Home 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 with our Galway Homecare services. The successful candidate will work in assigned family homes across County Connemara, Galway, with offices based in Bungalow 1, Kilcornan, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway, H91 YXN3.

This is a permanent contract of employment working 24 hours per week with flexibility in working hours.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing person centred care to people with dementia in the client's own home. Our Care Workers typically support their own regular clients and schedules, allowing for continuity of care, flexibility, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with clients and their families.

To be successful in this position, you will need good communication and organisational skills and be able to work on your own initiative. It is essential you possess previous experience of undertaking social and cognitive stimulation activities with people with dementia, older people or people with intellectual disabilities.

Full clean driving licence and access to a car are essential. A QQI Level 5 is desirable. Confidence in using IT/email is also desirable.

JOB PURPOSE:

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

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Client Care Provision

• Build up trusting relationships with clients and their carers so that they feel secure and welcome in the service.
• Assist the Co-ordinator of the service in the assessment and updating of care plans for each client.
• Carry out care plan activities.
• Provide personal care if needed including help with meals, toileting, bathing etc.
• Ensure that observations are reported in a timely manner.
• Respect the rights, dignity and confidentiality of all clients.
• In consultation with the line manager, identify and develop activities to enhance the quality of care delivered.
• In consultation with the line manager, assist clients and their carers in their dealings with other service providers in the community.

Service Administration

• Adhere to service provision, Health and Safety policies and procedures set out by the Society.
• Assist in the maintenance of service records as directed by the Home Care Co-ordinator.
• Assist in promoting a positive and safe environment and bring issues of concern to the Home Care Co-ordinator's attention.
• Avail of training opportunities identified by the Home Care Co-ordinator.
• Maintain routine contact with the Home Care Co-ordinator. Attend team and one-to-one meetings with the Home Care Co-ordinator to contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the service.

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 REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):

• Educated to Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
• FETAC Level 5 desirable.
• Experience in health, social or disability care desirable.

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

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

Key Behaviours:

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