Many healthcare assistants (HCAs) in Northern Ireland are deterred from joining a healthcare recruitment agency due to fears of having less job security and unpredictable shifts – but is this actually the case?
In reality, agency work offers a different kind of security – one that, for many HCAs, provides much more flexibility, control and opportunity in comparison to permanent roles.
The Reality of Agency HCA Work
One of the most common misconceptions is that agency work is unreliable. In truth, demand for HCAs across Northern Ireland remains consistently high, particularly in private care settings.
At Leadcare Recruitment, we partner with over 1,100 healthcare clients across Northern Ireland. This means there are always shifts available in a wide range of locations and care environments, giving HCAs access to ongoing work opportunities.
Rather than relying on a single employer, agency HCAs benefit from a network of placements at their fingertips, allowing them to open up more work opportunities and gain more experience.
The Benefits of Agency Work with Leadcare Recruitment
Working as an agency HCA comes with a range of advantages that contribute to both financial and lifestyle security.
Competitive Weekly Pay
Agency HCAs with Leadcare Recruitment benefit from competitive hourly rates, with healthcare assistants having the opportunity to earn up to £25 an hour paid weekly. This provides a steady and reliable income stream, helping you manage your finances more effectively.
Free Mandatory Healthcare Training
Staying compliant is essential in any healthcare profession, and Leadcare supports this by offering free and discounted mandatory training, including sessions such as Basic Life Saving (BLS) and Manual Handling training taken in-house by our expert instructor. This ensures that HCAs remain up-to-date with industry standards while also enhancing their continuous professional development.
Access to a Wide Variety of Roles
With over 1,100 partner clients across Northern Ireland, there is a constant demand for healthcare assistants across a diverse range of private health care settings such as care homes, clinics and other settings. This gives agency healthcare assistants with Leadcare access to a variety of job opportunities, helping them gain valuable experience while maintaining consistent work.
Greater Work-Life Balance and Control
One of the most notable advantages of agency work is flexibility. Northern Ireland healthcare assistants have the freedom to choose shifts that suit their lifestyle, allowing them to work around other commitments. Whether they’re picking up locum healthcare assistant shifts on the side or need greater flexibility to better balance their personal and work schedules, agency HCA work offers a fantastic opportunity.
Referral Bonus Scheme
Know someone who would be a great fit for agency healthcare assistant work in Northern Ireland? Leadcare offers a £125 referral bonus, giving you the opportunity to earn extra while helping others join a supportive and flexible working environment. There is also no cap on the number of referrals you can make, meaning the earning potential is endless.
Leadcare App
The Leadcare app allows agency HCAs in Northern Ireland to manage their shifts, availability and timesheets all in one centralised platform. Available on both iOS and Android, this makes organising your work simple, efficient and stress-free.
Who is Agency Work Best For?
Agency work is particularly well suited to HCAs who value flexibility and want greater control over how and when they work. This includes parents or carers who need to balance shifts around other commitments, as well as individuals who prefer the freedom to choose a schedule that fits their lifestyle rather than being tied to fixed hours.
It’s also an ideal option for HCAs looking to broaden their experience by working across a variety of care settings, or for those who want to supplement their income. With the ability to pick up shifts as needed, agency healthcare assistant work offers a practical and adaptable solution for a wide range of personal and professional needs.
Tips to Make Agency Work Feel More Secure
If you’re considering making the move to agency work with Leadcare Recruitment, there are several ways to maximise your stability and make the most of the opportunities available. Being reliable and responsive to shift requests is key as well as being proactive in booking your own shifts through the Leadcare App.
It’s also important to keep your training and compliance up to date and stay flexible with different locations and shift types. By taking this approach, you can secure regular work, enjoy greater control over your schedule and make the most of the wide range of roles Leadcare offers across Northern Ireland, from the likes of Derry, Belfast and beyond.
What Our HCAs Say About Leadcare
While many HCAs worry about making the switch to agency work from permanent roles due to uncertainty, agency work is not inherently less secure, and in fact offers many benefits suited to individuals seeking more flexibility with their work schedule.
WIth consistent demand, access to a wide network of partner clients and full control over your working schedule, agency roles can provide both financial reliability and a better work-life balance. But don’t take it from us – take it from our existing HCAs who are already availing of these benefits:
Sarah M.
“Leadcare has given me the flexibility I need to balance work and family. The team is always supportive, and I love making a difference in patients’ lives.”
Tom W.
“Working in private healthcare settings such as residential homes has been incredibly rewarding. Leadcare always ensures I have the right placements that match my skills and passion for care.”
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’re looking for flexible, reliable HCA work in Northern Ireland, Leadcare Recruitment is here to support you every step of the way. Join a growing network of HCAs who are already enjoying greater flexibility, competitive pay and access to a wide range of job opportunities.
If you’d like to discuss job opportunities further, please contact the Leadcare Recruitment team by calling 028 7187 6515 or emailing info@leadcarerecruitment.com. Already convinced? We’ve also put together a full guide on how to apply as an agency HCA, making it easy for you to get started and begin picking shifts that suit your lifestyle. Check it out to take the first step towards a rewarding and flexible career with Leadcare, or simply click Apply Now below.
