Senior Care Assistant (Respite & Response)

Job Summary

A wonderful opportunity has arisen within the Ayrshire Hospice community team. We are looking for a senior care assistant to join our team in providing exceptional palliative care to patients with a life limiting illness across Ayrshire and Arran. Working within the Respite and Response team, the successful applicant will provide personal care and planned respites to patients in their own homes.

The community team thrive upon making a difference to individuals. The job, although demanding, is incredibly rewarding. Our every day work is in line with our hospice values of inclusion, kindness, honesty and compassion; and this is evidenced in both our care and the support of our staff.

Our community team is dynamic and enthusiastic as we strive to continually improve the care of patients. The team consists of senior care assistants, care assistants, palliative care nurses and specialist palliative care nurses, all of whom work together to bring their collective expertise to the forefront in caring for our patients and families.

Applicants for the post will find palliative care experience advantageous. A desire to undertake further training within the role is essential.

Please note: A full driving licence and access to their own vehicle for work purpose is essential.

Hours: 28 Hours / 10.5 Hour Weekday Shifts / Weekend 7.5

Successful candidates will receive mentorship in the new role together with the support of the wider team.

The senior care assistant, as part of the Respite and Response Team, will provide person centred, holistic care within the patient’s own home setting. The role involves practical nursing care, emotional, social and psychological support to individuals with specialist palliative care needs, in addition to supporting their families and carers.

In collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team the senior care assistant will actively participate in the delivery of evidence based person-centred specialist palliative care, support and advice. They will regularly rotate across departments within the hospice to enhance and develop their knowledge, skills and experience to ensure that they are fully up-to-date and have a complete understanding of a patient’s journey across services.

The senior care assistant will be expected to coach less experienced members of the team by demonstrating sound clinical knowledge and skills in leadership. They will provide education for other health and social care professionals within the community and hospital settings.

Main Responsibilities

The Respite and Response team are managed by the Lead Practitioner for Community Nursing. They are mentored by the Specialist Nursing team with regular support and one to ones.

The post holder will be required to deliver a range of duties without direct supervision and assist the community SPCN's in the provision of high-quality palliative care in the community.

The senior care assistant works in collaboration with the hospice multi-disciplinary team in addition to working in collaboration with other health and social care professionals in primary care.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential:

• SVQ Level 3

Desirable:

• Further education within palliative care or other specialities
• A desire to further education

Knowledge / Experience

Essential:

• Caring role

Desirable:

• Palliative care experience

Ability / Skills Personal Qualities

Essential:

• Provide personal care to a high standard and demonstrate an evidence-based approach to this
• Demonstrate a person-centred approach with care
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills
• Demonstrate an ability to manage difficult situations including high levels of patient and family distress

Personal Qualities

Essential:

• Demonstrate hospice values of honesty, kindness, compassion, and inclusion
• Able to work well in a team or alone
• An interest in palliative care
• An interest in providing care in the community

Interview Date & Location

July 22nd 2026

The Ayrshire Hospice

35-37 Racecourse Road

Ayr, KA7 2TG