Residential Care Assistant

The primary responsibility of a Care Assistant is to provide support for Residents in their L’Arche homes. The level of support provided will be appropriate to the needs of each Resident, thus it will be necessary to have an in-depth knowledge of each Resident and their needs, skills, likes and dislikes and to build a trusting relationship with them.

Most of the hours worked in this position will be in the mornings, evenings and weekends. A large degree of flexibility is required re working times as this will depend on the weekly support needs of the Residents.

A full driving license and willingness to drive is and essential requirement.

Care Assistants reports to, supervised and supported by the House Leader. He/She will be expected to work closely with the team of Assistants in the house in order to give the best support possible to the Residents. The Live Out Care Assistant is required to be familiar with and adhere to the policies and procedures of L’Arche and with the National Standards for people with intellectual disabilities.

Duties and responsibilities:

Supporting Residents in the following areas:

• Personal care- Provide support to Residents around personal hygiene, bathing/showering, shaving, skin, hair and nail care, appropriate dress, laundry, buying clothes, making appointments and accompanying to barber/hairdresser/beautician, assist with morning and evening daily care routines.
• Medical needs-Monitor the well-being of the Residents, liaise with the House Leader or Community Nurse re minor ailments, accompany Residents to the GP or specialist as needed, administer medication, keep records of all medical events.
• Health promotion-Encourage Residents to form good health habits including appropriate exercise and diet.
• Personal finances- Provide support for Residents in managing and using their money, keep accurate records and receipts of monies spent.
• Relationships with family and friends- Support Resident in keeping contact with family and friends, support them in buying cards and gifts family and friends for birthdays and Christmas, drive and/or accompany Residents to family visits, support Resident in inviting friends/family to visit.
• Participation in the life of the L’Arche house- support the Residents in participating fully in the life of the house including shopping, cooking, cleaning their bedroom and communal areas, participating in house meetings and house night.
• Participation in the local community-support the Residents in connecting with their local community, attending events, meeting neighbours, involvement in local groups, use of local services e.g. library.
• Spiritual life – Support Residents in living their own spirituality; drive/accompany to religious services (if chosen by the Residents).
• Use of leisure time/ hobbies- Support Residents in using their leisure time at evenings weekends and holidays, drive/accompany to events/ hobbies, suggest and try new activities/hobbies.
• Meetings- Attend relevant meetings e.g. house team meeting, person centered planning meetings, case conferences etc

Please note that this list of responsibilities is not exhaustive as the job may develop and evolve over time and due to ageing and changing needs of the Residents.