Senior Care Assistant

Job description

As a member of the management team, under the Service Manager, to assist in the effective and efficient management of the Home on a day-to-day basis, maintaining good standards of professional practice as required by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, while working within the Christian ethos of the Council for Social Witness. In the absence of the Service Manager (or Deputy Manager), to exercise responsibility for all aspects of the operation of the Home and to relate to all callers including relatives and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design, plan and implementation of individual programmes of care for residents.
• Monitor and evaluate programmes of care to achieve high standards and provision of a quality service, identifying met/unmet needs.
• Help residents with all aspects of personal care where necessary to ensure their needs are met, respecting their privacy and dignity.
• Encourage residents to be as active and as independent as possible.
• Accompany residents to hospital, clinic etc, or on short walks.
• Administer medicines and adhere to all policies in relation to medicine control.
• Plan, implement and supervise residents’ creative activities and recreation daily, ensuring records are maintained.
• Ensure vigilance is exercised at all times in relation to the health, safety and well being of residents, staff and visitors to the Home.
• Undertake staff supervision as directed by the Home Manager.
• Exercise good leadership skills and promote team building measures.
• Be involved with QCF Assessments as directed by the Home Manager.
• Ensure that there is an effective written/verbal handover between staff at all times.
• Lead or assist with daily prayers in the Home, as requested.
• Ensure adherence to any rules, regulations and reporting mechanisms which may be identified by NISCC in the pursuit of good practice and the promotion of a quality agenda.
• Assist with staff training and support to ensure compliance with professional standards and Codes of Practice.
• Implement Quality Assurance programmes.
• Deal with enquiries when necessary, referring to the Home Manager as appropriate.
• Deal with administrative tasks.
• Maintain all records within the context of confidentiality and client access as agreed within the Council for Social Witness and in keeping with legislation and guidance for residential care.
• To lead/organise Daily Devotions for Residents.
• To liaise with local clergy in relation to the spiritual programme within the Home.
• Participate in regular staff/resident/relative meetings, adhering to the philosophy of care and aims of the Council for Social Witness.
• Participate in staff development and training programmes when required to meet occupational standards and to provide continuing professional development.
• To carry out any other reasonable duty as required by Management of the Home which is necessary for the support and well-being of the residents.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Experience of contributing to a care plan.
• A good understanding of adults who require care.
• NVQ/QCF level 3 in Health & Social Care or a willingness to work towards this within two years.
• Awareness and understanding of Adult Safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Appropriate IT skills, to be able to use Microsoft Word, email, RQIA portal and electronic recording systems.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience caring for older people, people with disabilities or people with mental health needs.
• Willingness to achieve competency in administering medications, which must be completed within 4 weeks of start date.
• Must maintain registration on the relevant section on the Northern Ireland Social Care Council register.
• All applicants must be willing to behave in a manner which respects the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Further Information

Twilight hours -shifts are 7pm - 10pm (hours can be split i.e. 12 or 9 hour contracts) We are an equal opportunities employer. Available for flexible hours working (including weekends), which may include hours beyond the normal shift pattern.