Pay: £28,560.00 per year
Job Description:
Senior Care Worker - Rapid Responder
Make a difference when it matters most!
Hours: 74 hours over a two-week period, including alternate weekends and on call for overnight support on a rota basis.
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: Community based across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, as required.
Accountable to: Care Contracts Manager
About Caring Together
At Caring Together, our vision is a world where no unpaid carer is left in crisis, isolated, or struggling alone.
We support unpaid carers before, during, and after their caring role by providing practical help, emotional support, and timely interventions that genuinely make a difference. An unpaid carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner, or friend who needs support due to illness, disability, mental health needs, or addiction.
Each year, we support over 17,000 carers and their families, yet more than 150,000 unpaid carers live across our region — and the number continues to rise.
By joining our team, you will play a vital role in supporting carers at some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
About the role
This is not a typical homecare role.
As a Rapid Responder, you will provide skilled, responsive care at short notice to support unpaid carers and the people they care for. You will work across a range of services that help families stay safe, supported, and together when circumstances change suddenly.
Your work may include:
Providing emergency care when a carer becomes unwell or unavailable
Supporting hospital discharges to enable people to return home safely and without delay
Delivering planned short-term care to allow carers to rest and recover
Working alongside our homecare service to assess needs, plan care, and deliver person-centred support
This role is ideal for experienced care professionals who value autonomy, variety, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact beyond routine care visits.
Why work as a Rapid Responder?
Make a real difference at crisis points for families and unpaid carers
Varied and rewarding work – no two days are the same
Trusted autonomy – work independently while being fully supported by a wider team
Purpose-led organisation – be part of a values-driven charity
Professional respect – your experience, judgement, and compassion matter
Ongoing development – training and support to build confidence in assessments and emergency response
Key responsibilities
As part of a responsive and supportive team, you will:
Provide person-centred care and support in the community, including emergency and planned care
Respond at short notice to support customers and families during illness, absence, or crisis
Travel across Cambridgeshire as required to deliver timely support
Complete care assessments and risk assessments for new, existing, and emergency packages of care
Work collaboratively with the wider care and support teams to identify and meet changing needs
Support hospital discharges by enabling safe and timely returns home
Signpost customers and families to relevant internal and external support services
Maintain accurate, timely records on internal systems
Report incidents and safeguarding concerns in line with policy and best practice
Provide flexible cover for colleagues during periods of leave or sickness
Attend induction, training, supervision, and team meetings as required
Build positive working relationships internally and externally
Work in line with Caring Together’s values, policies, and safeguarding responsibilities
What we offer
Permanent, full-time role within a respected charitable organisation
Rota-based working with flexibility discussed in advance wherever possible
20 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, with buy/sell options
Real Living Wage.
Mileage at 35p per mile.
Auto-enrolment pension scheme
Ongoing training and professional development
Regular supervision and support
A supportive, values-led team culture
Ongoing training and development opportunities.
Funded apprenticeships and qualifications.
Paid carers leave.
Wellbeing programme.
Staff referral scheme.
Ongoing training and development opportunities.
Access to a 24/7 GP, EAP service and confidential counselling service.
Death in service benefit of three times your annual salary.
Person specification
Essential
Qualifications
NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
Experience and knowledge
Solid experience providing person-centred care in the community or homecare setting
Experience working independently, using initiative and sound judgement
Knowledge of delivering care in line with legislative and regulatory standards
Confidence building professional relationships with customers, families, and colleagues
Good IT skills and ability to maintain accurate records
Skills and attributes
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure
Flexible, solution-focused, and compassionate approach
Willingness and ability to travel across the region
Commitment to safeguarding and high-quality care
Desirable
NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care
Experience completing care plan or risk assessments (training provided if needed)
Safeguarding and inclusion
Caring Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and children. All staff are expected to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check appropriate to the role is required and renewed every three years.
We are an inclusive employer and value diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and expect staff to respect the choices, lifestyles, and identities of colleagues, carers, and the people we support.
Recruitment process
Closing date: 28 February 2026
Interviews: Arranged as suitable applications are received
Start date: As soon as possible
Successful candidates will be asked to provide two references (one from a current or recent employer) and original qualification certificates at interview. Proof of right to work in the UK will also be required.
If you are an experienced care professional looking for a role where your skills, judgement, and compassion truly matter, we would love to hear from you.
Other job titles you may have held: Emergency Care Support Worker, Crisis Response Worker, Rapid Response Care Assistant, Community Care Responder, Urgent Care Support Worker, Reablement Support Worker, Hospital Discharge Support Worker, Short‑Term Care Worker, Community Support Worker, Domiciliary Care Responder
REF-(Apply online only)