Work for Us as an Hourly Carer
Since 2010, Melody Care has provided high-quality home care across Surrey and Hampshire, and we know that our carers are at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to offer reliable hours, strong local support, and a workplace that values you as much as the people you care for.
We believe recruitment should be a two-way conversation. There’s no pressure, just a chance to get to know each other and make sure Melody Care feels right for you.
Why Join Melody Care?
Make a real difference in your community with guaranteed hours, great benefits, and a team that truly values you.
Guaranteed Hours, Real Stability
We offer contracts with guaranteed hours, from 10 to 35 hours per week, so you’ll have reliable income and peace of mind. You’ll be paid for your contracted hours even if you don’t work all of them in a given week.
Fair Pay & Mileage
At Melody Care, we believe in rewarding our carers fairly for the vital work they do. We’re proud to be a Living Wage Foundation employer, which means you’ll receive a pay rate that reflects your time, effort, and dedication.
We also know how much travel is involved in hourly care, so we offer a generous mileage allowance of 45p per mile to help cover your driving costs.
Flexible, Local Work That Fits Around You
We match you with clients in your local area, helping you cut down on travel and stay connected to your community. Choose hours that suit your lifestyle — whether you’re looking for part-time flexibility or more regular work.
Training & Career Development
You’ll receive full support from day one, with paid training through our dedicated Learning & Development Department. We’ll help you grow your skills and move forward in your career, with opportunities to progress into more senior roles if you choose.
A Supportive Team Environment
Our carers are more than just employees — they’re part of the Melody Care family. We work hard to build a positive, team-focused environment where you feel respected, supported, and appreciated every step of the way.
Onboarding & Training
We know that starting a new role can feel daunting, so we’ve designed a smooth and supportive onboarding process to help you feel confident from day one. Here’s what to expect when you join our team:
Submit Your Registration Form
Start by completing our simple online form. Once we’ve received it, a member of our Recruitment Team will give you a call for an initial chat and to arrange your interview.
Interview
We’ll organise a friendly, informal interview, often with someone from the Care Management Team at your local branch, so we can get to know you and answer any questions you may have.
DBS & References
We’ll carry out a DBS check and contact your references. If you're already on the DBS Update Service, just send us your certificate number, surname, and date of birth to speed things up. Checks can take between 24 hours and six weeks, but we aim to move things along as quickly as possible.
Paid Induction Training
Our four-day Induction Course is held at our Farnborough branch — and yes, you’ll be paid to attend. When you arrive, you’ll receive your Melody Care uniform and a welcome pack including PPE, a first aid kit, and a water bottle. The course covers:
The Care Certificate – covering the core standards of care
First Aid – essential emergency knowledge
Practical Training – learning how to move and assist clients safely
You’ll also begin a 12-week e-learning module to complete at home, fully supported by our Care Management Team.
Shadowing Experienced Carers
After your training, you’ll spend time shadowing one of our experienced carers. It’s the perfect way to learn on the job, build your confidence, and get familiar with our approach to care.
Starting Work
Once you’re up and running, our Quality & Compliance Manager will check in with you after a few weeks to see how you're getting on and offer any extra support you might need.
Benefits, Rewards & Bonuses
We’re proud to be one of the most generous care providers in Surrey and Hampshire. Alongside competitive pay, we offer a variety of bonuses and rewards to thank you for your commitment:
- Evening Bonus – Extra pay for every hour worked on weekday evenings from 7pm to 11pm
- Holiday Bonuses – Work through Christmas or summer holidays with full availability, and you’ll earn an extra bonus per hour worked during those periods
- Birthday Bonus – Enjoy your birthday with a paid day off or take it as an additional paid day (depending on your contract)
- Loyalty/Anniversary Bonus – After your first year with us, you’ll receive £25 for every year of service with no upper limit. For example, after four years, you’ll get a £100 bonus
- Performance Bonus – If you’re on a guaranteed hours contract and exceed 1,820 hours per year, you’ll receive £1 for every extra hour worked, up to £750 per year
- Blue Light Card – We pay your yearly subscription to Blue Light Card, giving you discounts with major retailers.
- Monthly Employee Recognition Reward – Opportunity to be nominated by colleagues, the winners receive a £250 award to celebrate exceptional contributions and dedication to the workplace.
We also like to add thoughtful touches throughout the year, like surprise Christmas hampers and seasonal treats, to show how much we value everything you do.
Hourly Carer FAQ
Do you offer contracts with guaranteed hours or zero-hours contracts?
We offer employee contracts with guaranteed hours in writing, starting from 10 hours up to 35 hours per week. You will be paid for your contracted hours, even if you didn’t work all those hours in a given week. We also offer flexible bank contracts.
Other than the number of hours, are there any differences in the contracts?
No.
Can I increase my income beyond my guaranteed hours?
Yes. You are also welcome to any overtime that is available by advising your operational team on a weekly basis of additional hours you may have available in your week.
What is your recruitment process?
We have a two-part recruitment process. Initially, you will register your interest and complete a questionnaire. Then a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch to support and help you with your application.
Once you have discussed your requirements with one of our Recruitment Team, an interview with the local Registered Branch Team closest to where you live may be arranged, and if successful, our Recruitment Manager will offer you the position.
I don’t have any training, can I apply?
We offer all our new joiners, whether experienced or not, 28 hours of paid training. The training forms part of your induction and you complete it prior to commencing any care work. We will continue to support the early stages of your development by arranging Work-Based Learning in your second week of work when your full pay-rate commences.
What is Work-Based Learning?
This is a chance for you to take your newly acquired knowledge and bring it into the workplace with the support of a colleague. Your support continues from Supervisors and Managers who will be in regular contact with you.
How do you attend the induction?
We run the inductions twice monthly throughout the year. The induction date is your official first day with Melody Care. Please note that Bank Holidays can interrupt this on occasion.
To attend any of our inductions, you must have been offered a position with Melody Care. You will need to have completed the questionnaire and your interview to be offered a new opportunity with us.
If successful at the interview, we assist you in completing your DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and reference checks. You are unable to commence the induction without background checks being completed.
Do you offer additional training?
Yes. We offer professional development during your employment with us by offering further training in RQFs (better known as NVQs)*. We encourage support through RQF Level II, III and V.
*Training for our part-time employees will depend on how many hours are agreed within the contract.
Do you have any company benefits?
Yes. We offer holiday pay, a pension, uniforms, a phone, and a petrol allowance of 45p per mile. In additional we offer a range of staff benefits, bonuses and rewards.
“I’ve worked for Melody Care for five years and they’re the best employer by far. I feel well supported with access to training and development, and the little treats like the Christmas hampers make me feel appreciated.”