Care Assistant Jobs in the UK
Care assistant jobs in the UK give you the chance to make a real difference every day, supporting older people, adults with disabilities and people living with long-term conditions to stay safe, comfortable and as independent as possible. Social care employers are recruiting across the country, and many welcome people with no previous care experience.
Current care assistant jobs vacancies
About care assistant jobs in the UK
Care assistants, also called carers or care workers, help with personal care such as washing, dressing and toileting, as well as meals, medication prompts, mobility and companionship. In a care home you work as part of a team on a set shift. In home care, also known as domiciliary care, you visit people in their own homes, usually following a planned route of calls. Supported living and residential services offer other ways to work.
The jobs on this page include full time, part time and bank shifts. Bank work means you join a pool of staff and pick up shifts when they are available, which suits people who want flexibility. Care homes run 24 hours a day, so there are early, late, night and weekend shifts. Many home care roles require a full UK driving licence and access to a car, and some employers pay mileage.
You do not need qualifications to start. New care assistants complete the Care Certificate during induction, and many employers then support you to gain further qualifications in health and social care. You will need an enhanced DBS check, which the employer usually arranges. What matters most is kindness, patience, reliability and good communication.
Care work is demanding, so good employers offer support such as supervision, paid training, employee assistance schemes and a clear rota published in advance. Ask about these at interview. It is also worth asking how much time is allowed for each home care visit and whether travel time between visits is paid.
Care work can lead to senior carer, team leader, nursing and care management roles. Create a free JobsChance account, upload your CV and apply for care assistant jobs in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to be a care assistant?
No. Many employers hire people new to care and provide full training, including the Care Certificate. Compassion, patience and reliability are what they look for.
What are bank shifts in care?
Bank staff are on a list of workers the employer calls when extra cover is needed. You choose which shifts to accept, which makes bank work flexible.
How much do care assistants earn?
Care assistants are usually paid hourly, at or above the National Living Wage, with higher rates at some employers for nights, weekends and senior roles. Home carers may also receive mileage. Check each advert.
Do I need a DBS check?
Yes. Care work requires an enhanced DBS check. The employer usually arranges it as part of the recruitment process.
Do I need to drive for home care jobs?
Many domiciliary care roles need a full UK driving licence and a car, but some routes in towns and cities can be covered on foot or by public transport. The advert will say.