Employee handbook

Heartfelt Care Services Limited

Employee Handbook

Welcome to Heartfelt Care Services Limited

Welcome to Heartfelt Care Services Limited! We are a dedicated recruitment and employment agency specializing in providing high-quality healthcare support workers and care assistants. This handbook is designed to provide you with essential information about our company policies, procedures, and expectations. We aim to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive working environment for all our employees. Please read this handbook carefully and refer to it whenever you need guidance.

1. Key Policies

2. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

At heartfelt Care Services Limited, we are unwavering in our commitment to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We cherish diversity and inclusion, and we strictly prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our employment decisions are solely based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Procedure:

• All job postings must include a statement affirming our commitment to EEO.

• Staff involved in hiring must complete diversity and inclusion training.

• Any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment should be reported to the HR department immediately.

1. Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy

At heartfelt Care Services Limited, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and bullying. We expect all our employees to treat each other, clients, and their families with the utmost respect and professionalism. Any form of harassment or bullying is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated, ensuring a safe and secure work environment for everyone.

Procedure:

• Harassment or bullying, whether physical, verbal, or non-verbal, is prohibited.

• Any incidents should be reported to HR using the designated reporting form.

• All reports will be investigated promptly and confidentially, with appropriate actions taken as necessary.

1. Health and Safety Policy

At Heartfelt Care Services Limited, the safety and well-being of our employees and clients are our topmost priorities. We adhere to all applicable health and safety regulations and strive to provide a safe working environment for everyone. It is imperative that all our employees strictly adhere to our health and safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.

Procedure:

• Attend mandatory health and safety training sessions.

• Report any workplace hazards or incidents immediately to your supervisor or HR.

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required and follow infection control procedures strictly.

1. Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy

Heartfelt Care Services Limited is committed to protecting the confidentiality of all client and employee information in compliance with data protection laws, including GDPR. All employees are required to maintain confidentiality regarding any sensitive information they handle.

Procedure:

• Only access client and employee information if you are authorized to do so.

• Only share confidential information with proper authorization.

• Report any breaches of confidentiality immediately to your supervisor or HR.

• Complete mandatory data protection training.

1. Recruitment and Employment Procedures

2. Recruitment Process

3. Job Posting and Advertising:

3. Post all job openings internally and externally to reach various candidates.

3. Ensure all advertisements clearly communicate job requirements and our commitment to equal-opportunity employment.

4. Application and Screening:

4. Review all applications thoroughly based on qualifications, experience, and suitability.

4. Use a standardized screening process to ensure fairness and consistency.

5. Interview Process:

5. Conduct structured interviews using a standard set of questions.

5. Ensure all interviewers have completed bias awareness training to maintain objectivity.

6. Reference Checks and Background Screening:

6. Conduct reference checks for all shortlisted candidates to verify their experience and qualifications.

6. Complete background checks, including criminal record checks, as required.

7. Job Offers and Employment Contracts:

7. Extend verbal offers to successful candidates, followed by written employment contracts.

7. Contracts should clearly outline job duties, salary, benefits, and compliance with agency policies.

8. Placement and Onboarding Procedures

9. Client Matching:

9. Match employees to clients based on their skills, experience, and preferences to ensure a good fit.

9. Provide employees with detailed information about the client and the specific care requirements.

10. Orientation and Training:

10. All new hires must complete an orientation session covering company policies, client-specific protocols, and health and safety training.

10. Specific training for healthcare support workers and care assistants includes patient handling, communication skills, and emergency procedures.

11. Performance Monitoring and Support:

11. Regular check-ins and performance reviews are conducted to maintain high standards of care.

11. Offer ongoing support and professional development opportunities to all employees.

12. Employment Termination Procedures

13. Voluntary Termination:

13. Employees who wish to resign must provide notice as specified in their employment contract.

13. An exit interview will be conducted to gather feedback and provide support for future employment opportunities.

14. Involuntary Termination:

14. Termination due to misconduct or poor performance will follow a documented process, including warnings and opportunities for improvement.

14. HR must review all terminations to ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.

15. Redundancy and Resignation:

15. In cases of redundancy, affected employees will be given as much notice as possible and supported in finding alternative employment.

15. Resignations must be submitted in writing with the agreed notice period.

16. Job-Specific Guidelines for Healthcare Support Workers and Care Assistants

17. Professional Conduct and Behaviour

• Always maintain a professional and compassionate demeanour.

• Follow the client's care plan and instructions carefully and report any changes in their condition to the appropriate supervisor.

• Please respect the privacy and dignity of clients and their families.

1. Patient Care and Safety Protocols

2. Personal Hygiene and Infection Control:

2. Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly before and after client interactions.

2. Use appropriate PPE when necessary and dispose of it correctly after use.

2. Immediately report any signs of infection or illness in clients.

3. Medication Administration:

3. Administer medication only if you have received specific training and authorization.

3. Always double-check the medication administration record (MAR) before administering any medication.

4. Emergency Procedures:

4. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures specific to each client location.

4. Ensure you know how to use emergency equipment, such as defibrillators or fire extinguishers.

4. Report all incidents, accidents, or near misses immediately to your supervisor.

5. Communication and Reporting

• Accurately document all care activities in the client's care log.

• Promptly communicate any concerns or updates about the client's condition to your supervisor or the relevant healthcare professional.

• Attend all required team meetings and training sessions to stay updated on best practices and company policies.

1. Regular Updates and Reviews

Heartfelt Care Services Limited is committed to continuous improvement. All policies and procedures will be reviewed annually to ensure they are current and comply with the latest legal requirements and industry best practices. We encourage employee feedback to help us improve our services and support.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions or concerns about these policies and procedures, please contact our HR department at [HR Email] or [HR Phone Number].