---

Job description

As part of the management team under the Service Manager, the Senior Care Assistant will help ensure the effective and efficient day-to-day operation of the home. You will maintain high standards of professional care 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, you will have responsibility for all aspects of the operation of the home, interacting with relatives and professionals and ensuring smooth operations. Please see employer website for full job details & person specification.

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 wellbeing of residents, staff and visitors to the Home.
• Undertake staff supervision as directed by the Head of Home.
• Exercise leadership skills and promote team building measures.
• Be involved with NVQ/QCF Assessments as directed by the Head of Home.
• 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 Head of Home 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.
• 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.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Experience of contributing to a care plan.
• 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.
• Availability for flexible hours working (including weekends), which may include hours beyond the normal shift pattern.
• Must maintain registration on the relevant section on the Northern Ireland Social Care Council register.
• Must be willing to behave in a manner which respects the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Further Information

We are an equal opportunities employer.