Care Coordinator

The Care Co-Ordinator at The Coach House Residential Home plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the home while delivering high standards of resident care. The position combines leadership, supervision, administration, and direct care responsibilities to ensure residents' physical, emotional, psychological, and personal needs are met in a safe and supportive environment. Working closely with the Care Manager, the Care Co-Ordinator contributes to improving services, implementing effective care procedures, mentoring staff, and maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations and care standards.

The role requires the Care Co-Ordinator to oversee the daily running of care and domestic teams, ensuring residents receive person-centred care that promotes dignity, comfort, and wellbeing. Responsibilities include assessing residents' needs, implementing care plans, supervising personal care, and ensuring treatments and procedures are carried out correctly. The post holder is expected to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and support the overall management of the residential home. Flexibility is essential, as the role involves working various shifts, including weekends, nights, Bank Holidays, and special occasions.

Applicants are expected to hold an NVQ Level 3 or 4 qualification and have experience within a residential care setting, including deputy management experience. Evidence of continuing professional development and further education in elderly care is required. Strong leadership, communication, listening, time management, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a satisfactory DBS check and up-to-date knowledge of current care practices. Familiarity with GDPR 2018 requirements and Caldicott Principles is also expected.

Professionally, the Care Co-Ordinator must demonstrate leadership, professionalism, compassion, patience, confidentiality, and problem-solving abilities. They are responsible for supporting and supervising staff, setting standards, maintaining discipline, and encouraging professional development. Duties also include assisting with staff induction, allocating tasks, appraising performance, and ensuring employees follow the home's policies and procedures.

Health and safety responsibilities are a significant part of the role. The Care Co-Ordinator ensures compliance with all operational and safety regulations, including infection control, safeguarding, moving and handling, COSHH, food hygiene, and fire safety. Routine checks of equipment such as hoists, electric beds, and air mattresses must be carried out to ensure safety and cleanliness. All accidents, incidents, faulty equipment, or dangerous occurrences must be properly recorded and reported according to home policies. The post holder also supports the proprietors in meeting their legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Fire Regulations.

Administrative responsibilities include maintaining accurate records, completing audits, preparing clear written and verbal reports, evaluating care programmes, and ensuring resident admissions and discharges follow established procedures. The role also involves managing resources effectively, overseeing stock control, and ensuring economical use of equipment and supplies.

Communication is central to the position. The Care Co-Ordinator liaises with residents, relatives, external agencies, healthcare professionals, and governing bodies such as the CQC and Continuing Healthcare Teams. They conduct daily handovers, report regularly to proprietors, and may provide evidence in legal proceedings, inquests, or courts if required.

Medication management is another key responsibility. The Care Co-Ordinator must follow legal and organisational procedures regarding the administration, checking, and witnessing of medication in accordance with the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times in line with GDPR, the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and information governance standards.

The role can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Duties may involve moving residents using mechanical aids, standing and walking for long periods, dealing with distressed residents or relatives, supporting palliative care residents, and working in environments involving exposure to bodily fluids or challenging behaviour. Despite these challenges, the role is essential in ensuring residents receive compassionate, high-quality care within a safe and respectful environment.