Care Assistant

L’Arche is first and foremost a Community where Assistants are asked to enter into real and respectful relationships with adults with intellectual disabilities, with their co workers and live in assistants. Respect for the dignity and privacy of the individual is a key requirement of the position.

Care Assitant - L'Arche Cork

We are recruiting for the position of Care Assistant to provide support to adults with intellectual disabilities who live in a residential setting in L’Arche Cork. This is a full-time, 39 hours per week, permanent position.

The successful candidates must be committed to providing the highest standard of services in support of adults to live fulfilling and inclusive lives, according to their choices. In order to meet the needs of the residents, the role will require a high level of flexibility, including early mornings, evenings, and weekend work. The primary responsibility of a Care Assistant is to provide support for Residents in their L’Arche homes. The level of support provided will be appropriate to the needs of each Resident, thus it will be necessary to have an in-depth knowledge of each Resident and their needs, skills, likes and dislikes and to build a trusting relationship with them.

Duties and responsibilities:

Supporting Residents in the following areas:

• Personal care - Provide support to the Resident around personal hygiene, bathing/showering, skin, hair and nail care, appropriate dress, laundry, buying clothes, making appointments and accompanying to hairdresser/beautician, assist with morning and evening daily care routines.
• Medical needs - Monitor the well-being of the Residents, liaise with the Community Nurse re minor ailments, accompany Residents to the GP or specialist as needed, administer medication, keep records of all medical events.
• Health promotion - Encourage Residents to form good health habits including appropriate exercise and diet.
• Personal finances - Provide support for Residents in managing and using their money, keep accurate records and receipts of monies spent.
• Relationships with family and friends- Support Resident in keeping contact with family and friends, support them in buying cards and gifts family and friends for birthdays and Christmas, drive and/or accompany Residents to family visits, support Resident in inviting friends/family to visit.
• Participation in the life of the L’Arche house- support the Residents in participating fully in the life of the house including shopping, cooking, cleaning their bedroom and communal areas, participating in house meetings and house night.
• Participation in the local community - support the Residents in connecting with their local community, attending events, meeting neighbours, involvement in local groups, use of local services e.g. library.
• Spiritual life – Support Residents in living their own spirituality; drive/accompany to religious services (if the Residents wish).
• Use of leisure time/ hobbies- Support Residents in using their leisure time at evenings weekends and holidays, drive/accompany to events/hobbies, suggest and try new activities/hobbies.
• Meetings - Attend relevant meetings e.g. house team meeting, person centered planning meetings, case conferences etc.

Please note that this list of responsibilities is not exhaustive as the job may develop and evolve over time and due to ageing and changing needs of the Residents

Essential Skills & Experience

The following are the desirable characteristics/experiences for the person filling this position. That they:

• Have experience in working with adults with an intellectual disability
• Have a social care/healthcare qualification
• Experience/qualification in supporting adults with autism
• Be Person Centred in approach and attitude.
• High standard of English—both verbally and in writing
• Excellent eamwork, interpersonal, organisational and initiative skills.
• Understanding of Advocacy and Human Rights.
• Knowledge of the National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities.
• A good understanding of HIQA requirements and of the National Standards for Residential Services for Adults with Disabilities is essential
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of social model practice in support of adults;
• Role subject to Garda vetting, verification of qualifications and satisfactory references.
• A full clean driving license and willingness to drive residents in Ireland is essential for this position.
• Be eligible to work in Ireland for a minimum of 2 years from start date.

Please tell us in your covering letter why you feel you would be suitable for this role, and include your Curriculum Vitae with names & contact details of 2 referees – one employment related.

Informal enquiries to:

Vivian Woods email: vivian.woods@larche.ie

Residential Services Manager

Le Cheile, Togher Road, Cork T12 CH29

We will compile a short list from the candidates for this role. Should future vacancies arise in L’Arche Cork we may take into account your application and curriculum vitae.