For many Filipinos working abroad, finding a good job is a big goal. One option that’s really rewarding is becoming a care assistant in the United Kingdom. There, lots of people need help because they’re getting older, and they need kind people to take care of them.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to apply for a care assistant job in the UK. From small towns in England to busy cities in Scotland, there are chances to do important work and grow as a person.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Comprehensive Guide to Working as Healthcare Assistant or Senior Carer in UK
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube video from CORRdapya TV. In this video, the vlogger shares an ultimate guide to securing a job in the UK as a healthcare assistant or senior care practitioner. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
Requirements
Before you start your journey as a healthcare assistant or senior carer in the UK, you need to make sure you’re good at English. This is really important for talking with patients and colleagues.
To prove your English skills, you’ll need to pass a test like the UKVI Academic or General English Test. You have to get at least a band four overall and be good at reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Some employers might want you to do even better, like getting a band five or 5.5.
You also need to have a certificate showing you’re good at English when you apply for your visa. But if you’re from an English-speaking country or have a UK NARIC certificate, you might not need to take the test. You can learn more about getting the UK NARIC certificate on their website.
Crafting a CV
The second vital requirement entails crafting a compelling curriculum vitae (CV) that effectively showcases one’s skills, qualifications, and relevant training aligned with the desired job role. A well-crafted CV serves as a powerful tool for self-marketing, enabling candidates to stand out to prospective employers.
Gather Essential Documents
Aspiring healthcare assistants or senior carers must gather essential documents to support their application. These documents include:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate
- School credentials
- Driver’s license (if applying for domiciliary care)
- Employment certificates (for non-medical or healthcare-related degrees)
For individuals whose academic background does not directly align with healthcare, supplementing their qualifications with relevant online courses is advisable. Websites like caredme.co.uk offer affordable care certificate courses, which are highly valued by employers in the UK healthcare sector.
Job Hunting
Once you’ve got all your requirements sorted, it’s time to start looking for a job as a healthcare assistant or senior carer in the UK. This is an exciting phase where you can explore different job opportunities and find the perfect fit for you.
One great way to find job openings is through healthcare recruitment agencies. They know lots of people and can help match you with the right job all over the UK. You can also search for jobs online on websites like uk.indeed.com. Just make sure to use specific keywords like “senior care assistant Tier 2 visa sponsorship” or “healthcare assistant Tier 2 visa sponsorship” to find jobs that suit your needs.
It’s a good idea to apply to lots of jobs to increase your chances of getting interviews and job offers. Having lots of options lets you choose the job that’s best for you and your career goals.
Passing Your Interview
When it’s time for your interviews, most employers will use platforms like Skype, Microsoft Meetings, or Zoom. Make sure your internet connection is good and get familiar with the platform before the interview.
If you do well in the interview, the employer will send you an offer letter. Take your time to read it carefully and understand what’s expected of you in the job.
After that, the employer will do some background checks, like contacting your referees and checking if you have a clean record. It’s important to be honest during this process because any mistakes could cost you the job.
Receiving Your Certificate of Sponsorship
Upon successfully navigating the interview process and receiving a job offer, the next pivotal step is obtaining your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This document, issued by your prospective employer, serves as a vital component in facilitating your entry and employment in the UK.
The CoS contains crucial information that outlines the terms and conditions of your employment, as well as pertinent details required for visa application purposes. Key elements included in the CoS are as follows:
- Type of Visa: Specifies the category of visa you are applying for, typically related to your job role and sponsorship arrangement.
- Sponsor License Number: Identifies your employer’s official license number granted by the UK Home Office, affirming their authorization to sponsor foreign workers.
- Sponsor’s Name: Clearly states the name of your sponsoring employer or organization.
- Certificate Number: A unique identifier assigned to your CoS for tracking and administrative purposes.
- Validity Period: Indicates the duration of validity for your CoS, usually spanning three months from the date of issuance.
- Personal Information: Includes detailed information about you as the sponsored worker, such as:
- Passport details
- Current home address
- Estimated work dates
- Work address
- Weekly work hours
- Gross salary
It is imperative to thoroughly review the CoS to ensure accuracy and completeness of the information provided. Additionally, pay close attention to specific sections, such as the certification for maintenance for migrant independence.
Certification of maintenance for migrant independence signifies whether your employer certifies to cover your maintenance costs as a migrant worker. If indicated as “yes,” it implies that your employer will provide financial support for your living expenses, negating the need for you to provide proof of funds during the visa application process. This provision extends to your dependents as well, relieving you of the burden of demonstrating financial stability for accompanying family members.
Secure a TB Certificate
The next crucial step in the process is securing a TB certificate, which is required if your chest x-ray suggests pulmonary tuberculosis. This certificate can be obtained from Ion Medical or the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
- If your chest x-ray indicates signs of pulmonary TB, you will need to undergo a sputum culture test.
- The results of this test typically take six to eight weeks to be processed.
- Your IOM TB certificate is only valid for six months, so it is essential to lodge your visa application within that timeframe.
In addition to the TB certificate, some recruitment agencies or employers may require you to undergo other medical exams before you can apply for your visa. These additional medical assessments aim to ensure that you are physically fit for the job and meet the health standards required for employment in the UK.
Book Visa Appearance
Once you have diligently completed all the necessary prerequisites, it’s time to proceed with lodging your visa application. This pivotal phase marks the culmination of your efforts and signals the beginning of your journey towards working as a healthcare assistant or senior carer in the UK.
Initiating the visa application process entails booking an appointment for your visa appearance, where you will undergo biometric verification and submit your original documents. These documents include:
- Passport
- Police clearance certificate
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- English proficiency test results
- IOM TB certificate
- Certificate of sponsorship
- Offer letter or employment contract
If you did not opt for a priority visa service, the decision on your visa application typically takes around three weeks after attending your appointment at the visa application center. However, the processing time may extend beyond three weeks if your application is deemed incomplete or due to unforeseen circumstances such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Upon approval of your visa application, additional pre-departure requirements may be necessary based on your country of origin. For instance, applicants from the Philippines are required to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and secure an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) before flying to the UK.
Once you have fulfilled all pre-departure obligations, your employer can issue you with your flight tickets to the UK. Upon arrival in the UK, it is imperative to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival or before the expiry of the vignette sticker in your travel document.
In conclusion, pursuing a career as a care assistant in the UK involves several key steps, from meeting English proficiency requirements to securing job offers and navigating the visa application process. By diligently following these steps and understanding the nuances of each stage, aspiring healthcare professionals can increase their chances of success in securing employment opportunities in the UK.