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Job description

The role of the Care Assistant is to provide care and support for residents within the Christian ethos and aims of the Council for Social Witness. The Council for Social Witness (Older People Services) is part of the work and witness of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and its aim is to provide care for older people in a specifically Christian ethos and environment, placing great emphasis on offering spiritual support and encouragement to residents, as well as physical care. River House is one of 6 homes for older people run by the Council for Social Witness (Older People Services. The purpose-built Home accommodates 29 residents. The residents have a variety of physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs and varying levels of dependency.

Responsibilities

• To be a Key Worker/Primary Worker to residents.
• To help residents with dressing/undressing where necessary.
• To help residents with toileting/bathing where necessary.
• To take residents to and from the dining room when required.
• To accompany residents to hospital, clinic etc when necessary.
• To accompany residents on short walks.
• To encourage residents to be as active and as independent as possible.
• To carry out all care tasks with respect for the residents’ privacy and dignity.
• To give residents maximum choice over their lifestyle and affairs.
• To help residents exercise their rights as a citizen.
• To take part in social and recreational activities within the home which are designed to promote residents’ fulfilment.
• To assist with the administration and distribution of resident’s medication as appropriate.
• To assist senior staff with the assessment of and care planning for resident’s needs.
• To refer enquiries about residents to the Manager or Senior Care Assistant.
• To carry out all duties in a sensible, responsible and mature manner.
• To carry out any other reasonable duty which is necessary for the support and well-being of the residents.
• To take part in staff meetings within the home.
• To take part in any training sessions held in the home.
• To treat all matters confidentially.
• To be prepared to undertake NVQ training.
• To contribute to the overall Christian ethos of the home.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Evidence and understanding of and respect for the needs of older people.
• Willing to undertake appropriate training as required.
• Awareness of health and safety practices within a working environment.
• Proficiency in understanding, communicating and writing in English to level required by the duties of the post.
• Basic numeracy required by the duties of the post (as endorsed by appropriate qualification or use of numeracy skills in a work or home environment).
• Be willing to work flexibly to fulfil the requirements of the Home, including working additional hours if required.
• Registration with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council within 6 months of appointment is a requirement of this position.

Further Information

We are an equal opportunities employer.