Multi Task Attendant

Purpose of the Post

In the context of the person-centered philosophy of the Community Nursing Unit and the developing primary care teams and health and social care networks, the post holder will support service users to continue to exercise independence and autonomy in leading a full life no matter what their level of dependency. In conjunction with the multidisciplinary team s/he will assist with the provision of health and social care. This will include all activities of daily living in line with the needs and wishes of the individual and as outlined in an agreed care plan.

Duties assigned will vary depending on the care setting.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Duties appropriate to the Multi Task Attendant may vary depending on the care setting, the context of specific ward/areas, relevant training/knowledge required for the role assigned (Caring, Cleaning, Catering).

Multi Task Attendants may be required to move between different wards/departments/relief duties and to work across Caring, Cleaning, Catering roles to support service need. In keeping with HIQA and HACCP standards Multi Task Attendants do not move between defined Caring, Cleaning, Catering roles at the same time/ on the same day/ shift. (Except in exceptional circumstances)

The Multi Task Attendant role involves:

·         Caring -to assist with the delivery of direct and indirect care and activities of daily living for patients/ residents/ service users under the supervision and direction of nursing or other professional staff/designated manager.

·         Cleaning - Attending to designated housekeeping, cleaning, laundry, waste management duties in the context of the specific service area in line with national and locally devised policies and standards.

·         Catering - When directed be responsible for the preparation, distribution and serving of food and delivery of catering services to patients/ residents/ service users/central catering facilities, in line with national and locally devised policies and standards.

Caring:

In the context of patient/ resident/ service user Care and the service setting, the Multi Task Attendant duties under direction include:

·         Assist and support the direct and indirect care of patients/ residents/ service users to support all activities of daily living.

·         Carry out assigned and delegated responsibilities - personal care of patients/ residents/ service users, including attending to personal care (bathing/showering, toileting etc.), feeding, positioning, mobilisation of patients/ residents/ service users, fitting of equipment etc.

·         Undertake assigned duties in such a way as to ensure that care delivered is of a high standard.

·         Respect patients/ residents/ service users and their families showing dignity, courtesy and professionalism at all times.

·         Under direction of a nurse/relevant manager/professional assist patients/ residents/ service users in preparation for their meals, choosing their menu, preparing eating environment and making it as aesthetically pleasant as possible by removing unnecessary items, thus ensuring patient/ resident/ service users’ dietary needs are met.

·         Assist patients/ residents/ service users to ensure their specific dietary requirements are met, encouraging patients/ residents/ service users to eat and drink, preparing special drinks and snacks.

·         Observe and report any observations, incidents or concerns regarding patient/ resident/ service users to the person in charge.

·         Actively encourage the participation of patients/ residents/ service users in their own care, and promote as much independence as possible.

·         Transport/escort patients/ residents/ service users within or outside the service area as necessary[1] or required by designated line manager or their delegate.

·         Assist and support end of life care providing a quiet, comfortable, dignified, compassionate caring environment for patients/ residents/ service users and to relatives/loved ones.

·         Assist with care of the deceased, preparation and transfer to the mortuary as required by line manager.

·         Assist with the appropriate storage and safe keeping of patient/ resident/ service users belonging in keeping with local policy.

·         Transport medical records, specimens, medical gases, equipment, medicines, stores, etc. within or outside the service when necessary.

·         Be responsible for the general cleaning and disinfecting of patient/ resident/ service user equipment, wheelchairs, trolleys/beds, chairs or other ward/service equipment in keeping with national and locally agreed policies and standards.

·         Assist in the disposal of waste according to hospital policy.

·         Assist with the management of stocks and supplies.

·         Assist with general portering duties relevant to the specific ward/service setting[2].

Cleaning:

The Multi Task Attendant when assigned will:

·         Be responsible for carrying out cleaning/household, laundry, waste management duties appropriate to the relevant area and duties assigned, in keeping with National and locally agreed policies and standards.

Catering:

The Multi Task Attendant when assigned will:

·         Be responsible for carrying out catering attendant duties appropriate to the relevant service/area assigned in keeping with National and locally agreed standards and procedures.

Quality and Safety:

The Multi Task Attendant will:

·         Support the implementation of a quality standards and improvements initiatives.

·         Work within their own role, adhering to current legislation, policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.

·         Maintain the confidentiality of all information made available to him / her during the course of his / her work.

·         Understand and adhere to all relevant policies ie. Health & Safety, Safety statements, Fire, Food Safety Standards, Infection Control Polices, Hygiene Standards, Waste Management policies, Manual Handling, risk management procedures and statutory obligations.

·         Maintain a strict code of personal and general hygiene in the work place and present for work wearing the agreed attire and identification in line with existing policies and procedures.

·         Carry assigned bleep/phone for role assigned and be contactable at all times.

·         Report all complaints in line with service policy.

Health & Safety including maintaining a safe environment:

The Multi Task Attendant will:

·         In accordance with Health and Safety at work policy, observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct at Work and to use any equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner.

·         Adhere to local procedures reporting to and leaving duty.

·         Be aware of risks and minimise same where possible. Be aware of fire exists, keep exits free from obstruction, attend mandatory fire training and participate in fire drills.

