Care work offers fresh start in Yorkshire and North East

Care assistants, general assistants and kitchen staff are all needed by the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust to start immediately – with flexible hours and the real living wage just some of the benefits of joining the team.

The organisation manages around 2,500 homes across Yorkshire and the North East and supports a variety of needs, including offering sheltered and retirement living schemes with extra care services. It is currently recruiting for a variety of roles, including non personal care and catering roles, as well as care assistants, across its care sites and retirement villages in the region.

“In these challenging times, it is more important than ever that we do everything we can to support those who are vulnerable in our society.” says Chris Simpson, Executive Director of the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust.

“Our care services are looking for new people to join our inspiring team who are passionate about making a difference in their community, and are committed to providing the best possible care and support to our residents.

“The social care sector is an amazingly rewarding place to work and you don’t need to have a background in care to apply – we would welcome applications from people who have worked in hospitality, retail or customer service as many of these skills are transferable.

“So if you are looking for work and are passionate about people, come and join us at the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust. We pay above the industry standard wage and we can guarantee you’ll make a real difference in your community.”

One of those doing just that is Verity, a deputy care home manager at The Oaks Care Home in New Earswick. She worked for 17 years as a mental health nurse at The Retreat, a specialist mental health hospital, before joining the trust to bring her skills into care.

"Working in care gives you immense job satisfaction; it can be the smallest of things like a smile or just a thank you that makes your job so worthwhile,” says Verity. “Just knowing that you can make a positive difference to someone’s life and wellbeing and to show that you care gives me enormous job satisfaction.

“You will learn so much about yourself as a person and it’s the most rewarding job you can ever have.”

Sarah Travis, a catering supervisor at Hartrigg Oaks in York, started working for the trust from the age of 15. After working part-time during her studies she discovered she had a real passion for catering and diverted her career to one in care.

“Baking is my favourite part of the role, but I love the satisfaction of producing high standard food for the residents and helping them with their dietary needs,” she said, adding: “For anyone interested in a career in care, I would say it’s hard work but extremely rewarding, especially when residents are happy and give you positive feedback.”

If you are caring and dedicated, the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust can offer flexible hours, competitive rates and a full training and development programme as well as an excellent employee benefits package. See the full list of vacancies at www.jrht.org.uk/job-vacancies