How to write a care assistant job description
Looking to hire a care assistant? Use this handy job description template to give you a job advert structure that gives candidates the information they need on the day-to-day responsibilities of the role, your business and its people.
Use the templated sections below to frame your job advert for a care assistant. For more advice, see our practical guides on how to advertise a job on Totaljobs and optimising your job ad.
Job description template for a care assistant role
Overview of the role
Complete the following fields:
Job title
Keep it simple; use the Totaljobs recommendations if you have an account with us.
Job type
Permanent, temporary, contract or part-time.
Location
If you can include the postcode, Totaljobs matching technology can find relevant candidates by location.
Salary
You’re more likely to get a higher number of applications if you can be specific.
The purpose of the role
Write a brief introductory sentence that sums up what a care assistant is there to do.
How the role contributes to the wider business
Explain how a care assistant works alongside other roles or teams, and the responsibility they have, whether that’s focused on care home residents or clients in their own home. Reference the size of the wider team, and the names of any key roles the care assistant will work alongside. Include opportunities for progression, and how professional development will be supported by your business, so a candidate can understand what a longer-term career could look like.
List the key responsibilities of the role
Answer the following questions to explain the responsibilities of a care assistant:
- What are the objectives of the role?
- What might a typical day look like?
- What will they spend most of their time doing?
- What might more ad hoc work involve?
- Who are their key stakeholders?
Personal specification
Alongside the responsibilities of the role, list the essential skills or experience you’re looking for in a candidate, plus the traits or soft skills they’ll need to be successful.
Skills and traits needed for a care assistant
Essential skills
Traits and qualities
- Emotionally intelligent
- Empathetic
- Caring
- Friendly
- Efficient
- Perceptive
- Strong communicator
- Patient
- Reliable
Required qualifications and experience
- Include qualifications or certifications if relevant
- If this is less relevant, encourage people with the desired traits to apply, even if they don’t have previous experience of working in the care sector.
About your company
Give candidates a feel for what your business stands for. You might not have the space to include all of the below elements, but you can consider some of them when framing your company overview.
If you want to add more detail, consider creating a Company Profile on Totaljobs. You can even add videos and imagery to your profile to give candidates even more information to help them decide whether to click the apply button.
Company values
- What is your mission statement?
- What are your company values?
- Why do people want to work with you?
Company culture
- How would you describe your company culture?
- How is your company different to others?
- What social aspects does your company offer?
Diversity and inclusion policy
- Highlight your commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Be authentic and transparent
- Consider linking through to a diversity and inclusion policy on your company website
- Do you have any employee-led networks or employee resource groups?
Corporate social responsibility
- How does your business make a difference to the wider community?
- Do you offer charity days, where staff can take time off to support a charity or cause of their choice?
Work perks and benefits
- What benefits or perks do you offer?
- How do you reward your employees?