Care Assistant (Disability Services)

Care Assistant (Disability Services) Job Specification & Terms and Conditions Job Title, Grade Code Care Assistant (Disability Services Inishowen Area) - Supplementary Cntir Craim (Seirbhs Mchumais) (Grade Code: 6482) Remuneration The salary scale for the post is: (as at 01/06/2024) €32,199 - €33,329 - €34,866 - €35,376 - €36,202 - €37,808 - €39,533 - €40,134 - €41,632 - €42,752 - €43,665 - €44,690 - €45,484 LSI Salary Scales are updated periodically and the most up to date versions can be found here: Campaign Reference Closing Date Friday 27th September 2024 at 12noon.
Proposed Interview Date (s) Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks' notice of interview.
The timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.
Taking up Appointment A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Location of Post CHO 1 Donegal Intellectual Disability Services There is currently a number of permanent/ temporary, whole-time/ part-time vacancies.
A supplementary panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Inishowen Area within Donegal Intellectual Disability Services from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.
Informal Enquiries Sadie Hetherington Acting Assistant Director of Nursing Inishowen Services Details of Service The Intellectual Disability Service in Donegal The HSE in Donegal provides a wide range of specialist services for children and adults with an intellectual disability directly and in partnership with persons with disabilities, their families, carers, locally based organisations, statutory and non-statutory organisations.
Services range from Specialist Preschool Services to Care of the Older Person with Intellectual Disability.
Donegal Intellectual Disability Services seek to enable each individual with an intellectual disability to achieve his / her full potential, in accordance with their wishes.
The services are progressive, needs-led, person-centred and underpinned by the principle of equity.
A key element of these services is the promotion of citizenship and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Services are needs-led, and delivered using a person-centred approach.
Services are staffed by qualified nursing and health care assistants and are supported by General Practitioners, Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Speech & Language Therapist and Community Dietician.
Reporting Relationship The post holder will report to Staff Nurse/Clinical Nurse Manager 2 or designated officer.
The post holder will be Accountable to the Assistant Director of Nursing and the Director of Nursing.
Purpose of the Post Assist in all aspects of care for people with a Disability including maintenance of a safe and comfortable home environment.
To support people with a disability in meeting their individual needs and encourage independence.
To encourage people with a Disability to be actively involved in ordinary daily activities.
To ensure that all work is person centred focused and upholds the principles and philosophies of respect, dignity, choice, independence, fulfilment and privacy.
To carry out programmes of care as directed by Nursing or other Senior Staff.
To act as key worker and advocate for the individual in accordance with Individual Care Plans (ICP).
The position requires continuous quality improvement andthe input of change necessary to implement the HSE vision and ambition which is to provide a service where everybody will have easy access to high quality care and services that they have confidence in and staff are proud to provide Principal Duties and Responsibilities Service needs will require movement of Care Assistant staff between locations/group homes/departments/relief duties as directed.
The duties of the Care Assistant will be dependent on the individual needs of the care.
Respect patients/ clients and their families showing dignity, courtesy and professionalism at all times.
Act as an advocate for patients/ clients, as appropriate.
Assist in the provision of a quality Catering service and work in line with national and locally devised policies and regulations.
Maintain the confidentiality of all information made available to him / her during the course of his / her work.
Maintain a strict code of personal and general hygiene in the work place as per work schedules and existing policies and procedures.
Assist in attending to the nutritional needs of the clients/residents and customers.
When directed be responsible for the general cleaning of the Service area as identified by the manager and ensure the agreed standard of cleanliness and hygiene are maintained in all areas and appropriately documented in line with national and locally devised policies and regulations.
When directed be responsible for the preparation and serving of food in line with national and local policies, food regulations and standards.
Adhere to all prescribed documentation from Speech and Language and Dietetics and the Care Teams.
Be contactable at all times while on duty.
Report any equipment faults to person in charge and ensure all equipment is stored safely.
Supporting service users/residents in directing their own lives.
Acting as an advocate for service users/residents.
Promoting the interaction of service users/residents with the community Contributing to the development and implementation of behavioural support plans and multidisciplinary assessment and care plans.
Acting as a key worker for named service users/residents.
