Relief General Operative

About SVP

SVP is a large, national, voluntary organisation with extensive experience of working with a diverse range of people who experience poverty and exclusion. Through its network of volunteers and employees, it is strongly committed to working for social justice and advocates the creation of a more just and caring society.

SVP is an equal opportunity employer committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect. We are dedicated to protecting everyone we encounter from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, in accordance with Irish equality legislation. All employees are expected to adhere to SVP's Dignity & Respect and Safeguarding policies, including those pertaining to children and vulnerable adults.

The founder of the Society, Blessed Frederick Ozanam, was a devout Christian and his legacy of spirituality remains a key element of the make-up of every Conference within the Society. It is normal practice within the Society that prayers are said at the beginning and end of Conference meetings or at other meetings where members are in attendance as this underpins the ethos of the Society. You are not required to take part.

Purpose of the Role

The purpose of this role is to provide relief cover for the SVP Ozanam House Residential Unit staff, covering periods of sick leave or annual leave of staff throughout the year.

The overall objective of the General Operative - Relief is to assist and support the residents of SVP Ozanam House Residential Unit, promote the physical, emotional and intellectual well-being of the residents.

This job will require flexible day working, and rotation to night shifts as required.

The General Operative will help to provide and maintain the best quality and standard of care possible in accordance with the SVP Ozanam House philosophy.

In order that the Management of the SVP Ozanam House Residential Unit may maintain a safe and secure environment for the residents and staff alike, the General Operative will support and assist in the provision of a clean, comfortable, safe and secure environment in the house.

Guidance and Authority

The post holder is expected to operate with considerable autonomy, referring matters to their line manager when significant resistance is encountered in implementing good practices or policies, when actions may place stakeholders such as children, vulnerable adults, scheme participants, volunteers, or the Society's reputation at risk, or when decisions could substantially impact the workload of others.

Principle Accountabilities

The role holder will be responsible for:

Operational Support

• Be responsible during shifts for the overall care of residents and the operation of the building.

• Provide a safe, secure, friendly, and supportive environment for residents and staff.

• Assist residents with their individual care needs and support requirements during shifts.

• Respond to resident accidents and incidents in line with house policies and procedures.

• Support a safe and hygienic environment by carrying out cleaning duties in accordance with cleaning schedules and procedures.

• Respond to and manage resident, building, facility, and security incidents in a calm, professional manner and in line with established procedures.

• Ensure accurate completion of reports and provide comprehensive handovers to oncoming staff.

• Complete additional reports as requested by management.

• Attend training sessions, staff meetings, and actively contribute as part of the team.

• Support the efficient day-to-day running of the House and undertake duties as required.

Compliance, Policies & Health and Safety

• Adhere to SVP, house, and statutory policies and procedures relevant to the role.

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with policies, procedures, and the residential unit’s Code of Conduct.

• Follow all health and safety procedures outlined in the safety statement and health and safety policy.

• Conduct scheduled health and safety inspections and fire drills.

• Report safety hazards to management promptly and proactively contribute to identifying and recommending solutions.

Safeguarding

• Follow SVP Safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.

• Maintain awareness of best practices in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

• Report any concerns regarding the welfare of a resident to the Designated Liaison Person in line with safeguarding procedures.

Challenges

There are a number of challenges in this role, largely determined by the scale, complexity, voluntary nature and high levels of local autonomy with the Society.

• Ensuring confidentiality at all times.

• Ensuring a friendly and supportive atmosphere at all times.

Other Information

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, the job holder may be required from time to time to perform other duties as deemed reasonable and necessary by the employer. The job holder may also be required from time to time to work or attend training/meetings at another location. As much notice as is reasonably practicable will be given of any such requirement/ change.

Employees are responsible for notifying their manager in writing of any statutory rest period or break to which they are entitled to and were not able to avail of on a particular occasion and the reason for not availing of such rest period or break within one week.

Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills Required

Education

• A minimum education requirement of leaving certificate is essential.

• Additional training or qualifications in healthcare, social care or care of the elderly would be an advantage.

• Current First Aid Training qualification is an advantage.

Experience

• Experience of working with the elderly or this age group in general would be an advantage.

• Experience of working in the community/ voluntary sector would be an advantage.

Skills

• Be empathic, caring and enjoy working to support the elderly.

• Have great interpersonal skills with the ability to relate well to people.

• Possess good listening and communication skills.

• Be tactful and have the ability to deal with sensitive issues.

• Enjoy working in a team, be supportive and have a flexible approach to your work tasks.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Society and of its mission and values.

• Knowledge of needs and issues of older members of our community.

• An empathy towards the welfare and wellbeing of the elderly.

The person must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:

• Be honest and trustworthy.

• Be respectful.

• Be flexible.

• Demonstrate sound work ethics.

• Confidentiality.

• Other