Healthcare Assistant

St. Joseph's Foundation is a voluntary organisation providing comprehensive services for people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968 the Foundation has grown through continuously responding to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. The Foundation provides services to children and adults, through day services, residential, respite care, and home support in the North Cork and South West Limerick region. We have day and residential services in various locations in the North Cork and South Limerick area; such as Charleville, Dromina, Newtownshandrum, Buttevant, Newmarket, Mitchelstown and Mallow, in Limerick; Ballylanders, Ballyagran, Bruree, Bruff Croom Dromcollogher, Granagh Kilmallock, and Liskennett.   Residential Services (maximum 39 hours per week) Full time Permanent Posts Location : South Limerick / North Cork Days/ Evenings/ Nights/ Weekends (rostered on a shift) The ideal candidates will have: Experience of working with children/adults in the field of intellectual disability some of whom may present with behaviour which challenges. Have completed QQI Level 5 (Major Award) in Healthcare Support or equivalent A high degree of flexibility and the ability to work as part of a team. A full Irish Driving Licence and indemnification of the Foundation on your car insurance policy (Desirable) JOB GOAL:   To assist Line Manager, Support Service User and develop their strengths to the best of their ability. DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Care for the day to day needs of the service users: Physical care - helping those who require assistance with dressing, personal hygiene, toileting etc. Facilitating service users to use their leisure time tailored to their needs, with an emphasis on community Instruct, supervise and support service users in daily living, work and leisure programmes as assigned and monitor progress. Recognise and report problems, physical/social/emotional and assist in the implementation of relevant programmes to counteract same. To work positively and constructively with service users who may present with challenging behaviour, and be involved in the planning and implementation of specific individualised approaches and programmes designed for these service users. To drive service users (using the Foundation's Transport) to and from day and residential services and leisure/ social outings etc as required.  To contribute to the instruction of new staff and volunteers. Ensure adequate reports are kept as requested. Maintain a high standard of orderliness, cleanliness and tidiness within the area so that the working / living environment is pleasant and comfortable for all. You may also be required to provide support for a service user in locations outside of St Joseph's eg accompanying service users on holidays/family outings or a hospital stay.  You will be required to assist our service users while they are using the therapy pool and based on their need you may be required to join them in the pool.  Your Line Manager will provide you with advice on using the pool with the service user and the lifeguard / instructor on duty will advise you on best/ safe practice in the pool.   HEALTH & SAFETY To be aware of and practice the correct use of all aids & appliances e.g. Hoists. Ensure all accidents/incidents are reported and documented in accident/incident book as held in each area. Make oneself aware of the Foundation's duties and the employee duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at work Act 2005. Report faulty equipment and fittings to the Line Manager. To ensure adequate knowledge of and compliance with emergency actions and plans. To ensure fire and safety precautions are implemented and maintained. GENERAL To promote a positive and dignified awareness of learning disability in the community. To undertake relevant training courses (both in house and external) as may be required to develop the necessary skills to meet organisational needs. Be familiar with new developments in the field of Intellectual disabilities, HIQA guidelines for residential care and any other policies or guidelines pertaining to the role of Care Assistant. To act as a Key Worker for service users as required. To attend courses/seminars/meetings as requested/approved by the Manager of Adult/Children's Services or Chief Executive. To ensure that parents and other visitors to the services are attended to with tact and consideration. As the above is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, this job description maybe revised from time to time to take account of any change in requirements of the position or any other duties as may be assigned by the Manager of Adult/Children's Services or Chief Executive.   CONFIDENTIALITY. In the course of your employment, you may have access to or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of clients or staff or other centres' business. Such records and information are strictly confidential. In addition, records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them. Health Care Assistant (39 h/p/w) Section 39 Salary Scale