·         Conduct his / herself in a manner that ensures the safe care of patients/ residents/ service users.

·         Only undertake any duty related to patient/ resident/ service user for which he/she is trained and advise relevant manager of any training needs.

·         Attend to spillages when necessary as quickly as possible to prevent accidents.

·         Report any accidents, near misses or incident which may compromise the health and safety of patient/ resident/ service user/ staff/ visitors to the Person in charge and take appropriate action in line with local policies and procedures.

·         Report any broken or unsafe items, equipment faults that need repair and take them out of circulation as required in keeping with service policy.

·         Report any maintenance issues promptly in keeping with service policy.

·         Move or assist in moving equipment and or furniture as necessary and ensure all equipment is stored safely.

·         Be responsible for appropriate storage and cleaning of patient/ resident/ service user equipment on the ward/service area in keeping with local policy.

·         Assist in keeping service areas clean and tidy.

·         Assist with waste, laundry ensuring agreed standards for the segregation, storage, transportation of waste and laundry are maintained in line with local and national policies.

·         Attend to hygiene, disinfecting and cleaning of equipment or environment in keeping with local and national policies and guidelines.

·         Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility.

·         Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

·         Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Communication and Teamwork:

Effective communication is a core skill required by Multi Task Attendant. These skills will be used to provide a caring service to the public in a courteous and effective manner.

The Multi Task Attendant will:

·         Operate in accordance with the values of the HSE. These values include integrity and openness, respect and support, caring and loyalty to the organisation (Dignity at work Policy).

·         Deal courteously with patients/ residents/ services users, their family, with visitors, other healthcare workers and with anyone whom they come in to contact in the course of their duties.

·         Communicate effectively with all grades of staff and disciplines contributing to effective team working. Respect culture and diversity within the team. Strive to foster good working relationships within the team including handling conflict. Work effectively and co-operatively with colleagues in all disciplines. Develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships.

·         Participate in maintaining a physical environment that communicates peace, comfort and caring to patients/ residents/ service users and their families.

Education & Training:

The Multi Task Attendant will:

·         Attend induction and mandatory in-service training courses.

·         As directed, participate in the induction of new staff.

·         Participate in team based development, education, training and learning.

·         Participate in appraisal and the development of a personal development plan in conjunction with his / her line manager.

·         Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and staff as appropriate.

Administrative Duties:

The Multi Task Attendant will:

·         Attend staff meetings and contribute constructively to the smooth running of the relevant service area as required.

·         As required update records in line with local policy relevant to the role assigned.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at the latest date of application: -

1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

(a) Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:

(i) Possess the relevant QQI Further Education and Training (FET) Level 5 Certificate in Health Service Skills.

OR

(ii) FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Health Service Skills or Healthcare Support.

OR

(iii)A relevant healthcare qualification.

OR

(iv) Be currently employed as an Attendant, Multi-Task or a comparable role and be willing to undertake a QQI/FET Level 5 programme in Health Service skills or equivalent.

AND

b) 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

·         Shift Work

·         Unsocial Hours

·         Night Duty

·         Bank Holidays

Additional eligibility requirements:

Citizenship requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i)            EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii)           Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State.

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Demonstrates the following:

Professional Knowledge

• Demonstrate evidence of knowledge of regulations including EHO, HIQA and HACCP regulations and the requirements in this role to adhere to same.
• Demonstrate knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.
• Demonstrate knowledge in the area of healthcare.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.
• Demonstrate ability to work under pressure.
• Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a patient/ resident/ service user centred service.
• Understands the importance of hygiene practices.

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, on call, attitude to work.
• Demonstrates ability to manage deadlines and handle multiple tasks.
• Demonstrates evidence of time management and know how to prioritise workload.
• Reports, documents and records incidents and complies with local policy in relation to records, as appropriate.

Teamwork

• Demonstrate ability to work under direction or as part of a team.
• Demonstrate motivation and an innovative approach to job.
• Demonstrates respect to patients/ residents/ service users and staff.
• Engages with Line Management & Colleagues to improve patient/ resident/ service user experience and outcomes.

Patient/ Resident/ Service user/Customer Focus

• Demonstrates commitment to providing a quality service.
• Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients/ residents/ service users, 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.
• Is aware of “Person centred care” and understand need to follow care plans.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrates effective communication skills both written and verbal.

[1] As per service need and the needs of the patient/ resident/ services user , based on the following 3 considerations;

      i.        Compassionate Care

     ii.        As appropriate to care model & settings.

    iii.        Assist/shared responsibility of all staff involved in patient/ resident/ service user care

(Agreed at the HCA Programme Oversight Group)

[2] In the absence of dedicated Portering staff , based on the following 3 considerations;

      i.        Compassionate Care

     ii.        As appropriate to care model & settings

    iii.        Assist/shared responsibility of all staff involved in patient/ resident/ service user care

(Agreed at the HCA Programme Oversight Group)

Tenure

The current vacancies available are permanent/temporary and whole time/part-time.

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Working Week

The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 39 hours per week. Your normal weekly working hours are 39 hours. Contracted hours that are less than the standard weekly working hours for your grade will be paid pro rata to the full time equivalent.

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation

Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.

Salary: €35,788 - €44,984 per year