Good Care Month

This month is #GoodCareMonth – a time to celebrate the amazing work that care staff do each and every day, so we’d like to say a few words from the heart …

To our Team:

❤️ For having a smile for every client, from the first person in the morning, to the last person on your shift, we say ‘thank you’; we know it isn’t always easy!

❤️ For supporting a fellow team member having a difficult day, and helping them to talk through things, we appreciate your team spirit.

❤️ For going above and beyond when a client needs a little extra TLC, you are our heroes; this is what makes good care, amazing care.

Our success is down to our hard-work and commitment of our incredible staff. Thank you! 😊

What’s it Like to Work with SCA?

We are always looking for new staff! So, if you’re wondering what it’s like to work with us, here is an overview to help you decide if it might just be time to apply … 

Starting with Us …

From the moment you join us at SCA, you’ll be supported to get to grips with your new role. We run a tight ship to ensure the safety of staff and clients alike, but we’ll show you the ropes, and help you to pick everything up quickly. On your first day, you’ll be shown around and introduced to staff, with a brief overview of their roles, and our expectations of your role.

Consistency of Care

We work in a specific part of Edinburgh, (No running around the city) and try, where possible, to keep staff with the same clients to help build mutually trusting and consistent relationships. As we get to know you, we will do our best to match you with clients and responsibilities that align with your skills, experience and individual talents. 

Staff Routines

Buddying System

Everyone who starts with us, is paired with a buddy to help you navigate your new role. Your buddy is there to shadow, to answer questions, and to give advice when needed, so you’ll soon get used to the way we do things. 

Typical Duties

Your duties can be very varied, depending on your level of experience, and the immediate needs of clients at that time, but will likely include: personal care; preparing meals; administering medications; shopping and other domestic duties; transporting and accompanying clients to appointments or outings, and monitoring the health and wellbeing of your clients, reporting any concerns to the manager. 

Career Opportunities

You will be expected to complete a probationary period, during which time, we will work through any opportunities for improvement.  At the end of this period, you will be a fully-fledged member of our SCA team, and will be encouraged to consider your career path as you work ‘up the ranks’ with us – if that’s what you wish to do. 

Perks

We offer a welcome bonus for new recruits, referral bonuses, and provide travel expenses, as well offering great training opportunities. Most importantly, however, we offer a friendly and supportive team environment in which you can thrive as a care-at-home professional.  From buffet lunches on a Friday, to healthy fruit and drinks during the week.  We are always trying to make life more enjoyable.  Right now staff have been given £50 each to treat themselves to something to improve their wellbeing.

EU Sponsorship Programme

Further, if you are an EU citizen, we offer Sponsorship for the right candidates, and welcome applications ongoing from those with existing experience in health or social care. Job roles include: Personal Assistant; Senior Personal Assistant, and Team Leader, as well as administrative positions.

Training

Alongside our excellent mandatory training, we offer a wealth of learning opportunities for our staff, from short courses to MSc, provided by a variety of educational institutes. It’s important to us that our staff feel fulfilled and challenged in their careers, so we do our best to help those who have chosen to work and study at the same time with time for essay preparation and ongoing support.

Testimonials

Of course, the best way to let you know about what it’s like to work here (besides working here!) is to hear it from the staff. Here are just a few of the testimonials we have received from team members:

“It’s like working for your family. Everyone cares & supports each other. SCA has a very flat management structure. Directors are very approachable, always happy to help & address any issues staff may have.”

“I really enjoy my job and I have the best things to say about my experience so far. I have learned new skills and I am happy, because the environment is very supportive. If someone wants to start a career in social care, I would definitely recommend they join our team.”

“There are times when you think getting up for work is the last thing you want to do – not at Social Care Alba. I work with some wonderful service users and colleagues who really know how to enjoy life.”

Values

We know that a happy healthy working environment helps our staff give their best to our clients, so we strive to ensure that our workplace, processes and team align with our values on inclusion, diversity and mutual respect. 

We have a zero-tolerance policy, and an open-door management approach, so there is always someone to speak to if you have any issues.  Our staff are from all over the world, which makes for a really rich team culture, underpinned by an inclusive approach from management and staff alike.

Like what you’ve read? Join us!

If you feel that your values align with ours, head over to our careers page 🔗, where you can find out more information about our current vacancies. The application process is fast and simple, and we will be in touch to further your application if successful. Good luck – and we hope to see you soon on our team!

Carers gonna care!

Carers gonna care! But we need to care about ourselves too! Here are some suggestions which can help give you a ‘wee boost’ when you need it most!

💙 Organise some regular ‘you-time’

Whether it’s a day in the countryside or a night out with friends, doing something you enjoy can help to recharge your batteries, and put things into perspective.

💙 Think about your morning and bed-time routines

If you’re a late-night TikTok scroller, take heed! The blue light from your phone stops your brain from producing sleep-induing hormones. Switch off your devices at least an hour before bed, and create a routine which helps your body to recognise that you are preparing for sleep. Similarly, rushed mornings can make us feel that we are not in control of our day. Try to wake a half-hour before you need to, and take time to ease yourself into the day.

💙 Find a way to chill – properly

There are many relaxation practices which can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and which can be practiced any time that you begin to feel overwhelmed. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, sophrology and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) are popular self-care tools. …and if someone you care about could use a few tips, share away!

SCA and staff wellbeing

Keeping our SCA family together means understanding the stresses and strains of caring for others. Here are some of the things we do to ensure the wellbeing of our staff:


Open-door Policy

Our staff know that they can approach us with anything that’s causing a problem for them, and we do our best to help where we can.


Time for studies

Many of our staff choose to learn over and above our mandatory training. We make sure that they can allow for the time they need to deliver assignments on time and without duress.


Zero Tolerance Culture

We operate a Zero Tolerance Policy to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff in all aspects of their work.


Strict Covid Policy

It’s not just our staff and clients who need to be protected, but families of both, too! We maintain a strict covid policy to assure our team and our clients that every care will be taken to keep them and their loved ones safe.


Compassionate Leave

Particularly now, we know that there are unexpected situations which require personal time. Where appropriate, we do our utmost to allow our staff to take emergency leave without worrying about work commitments.