How much experience do I need to be a senior care assistant?

Most employers want at least a year or two as a care assistant, plus medication training. Show that you already take extra responsibility, even if you did not have the title yet.

Do I need a Level 3 diploma?

It is often asked for or offered as part of the role. If you do not have it, say whether you are working towards it, and focus on your medication and leadership experience.

What is the difference between a senior care assistant and a team leader?

The titles are often used in similar ways. A senior carer usually gives care as well as leading a shift, while a team leader may do more paperwork, rotas and supervision. Check the advert.

What if I find writing my CV difficult?

Ceev can write your CV from your own answers, typed or spoken, and shows a free preview before you pay.

Senior care assistant CV example

A strong senior care assistant CV shows that you can give excellent care and also lead a shift. It should cover medication, care plans, supporting junior carers and dealing with families and professionals, backed by training such as a Level 3 diploma in health and social care.

Jacob Ward

Senior care assistant

jacob@example.com07700 900123Nottingham

Profile

Experienced senior care assistant who leads day shifts in a 40-bed residential care home for older people. Trained to give medication, keep care plans up to date and guide a team of carers through the day. Calm in emergencies, respectful with residents and families, and holds a Level 3 diploma in health and social care.

Experience

Senior Care Assistant

a 40-bed residential care home for older people

Led day shifts with a team of five carers, sharing out tasks and checking that care matched each resident's plan

Gave medication after training and competency checks, and kept medication records accurate for manager audits

Updated care plans and risk assessments after reviews, and shared changes with carers at handover

Coached new carers through their induction and Care Certificate

Acted as first contact for families, doctors and district nurses, and raised concerns early

Care Assistant

a residential home for people living with dementia

Supported up to ten residents each shift with personal care, meals and activities

Used calm, simple communication to reduce anxiety and distress

Completed daily records, food and fluid charts and body maps

Reported safeguarding concerns to the manager promptly and recorded them clearly

Covered senior duties when needed, which led to my promotion

Key skills

Leading a care shiftMedication administrationCare planning and reviewsSupporting and coaching carersSafeguardingDementia careRecord keeping and auditsCommunication with familiesHandoversInfection control and health and safety

Example · fictional candidate · Sunrise design · Use this design

Tips for a senior care assistant CV

Show leadership with specifics: team size, the shifts you led and what you were responsible for
State that you are trained and signed off to give medication
List your qualification, such as a Level 3 diploma in health and social care, and any dementia, end-of-life or safeguarding courses
Mention inspections and audits you helped prepare for, since registered care services value this
Give an example of coaching or supporting a new carer
Keep person-centred wording throughout: choice, dignity and independence

Applying with a cover letter? See our senior care assistant cover letter example.