Care Worker

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities, providing dementia-specific services and supports and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers.

Our vision is an Ireland where no one goes through dementia alone and where policies and services respond appropriately to the person with dementia and their carers, at the times they need support.

A national non-profit organisation, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is person-centred, rights-based and grassroots-led, with the voice of the person with dementia and their carer at its core.

The ASI is currently recruiting a Care Worker who will work in our Garryowen Day Care Service, Kilmurry Court, Garryowen, Co. Limerick, V94 DR60.

This is a permanent contract working 10 hours per week.

Reporting to the Day Centre Manager, the Care Worker is responsible for providing person-centred care to people with dementia, addressing their needs and enhancing their quality of life.

To be successful in this role, you will need experience of working with people with dementia, older people or people with intellectual disabilities. A FETAC Level 5 qualification is desirable but not essential.

You will need good communication and organisational skills and be able to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team.

Salary will be commensurate with the care sector and dependent on relevant experience.

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of the role is to provide people with dementia with person-centred care and support, addressing their needs to enhance their quality of life.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIESClient Care Provision

• Build trusting relationships with clients and their carers so they feel secure and welcome in the service.
• Assist the Centre Manager in the assessment and updating of care plans for each client.
• Carry out care plan activities.
• Undertake bus duties.
• Provide personal care when needed, including assistance with meals, toileting, bathing etc.
• Ensure observations are reported in a timely manner.
• Respect the rights, dignity and confidentiality of all clients.
• Identify and develop activities to enhance the quality of care delivered.
• Promote teamwork by assisting and supporting other staff in their duties within the centre.

Service Administration

• Adhere to service provision, Health and Safety policies and procedures set out by the Society.
• Assist in the maintenance of records.
• Assist in promoting a positive and safe environment for both clients and staff.
• Participate in training opportunities identified by the Centre Manager.
• Attend staff meetings, team briefings and one-to-one meetings with the Centre Manager to contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the service.
• Ensure the facilities are kept clean and in good condition and that the resources of the centre or client are used appropriately.

The principal accountabilities outline the main duties. However, in an organisation such as the Society, it is inevitable that tasks may arise which may not fall within the remit of the above list of main duties. Employees are therefore required to respond with a flexible approach when tasks arise which are not specifically covered in their job description. Should an additional responsibility become a regular part of an employee's job, the job description will be amended to reflect this.

JOB HOLDER ENTRY REQUIREMENTSKnowledge (Education & Related Experience)

• Educated to Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
• Experience in health, social or disability care.
• FETAC Level 5 desirable.
• Manual Handling training desirable.
• Confidence in using IT and email desirable.

Skills (Special Training or Competence)

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good observational and organisational skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
• Training in dementia, care of the elderly or a related area is an advantage.

Key Behaviours

• Patience.
• Empathy.
• Reliability.
• Flexibility.
• Enthusiasm.