Caring for vulnerable people can be hard work and that is why it is important that GoodOaks care professionals receive training to ensure they feel confident in playing such a pivotal role in looking after our clients.
Regardless of whether you are starting a new career in care, or have years of experience, at GoodOaks, we pride ourselves on the training that our care professionals receive. Caring for someone means you can make a real difference to the lives of the people you work with.
Our induction programme is the first step along your learning and development journey that will continue throughout your career. Continual learning is critical to your ongoing success, which means you will undertake several training sessions during your career with us – both in person and online, or as part of our regular staff team meetings.
The objectives of our induction programme are to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge to deliver care to a high standard; to ensure you are fully compliant with the Health & Social Care Act, as well as relevant health & safety legislation. Above everything, we want you to feel confident and equipped with all the knowledge and skills you need to provide an outstanding, quality service to our clients.
Your induction starts with a one day training session delivered via Zoom. This gives you an opportunity to learn more about GoodOaks and your role, but also demonstrates the technology we use, how to stay safe when working in the community, as well as safeguarding, infection control and learning about different health conditions our clients may have.
Online training
Once that has been completed, you must complete your online learning prior to attending your practical training. Online learning consists of a number of short courses in such things as diet and nutrition, dementia awareness, dignity, privacy and respect, emergency first aid, food safety, health and safety and other online learning that gives you a basic understanding of things such as medication, safeguarding, moving and handling and mental capacity act.
Practical training
Once this has been completed, you will then attend a minimum 2 days of practical, classroom based training. We’ll take your picture for your ID badge and train you more on mental capacity, medication administration and how to provide care that is person centred. We spend time ensuring you understand and are competent to move people safely using the correct techniques and equipment. We’ll also make sure you understand the phone apps we use not only to communicate with each other but also how to record your daily tasks and activities.
The Care Certificate
The Care Certificate is the start of your health and social care career journey and is designed for people new to care. It also offers those more experienced with care, opportunities to refresh or improve your knowledge if you have not completed any formal training.
Although you have 12 weeks from your start date to complete your Care Certificate which is done through e-learning and community assessment exercises and observations, it is recommended you complete this prior to starting your practical training.
Work shadowing
After you have completed your training, you will then be allocated work with an experienced care professional who will observe you, provide any guidance, and support you may need to ensure you understand our processes and systems and know when to contact the office/on call or emergency services. Once you have been assessed as competent, and are confident within your role, you will start visiting clients on your own.
Specialist Training
Depending on your job role, you may be required to develop your skills and experience in specialist areas, for example, dementia care, stoma care or further clinical based training.
Whilst very rewarding, a career in care is not for everybody so if you are not sure, why not get in touch with our recruitment team and find out a little more about what is involved in a typical day.