate, you can always feel like you are not right for a certain job or a job is out of your league, but you can only try. If you never do it, the answer will always be a no, whereas if you actually go to that interview or apply for that job, there is always a chance you could get it. Are you looking to place your bets on a new role? Check out our job searching page here and see what we have available for you!
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5 top tips to supporting your employees who have Autism
Under employment is common amongst adults who have been diagnosed with Autism. According to the Forbes website, only 15% of adults living with autism in the United Kingdom are in employment. Here at Swanstaff Recruitment, one of our main core values is to provide equal opportunities for all. Therefore, we have put together some top tips on how to support your employees with Autism, check it out… Determine the most effective method of communication A common way of receiving communication is in writing. This gives people with Autism longer to process the information, and it can be referred back to and easily confirmed when needed. Whatever your employee’s preferred method of communication, your communication will be better understood when it is clear, obvious and direct – using non-emotive language and bullet points, tables, or lists, to separate information and so it makes easier to read. Use visual materials to organise days Many people with Autism are visual thinkers and find it difficult to naturally plan and organise. Using visual materials, both hard copy and electronic, can be really useful in helping your employee to remain on track and meet deadlines whilst at work. Whiteboards, checklists, calendars, timetabling, using planners, diaries and project management tools can really make a difference. Don’t take for granted that your companies unwritten rules are understood From knowing what to wear to knowing that it is expected that we contribute to collections for birthday gifts and special occasions – the unwritten rules of the workplace are not always easily understood, or sometimes even known to exist, by people with Autism. The unwritten rules can be just as important as the written policies and procedures that we agree to when we start work for an employer, and are vital in helping to build good working relationships with our colleagues. Try writing down your workplace’s unwritten rules for your employee and pin them to their desk– this will provide guidance and avoid potential misunderstandings. Consider the environment you are providing and your companies culture Many workplaces are sources of sensory contributions that people without Autism may not notice on a day to day basis, such as harsh lighting and glare from the windscreens of passing traffic, the noise of air conditioning machines, phones or printers, smells from people’s lunches or deodorants or changes in air temperature. People with Autism may struggle with any or all of these and can be much more aware of even fairly low levels of inputs. By changing the location of your employee’s work space or providing noise-cancelling headphones or even by considering some home working time, the sensory overload and anxiety can be minimised and productivity can be increased. Find out what resources are available to help you support your employee Organisations, such as the National Autistic Society, have many free resources available to help employers to support employees who have Autism. Also, the governments Access to Work scheme has been set up to consider funding applications for many different types of reasonable adjustments in the workplace including assistive resources, Support Workers, training and workplace assessments. Can you think of any other ways to support employees with Autism that we may have missed? Let us know by getting in contact with us on our socials!
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Swanstaff launch 2 family contact centres on behalf of Liverpool City Council
Swanstaff Recruitment has been awarded the contract to run family Contact Services on behalf of Liverpool City Council. As of April 1st Swanstaff launched 2 new centres: Liverpool North and Liverpool South. Swanstaff Recruitment – who already run “Swan Family” Contact Centres in Bedfordshire, Lambeth, Cardiff and Coventry, focus on a child-led service which includes a number of innovative practices. These incorporate Life Story booklets, which support a child’s journey through contact and feedback forum events, where children and families are invited to participate in various activities and give feedback on their contact experiences. Lucy Glass, Divisional Manager for Family Services at Swanstaff says “Swanstaff are delighted to be awarded this contract, our mission is to ensure that the child is at the heart of everything we do. Our centres are family friendly, incorporating themed rooms and providing a comfortable, relaxed and safe environment. We will ensure we provide Liverpool City Council with an outstanding service whilst supporting them to develop a Fair City by providing local recruitment possibilities.” The Swan Family services in Liverpool are available to both local authority and private referrals and services include Supervised and Supported Contact, Community Contact, Handover and Transport. For more information about Swanstaff and their Swan Family services, or to make a referral please visit www.swanfamily.org.uk
