If you have applied for a live-in care position through an agency, you will need to attend their own training programme before you start work. Simply because you will be working with vulnerable adults there are processes which you need to go through before you can start.
Let’s assume you are applying for work through an agency.
So, how long does it all take?
The very first thing that will happen is a telephone interview. This is a general conversation which determines that you speak English, are legal to work in the UK, and are genuinely interested in working with people.
If you are successful on your telephone interview, you will be asked for a date when you can start your training. Training will be held at the agency address and can vary from a few days to two weeks. At this time, it is up to you as to the date you give, depending on your personal circumstances. If you are in another country, you will need to arrange your flights to the UK.
During your training period you will need to complete forms for your DBS check.
What’s a DBS check?
This is a criminal check to show that you do not have any criminal record which would make you a threat if you were to work with a vulnerable adult or child.
What if I live outside the UK?
If you are resident in another country it is common practise for the agency to ask for a DBS from that country. This will take about three or four weeks. Once you have this, you will be able to arrange your flights and training dates.
How long does the DBS take?
Your agency will make sure that you have completed the form correctly and send it off. The application can take up to four weeks depending on the time of year and how busy they are, and the backlog of applications.
At certain times of the year there are more applications for this check, with summer being very busy. This is the time of year when many people seem to want to apply for live-in care work. Winter and Christmas are far quieter with less people wanting to work over the holiday period.
The enhanced check will take longer than the standard check, but most agencies will only apply for the standard check.
Getting references
The agency will ask you to provide references, normally this will be one from a friend as a character reference, and the other from a previous employer. It is worth having up to date contact numbers for both references because the agency will call them. If they cannot get hold of them, your application and training time will be delayed.
This check by the agency is very thorough as they need to be sure of your past work experience so best to have genuine contacts and not try to use friends posing as employers – you will be found out. The agency is simply covering themselves here.
The bottom line
From the time of your initial telephone interview until the day you head off to your first placement can be anywhere from three weeks to two months. Sometimes the DBS takes longer, and this can be frustrating, while you wait.
It is important that if you have come from another country that you either have enough money to support yourself in the UK until you start work, or enough to fly back to your own country and wait until it has come through.
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