Person centred planning process.
Accompanying service users/residents on general medical and hospital appointments.
Health & Safety The Care Assistant (Intellectual Disability Service) will: 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.
In accordance with Health and Safety at work policy, it is each staff members responsibility to observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct at Work and to use any equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner.
Understand and adhere to all relevant HSE policies, guidelines and procedures, comply with health and safety, infection control and risk management procedures, comply with statutory obligations.
Report any incident or potential incident which may compromise the health and safety of patient/ clients / residents, staff or visitors and take appropriate action.
Report any accidents, near misses to the person in charge and ensure completion of incident / near miss forms.
Not undertake any duty related to patient/ client / resident care for which he/she is not trained.
Attend training courses as required e.g.
CPR, Hygiene, HACCP, Fire Prevention etc.
Conduct his / herself in a manner that ensures safe patient/ client care.
Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility.
Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
ducation & Training The Care Assistant (Intellectual Disability Service) will: Attend induction and mandatory in-service education As directed participate in the induction of new staff Maintain continuous personal and 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.
Administrative Duties: The Care Assistant (Intellectual Disability Service) will: Attend staff meetings and contribute constructively to the smooth running of the unit.
Contribute to the maintenance of updating of patient/ client / resident documentation.
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 closing date for receipt of applications: Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.
Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition: (i) Hold a FETAC Level 5 qualification in Healthcare Support of which includes completion of the Intellectual Disability Studies Module and the Activities of Daily Living Module.
Or (ii) Hold a FETAC Level 5 qualification in Health Service Skills of which includes completion of the Intellectual Disability Studies Module and the Activities of Daily Living Module Or (iii) A relevant health care qualification equivalent to (i) or (ii) above.
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.
Post Specific Requirements Night duty and weekend shifts will form a part of the weekly roster of this post (sleep overs may also be required occasionally) which will be managed under the European Working Time Directive.
Other requirements specific to the post Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.
Driving duties may form part of the role.
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge The Care Assistant will demonstrate: Professional Knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge of the service.
Demonstrate knowledge of Health & Safety.
Demonstrate knowledge of infection control policies and guidelines Planning & Organizing Demonstrate goodorganisationalability with practical competence.
Building & Maintaining Relationships Demonstrate the ability to be a team player.
Successfully engage with the clients key workers and other various members of the multi-disciplinary team.
Demonstrate providing and maintaining a good working relationship with all grades of staff.
Commitment to providing a Quality Service Demonstrate basic management skills to maintain a clean and tidy environment.
Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Demonstrate the ability to ensure that all clients are treated with dignity and respect and ensures that the welfare of the client is a key consideration at all times.
Demonstrate the ability to use sound practical judgment and decisiveness Communication & Interpersonal Skills Demonstrate good communication skills.
Demonstrate good interpersonal skills.
Campaign Specific Selection Process Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form.
The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification.
Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in bands depending on the service needs of the organisation.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.
Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation.
The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives.
Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.
The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential.
The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.
The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long term health condition.
For further information on the HSE commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, please visit the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion web page on our website.
Code of Practice The Health Service Executivewill run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).
The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles that should be followed when making an appointment.
These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice.
The Code outlines the standards that should be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.
The CPSA Code of Practice can be accessed via .
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.
This Job Specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder.
It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
Care Assistant (Disability Services) Terms and Conditions of Employment 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.
Remuneration The Salary scale for the post is: (as at 01/06/2024) €32,199 - €33,329 - €34,866 - €35,376 - €36,202 - €37,808 - €39,533 - €40,134 - €41,632 - €42,752 - €43,665 - €44,690 - €45,484 LSI 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 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.
* PublicServants 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 Protection of Children Guidance and Legislation The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff.
You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.
Some staff have additional responsibilities such as Line Managers, Designated Officers and Mandated Persons.
You should check if you are a Designated Officer and / or a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.
For further information, guidance and resources please visit: HSE Children First webpage.
Infection Control Have a working knowledge of 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.
Health & Safety It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).
Key responsibilities include: Developing a SSSS for the department/service, as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.
Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.
Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.
Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.
Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures.
Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.
Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.
Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.