Health Care Assistant

Job Title: Health Care Assistant

Closing Date : 30th October 4pm

Location of Post: Leopardstown Park Hospital, Dublin 18

A panel may be formed from which permanent, temporary, specified purpose, full-time and part-time vacancies may be filled.

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be directed to:

Ms Merlin Raji

Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)
Email: merlinraji@lph.ie

Details of Service

Leopardstown Park Hospital is a designated residential care centre for older persons located in South Dublin.

The service provides residential and day services for older persons in a person-centred environment. Care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team comprising nursing, medical, health and social care professionals, healthcare assistants and support staff. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Reporting Relationship

The post holder reports to the Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM) or designated officer.

Key Working Relationships

The post holder will work closely with:

• Residents and their families/representatives
• Clinical Nurse Managers and Registered Nurses
• Medical Officers and General Practitioners
• Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Social Workers and Dietitians
• Activities, Household, Catering and Maintenance Staff
• Members of the wider interdisciplinary team

Purpose of the Post

The Health Care Assistant (HCA) supports residents in achieving and maintaining their optimum level of independence, comfort, dignity and wellbeing. Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, the HCA contributes to the delivery of safe, effective, person-centred care in accordance with HSE policies, HIQA Standards, safeguarding requirements and best practice in Older Persons Services

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Practice

The Health Care Assistant will:

· Deliver person-centred care that respects residents' dignity, privacy, choice, diversity and independence.

• Assist residents with activities of daily living according to individual care plans.
• Promote and protect residents' rights and wellbeing.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR and information governance requirements.
• Recognise and report safeguarding concerns in accordance with policy.
• Work within the scope of the HCA role and seek guidance when required.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal and professional development activities.
• Place the resident at the centre of all care activities and interactions.
• Participate in performance review, supervision and appraisal processes.

Resident Care

The Health Care Assistant will assist residents with:

Personal Care

• Washing, bathing, showering and grooming.
• Oral hygiene.
• Dressing and appearance.
• Toileting and continence care.
• Skin care and pressure area care as directed.
• Maintaining comfort, privacy and dignity at all times.

Nutrition and Hydration

• Preparing residents for meals.
• Assisting with eating and drinking as required.
• Supporting residents in accordance with prescribed dietary plans and IDDSI guidelines.
• Monitoring and recording food and fluid intake.
• Reporting concerns regarding nutrition, hydration or swallowing difficulties.

Mobility and Independence

• Assisting residents to mobilise safely.
• Supporting repositioning and moving and handling activities.
• Encouraging independence and participation in activities.
• Reporting mobility concerns, falls or near misses promptly.

Observation and Monitoring

• Observe residents and report any changes in physical, emotional, cognitive or behavioural condition.
• Complete observations and monitoring as delegated and appropriately trained.
• Accurately record care activities and observations.

End-of-Life Care

• Support residents and families with compassion, dignity and respect.
• Assist with comfort measures.
• Participate in Last Offices under the direction of nursing staff.

Quality, Safety and Risk Management

The Health Care Assistant will:

• Comply with HIQA Standards, hospital policies and local procedures.
• Adhere to infection prevention and control practices.
• Follow hand hygiene and standard precautions at all times.
• Participate in incident and near-miss reporting.
• Identify and report risks, hazards and unsafe practices.
• Support fire safety, emergency preparedness and health and safety requirements.
• Ensure safe use of equipment and report defects promptly.
• Attend mandatory training and updates.

Maintaining a Safe Environment

The Health Care Assistant will:

• Maintain a clean, safe and comfortable environment.
• Make occupied and unoccupied beds.
• Clean and store equipment appropriately.
• Dispose of waste safely and in accordance with policy.
• Assist with laundry management.
• Prepare bed spaces for admissions.
• Assist with the safe storage of residents' belongings.
• Escort and transfer residents safely as required

The Health Care Assistant will:

• Communicate effectively with residents, families and colleagues.
• Report concerns promptly to nursing staff.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team working.
• Attend meetings and training as required.
• Support a positive, respectful and professional working environment.
• Contribute to maintaining a culture of dignity, inclusion and resident-centred care.

Documentation and Information Management

The Health Care Assistant will:

• Maintain accurate electronic and paper-based records.
• Complete food and fluid charts, observation records and monitoring documentation as required.
• Record care activities in a timely and accurate manner.
• Comply with record management, confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Education and Development

The Health Care Assistant will:

• Participate in mandatory and continuing professional development programmes.
• Maintain competence relevant to the role.
• Participate in induction and training programmes.
• Support learning and quality improvement initiatives.

General Responsibilities

The post holder shall:

• Comply with all Hospital policies and procedures.
• Adhere to Infection Prevention and Control requirements.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation.
• Observe hospital fire policies and emergency procedures.
• Wear the approved uniform and identification badge.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as assigned by management.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at the closing date for eceipt of applications, hold:

Candidates must possess one of the following:

• QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support; or
• QQI Level 5 Major Award in Nursing Studies; or
• QQI Level 5 Major Award in Community Care; or
• QQI Level 5 Major Award in Health Service Skills; or
• QQI Level 5 Major Award in Community Health Services; or
• An equivalent healthcare qualification recognised by the HSE.

(A major award must consist of a minimum of 120 credits.)

And

(a) Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role.

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Other requirements specific to the post

Good standard of literacy

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Knowledge

• Demonstrate evidence of knowledge of Health & Safety regulations
• Demonstrate knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role
• Demonstrate ability to work under pressure
• Knowledge of person-centred care principles.
• Understanding of dementia and older persons' care.
• Awareness of safeguarding vulnerable adults.
• Understanding of infection prevention and control practices.
• Ability to use electronic care record systems.
• Knowledge of residents' rights and advocacy.
• Understanding of HIQA Standards relevant to designated centres

Teamwork

· Demonstrate ability to work as part of an inter-disciplinary team.

· Demonstrate motivation and an innovative approach to job.

· Demonstrate ability to present a neat and tidy appearance

· Demonstrate ability to carry out instructions and appreciate the importance of providing quality care to patients.

Planning and Organising

· Demonstrate evidence of ability to plan work effectively and efficiently,

· Demonstrate flexible approach – to working hours, rostering e.g. unsocial hours/shift work, night duty, attitude to work

· Demonstrate ability to work on own initiative

Commitment to providing a quality service

· Demonstrate a focus on quality

· Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat residents, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.

· Demonstrate motivation to fulfil the role and contribute to improving the service

· Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

· Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

· Demonstrate ability to communicate satisfactorily with residents, families, carers and colleagues and maintain the confidentiality of the service

· Possess a competent level of spoken and written English

· Demonstrate ability to listen openly, using questions to check understanding/avoid misinterpretation.