Multi Task Attendant

Purpose of the Post

The role of the Multi Task Attendant (MTA) is to work as part of a team in the delivery of high-quality, person-centred direct and indirect care to patients/residents/service users, under the direction of qualified nursing/other designated officer.

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 dietary needs are met.

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

• Observe and report any observations, incidents or concerns regarding patients/residents/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 or as required by designated line manager or their delegate.

• Assist and support end of life care, providing a quiet, comfortable, dignified, compassionate environment for patients/residents/service users and 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 belongings 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 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.

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 quality standards and improvement initiatives.

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

• Maintain the confidentiality of all information made available during the course of their work.

• Understand and adhere to all relevant policies i.e. Health & Safety, Safety Statements, Fire, Food Safety Standards, Infection Control Policies, Hygiene Standards, Waste Management policies, Manual Handling, risk management procedures and statutory obligations.

• Maintain a strict code of personal and general hygiene in the workplace 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 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 exits, keep exits free from obstruction, attend mandatory fire training and participate in fire drills.

• Conduct themselves in a manner that ensures the safe care of patients/residents/service users.

• Only undertake any duty related to patients/residents/service users for which they are 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 incidents which may compromise the health and safety of patients/residents/service users/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 equipment in the ward/service area in keeping with local policy.

• Assist in keeping service areas clean and tidy.

• Assist with waste and 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.

Communication and Teamwork: Effective communication is a core skill required by Multi Task Attendants. 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, including integrity and openness, respect and support, caring and loyalty to the organisation (Dignity at Work Policy).

• Deal courteously with patients/residents/service users, their family, visitors, other healthcare workers and anyone they come into contact with 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 cooperatively 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 their line manager.

Administrative Duties: The Multi Task Attendant will:

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

• Update records in line with local policy relevant to the role assigned.

Eligibility CriteriaQualifications and/or experience:

• (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.

Other requirements specific to the post Some positions may require access to transport – this will be highlighted if relevant when expression of interest is offered.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge Demonstrates the following:

Professional Knowledge

• Evidence of knowledge of regulations including EHO, HIQA and HACCP regulations and the requirements in this role to adhere to same.

• Knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

• Knowledge in the area of healthcare.

• Ability to apply knowledge to best practice.

• Commitment to continuing professional development.

• Ability to work under pressure.

• Commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a patient/resident/service-user-centred service.

• Understanding the importance of hygiene practices.

Planning and Organising

• Ability to plan work effectively and efficiently.

• Flexible approach to working hours, rostering e.g. unsocial hours/shift work, night duty, on call.

• Ability to manage deadlines and handle multiple tasks.

• Evidence of time management and ability to prioritise workload.

• Reports, documents and records incidents and complies with local policy in relation to records, as appropriate.

Teamwork

• Ability to work under direction or as part of a team.

• Motivation and an innovative approach to the job.

• Respect to patients/residents/service users and staff.

• Engagement with Line Management & Colleagues to improve patient/resident/service user experience and outcomes.

Patient/Resident/Service user/Customer Focus

• Commitment to providing a quality service.

• Ability to empathise with and treat patients/residents/service users, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.

• Motivation to fulfil the role and contribute to improving the service.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Awareness of “Person-centred care” and need to follow care plans.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Effective communication skills both written and verbal.

Tenure 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.

Remuneration The Salary scale for the post is: €35,788 €37,252 €38,794 €39,204 €40,211 €41,082 €42,336 €43,636 €44,984

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Working Week The standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed at Job Offer stage.

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 1st 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.