Ayrshire Hospice
Senior Care Assistant (Respite and Response)
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Senior Care Assistant (Respite and Response)
Senior Care Assistant – Respite & Response Team | Ayrshire Hospice
About the Role
A wonderful opportunity exists within Ayrshire Hospice’s community team, requiring a senior care assistant to deliver exceptional palliative care to patients living with life-limiting illnesses across Ayrshire and Arran.
As part of the Respite and Response team, the selected candidate will provide personalised care and planned respites within patients’ homes while upholding Ayrshire Hospice’s values: inclusion, kindness, honesty, and compassion.
The team thrives on making a meaningful difference, offering rewarding yet demanding work in person-centred, holistic care. Comprising senior care assistants, palliative care nurses, and specialist nurses, the team collaborates to provide high-quality, specialist palliative care for patients and their families.
Essential: Applicants should have a desire to develop through further training in this role.
A full driving licence and access to a personal vehicle are mandatory.
Key Responsibilities
The senior care assistant will:
- Provide person-centred, holistic care within patients’ homes, covering practical nursing, emotional, social, and psychological support for those with palliative needs.
- Work closely with the multi-disciplinary team to implement evidence-based specialist palliative care, including advice and guidance.
- Rotate across hospital and community departments to expand knowledge and experience, ensuring alignment with a patient’s full care journey.
- Lead and mentor less experienced team members by demonstrating clinical expertise and leadership skills.
- Educate and support health and social care professionals in both community and hospital settings.
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Team Structure & Support
- Managed by the Lead Practitioner for Community Nursing.
- Mentored by the Specialist Nursing Team, with regular supervision, support, and one-to-one sessions.
Collaborative Work
Under minimal direct supervision, the post-holder will:
- Support community Specialist Palliative Care Nurses (SPCNs) in delivering high-standard palliative care.
- Collaborate with primary care professionals and Ayrshire Hospice’s multi-disciplinary team.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential:
- SVQ Level 3 qualification.
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Desirable:
- Further education in palliative care or related specialities.
- Eagerness to pursue further training.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential:
- Experience in a caring role.
Desirable:
- Previous experience in palliative care.
Personal Skills & Qualities
Essential:
- Ability to provide exceptional personal care, using an evidence-based approach.
- Demonstrable person-centred care skills.
- Excellent communication abilities, including managing difficult or distressing situations.
Personal Values:
- Aligns with Ayrshire Hospice’s core values: honesty, kindness, compassion, and inclusion.
- Capable of working independently or in a team.
- Interested in palliative care or community-based work.
How to Apply
Informal enquiries can be directed to: Lauren McKee, Virtual Community Palliative Care Nurse, 📞 01292 269200 ✉️ lauren.mckee@ayrshirehospice.org
Closing Date & Interview Details
- Closing date: July 15th 2026
- Interview date & location: July 22nd 2026 Ayrshire Hospice, 35-37 Racecourse Road, Ayr, KA7 2TG
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