Healthcare Assistant

Job Title: Healthcare Assistant
Contract Type: Two-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Hours: Full-Time, 39 hours per week
Annual Leave: 25 days

About the Role

• The Healthcare Assistant will provide high-quality, person-centred care and support to individuals with disabilities across a range of settings, including residential services, nursing homes, and community-based services.
• The successful candidate will support Pathways students with activities of daily living while promoting independence, dignity, safety, comfort, and overall well-being. The role requires a compassionate and professional approach, with a commitment to delivering care in accordance with individual support plans, organisational policies, relevant health and safety legislation, and recognised best practice.

Key Responsibilities

The Healthcare Assistant will:

• Provide high-quality, person-centred care and support in line with each individual’s needs, preferences, goals, and support plans.
• Assist Pathways students with any activities on their daily schedules while promoting independence, choice, dignity, and inclusion.
• Monitor and observe students’ health and well-being and promptly report any changes or concerns through the appropriate channels.
• Maintain safe and supportive environment in accordance with organisational policies and health and safety requirements.
• Provide support with personal care, including toileting, bathing, showering, dressing, and personal hygiene while maintaining privacy, dignity, and respect.
• Support with meal planning and preparation and eating in accordance with individual dietary requirements and care plans.
• Assist students with mobility and participation in daily activities, including safe transfers and the appropriate use of mobility aids and assistive equipment.
• Support students to access community activities, appointments, education, employment, and other meaningful opportunities, where required.
• Transport and accompany students to and from residential services, medical appointments, therapy sessions, and community-based activities, as required.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in accordance with organisational procedures and data protection requirements.
• Follow all relevant policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, health and safety, infection prevention and control, risk management, and incident reporting.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, healthcare professionals, family members, advocates, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, mandatory training, and ongoing professional development.
• Carry out other reasonable duties that may be assigned and that are appropriate to the role.

Core Competencies

Communication

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with individuals who have a range of communication needs.
• Ability to build positive, trusting, and professional relationships with students, colleagues, families, and other stakeholders.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to develop positive working relationships and collaborate with healthcare professionals, family members, caregivers, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Willingness to contribute positively to a supportive and inclusive team environment.

Person-Centred Care

• Demonstrated ability to provide compassionate, respectful, and person-centred care.
• Commitment to promoting individual choice, independence, dignity, inclusion, and quality of life.
• Ability to recognise and respond appropriately to the individual needs, preferences, strengths, and goals of students.

Information Technology and Record Keeping

• Proficient IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and electronic care or documentation systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records.

Organisation and Time Management

• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks, manage competing demands, and work effectively within agreed timeframes.
• Ability to work independently while recognising when guidance or support is required.

Problem-Solving and Initiative

• Ability to identify potential concerns and respond appropriately and proactively.
• Sound judgement and the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging or changing situations.
• Ability to follow established procedures and escalate concerns when necessary.

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential

• A minimum of two years’ experience working in a healthcare, educational or social care setting, preferably within disability services, residential care, nursing homes, or community-based services.
• Demonstrated experience providing a range of personal care and daily living supports to individuals with disabilities.
• QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support or an equivalent relevant work experience
• An understanding of health and safety requirements and safe working practices within a healthcare, educational or social care environment.
• A strong understanding of confidentiality, data protection, and the appropriate handling of sensitive information.
• Knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control practices.
• A commitment to safeguarding, promoting welfare and maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to work flexibly across a range of settings, in line with service requirements.

Desirable

• Experience supporting individuals with visual impairments.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Full, clean Irish Driving Licence
• Experience supporting individuals who may present with behaviours of concern.
• Knowledge and understanding of the New Directions framework for disability services.
• Experience using electronic care records or other digital documentation systems.

Other Requirements

• Full, clean Irish Driving Licence (desirable)
• Eligible to work in Ireland
• Satisfactory Reference Checks and Garda Vetting
• Availability to attend an in-person interview.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the people we support and families.
• Collaborative, supportive, and multidisciplinary team environment.
• Comprehensive training and ongoing professional development.
• Access to specialist expertise in visual impairment and inclusive education.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary and Benefits package
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike-to-Work scheme
• On-site Parking
• Company Pension
• Wellness Programme
• Onsite Café – Staff Discount

ChildVision is an equal opportunities organisation and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where all individuals are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.