Healthcare Assistant

Job Overview

Care Assistants support individuals in the community by helping them maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life. This community-based role involves assisting people who experience difficulties with daily living activities. Service users may include vulnerable adults, older people, or individuals with physical or learning disabilities.

The Care Assistant reports to the Client Service Manager and Client Supervisors and, ultimately, to the Company Directors.

Main Purpose of the Role

To work as part of a geographically assigned team of Healthcare Assistants under the direction of the Clinical Director, Client Service Manager, and Client Supervisors. The role involves delivering high-quality, person-centred care that enables service users to continue living independently at home with minimal reliance on others.

The Care Assistant will promote a caring and respectful environment through high standards of professional practice that address the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual needs of service users. Care is delivered in accordance with agreed care plans, with ongoing contribution to the review and development of those plans.

Key Accountabilities

The Care Assistant is responsible for the safe, professional delivery of personal and practical care in line with individual care plans and the HIQA Safer Better Healthcare Standards. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with personal care tasks such as washing, dressing, feeding, toileting, continence care, and mobility support
• Providing home help services, including laundry, cooking, and cleaning, as outlined in the care plan
• Supporting social engagement to maintain community and family involvement, including accompanying service users outside the home where agreed
• Assisting with practical and financial tasks such as shopping and benefit collection
• Escorting service users to medical or social appointments
• Working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to support and develop individual care plans
• Maintaining accurate and timely Daily Journal records
• Reporting changes in a service user’s condition or environment
• Reporting concerns relating to abuse or suspected abuse in line with safeguarding procedures
• Reporting complaints, incidents, or defective equipment promptly
• Maintaining high standards of hygiene and adhering to infection prevention and control protocols

Qualifications and Experience Required

• Minimum FETAC Level 5 / QQI qualification or a relevant healthcare discipline
• At least 2 years’ experience in home care, nursing home care, or an acute healthcare setting
• Experience in elderly care and/or supporting individuals with disabilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (minimum English Level B1)
• Full, clean Irish or EU driving licence

Employment Details

• Full-time position: 39 hours per week
• Competitive salary: €30,000 per annum