Providing the choice to be cared for in your own home

How much will I be paid?

Care Worker fees will depend on what is required to support the client you are working for. You can expect to earn between £400 and £500 per 7-day booking. You are not paid for the weeks you are not working. Food and lodging are free while you are at work, and you can reclaim travel costs, too.

Do I need care experience?

Ideally you will have at least six months experience in the care sector. We can find work for people who have been family carers and have relevant skills and experience. In either case we will need references for your work. All successful candidates will receive full induction and statutory training.

Will I get regular work from you?

We do find plenty of work for suitable care workers, but as we are an agency we are unable to guarantee work. You are likely to get more work the more flexible you can be, depending upon factors like how far you are prepared to travel and with which client groups you are prepared to work.

Who will I be caring for? Will I have any choice?

We have a wide variety of clients aged from 21 to over 100. They range from those with very complex needs (such as people who have mental health needs or physical disabilities) to those who are frail or anxious when left alone and need a housekeeper, companion and carer to make their life a little easier.
We will ask you about your skills, experience and preferences and try to find a client that suits you. Of course it is your choice to accept any booking offered, and we will give as much information as possible to help you make your decision.
It is worth bearing in mind that the more flexible you are, the more opportunities we can offer you.

Will I receive support while I am at work?

Yes you will.
Each client has a personal Care Coordinator at Cooksbridge. They are there to give you support and advice while you are working with that Client. All our Care Coordinators have been Care Workers themselves at some point in their career, so they really understand what it is like on the ground. They know Caring can be a difficult job at times and are there to offer you support and practical advice over the phone and by visiting you at work.

Do I need to be able to drive?

Most of our clients prefer to have a car driver, but it is not vital. We can also find work for non-drivers. Remember to bring your licence if you do drive.

Do you have an age or gender restriction?

No, it is your personality and care experience that counts. It can take longer to place younger or male care workers because of Clients' preferences, and it can take longer to place Care Workers who are less flexible about where they will work. But we will endeavour to find work for you regardless.

What is the maximum I can work in one booking?

5 weeks on and 1 week off at a time.

Do I need to have a police check?

We are legally obliged to obtain an enhanced police and Criminal record check for you from the Criminal Records Bureau. You will need to pay for this.

Other than obtain a police check, what else will I need to do to register with Cooksbridge Care?

You need to successfully complete our recruitment process and induction training. Full details are given when you apply.

Many care workers work for their Cooksbridge clients on a self-employed basis. If you are going to do this type of work, you need to register yourself as self-employed with the tax authorities (HM Revenue & Customs). If you are new to the UK, we will point you in the right direction. HM Revenue & Customs have a guide for people who are new to self-employment, which we recommend you read.More information will be given to you when you register with Cooksbridge Care.

If you have not worked in the UK before, you also need to obtain a UK National Insurance Number from the Department of Work and Pensions, so you can make National Insurance contributions from the money you earn. To do this, you need to contact a Jobcentre Plus (JCP). These are located in most towns. Either see the JCP website or contact us for more information.