Flannery’s Nursing Home
Job Description
Healthcare Assistant (HCA)
HR-JD-HCA-001
Rev. 1 — April 2026
1. Role Summary
Job Title:
Healthcare Assistant (HCA)
Department / Unit:
Clinical Care — All Units
Reporting To:
Staff Nurse (RGN) / Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM)
Responsible For:
N/A — no direct reports
Contract Type:
Full-Time / Part-Time / Relief — as per individual contract
Hours / Shift Pattern:
As per roster
Location:
Flannery’s Nursing Home, Galway
Garda Vetting Required:
Yes — prior to commencement of employment (National Vetting Bureau Act 2012–2016)
Probationary Period:
6 months
Job Description Version:
Rev. 1 — April 2026
Approved by: Anoop Veliyath Asokan, Person in Charge (PIC)
2. Purpose of the Role
To assist in the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care to residents of Flannery’s Nursing Home under the direction and supervision of registered nursing staff, in accordance with Flannery’s Nursing Home policies and procedures and the requirements of S.I. No. 415 of 2013.
3. Key Duties & Responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to undertake the following duties and responsibilities. This list is not exhaustive and may evolve in line with service needs and HIQA requirements.
Personal Care
- Assist residents with all aspects of personal care including bathing, showering, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene and toileting, while maintaining dignity, privacy and respect for individual preference
- Assist residents with mobility, transfers and positioning using correct manual handling techniques and approved equipment at all times
- Provide assistance at mealtimes, including serving meals, supporting residents with eating and drinking, and monitoring nutritional and fluid intake
- Support residents with continence care in a sensitive and non-judgemental manner
Observation & Reporting
- Observe residents’ physical and emotional wellbeing during care activities and promptly report any changes or concerns to the nurse in charge
- Contribute to accurate and timely care documentation as directed by the nursing team
- Assist in the implementation of individual care plans under nursing supervision
Resident Engagement & Wellbeing
- Engage with residents in a warm, respectful and person-centred manner, supporting emotional wellbeing and social interaction
- Assist the Activities Coordinator in supporting residents’ participation in activities and social programmes
- Support residents at end of life with compassionate, dignified care
Environment & Safety
- Maintain a clean, safe and comfortable environment for residents and report hazards or equipment defects promptly
- Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols, including hand hygiene, PPE use and isolation procedures
- Follow all manual handling, fire safety and health and safety requirements
Teamwork & Professional Conduct
- Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary care team
- Attend mandatory training and maintain required competencies in line with the organisation’s training matrix
- Adhere to the organisation’s Code of Conduct, confidentiality policies and GDPR obligations
- Report safeguarding concerns immediately to the nurse in charge
4. Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- QQI Level 5 in Healthcare Support (or equivalent), or commitment to obtain within an agreed timeframe
- Genuine commitment to caring for older people with dignity and respect
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work as part of a team and follow direction from nursing staff
- Reliability and flexibility regarding shift work
- Current manual handling certificate or willingness to complete on commencement
- Garda vetting clearance
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience in a nursing home, hospital or community care setting
- Experience supporting residents living with dementia
- QQI Level 6 or higher in a healthcare-related qualification
- Knowledge of HIQA standards for residential care
- Current Basic Life Support or First Aid certification
5. General Conditions of Employment
- Mandatory training compliance must be maintained at all times, including online learning platforms as directed by the organisation
- Adherence to all organisational policies and procedures, including Schedule 5 policies, Code of Conduct and Employee Handbook, is required
- All information relating to residents, staff and the organisation must be treated as strictly confidential
- Accidents, incidents, near misses and safeguarding concerns must be reported in line with organisational procedures
- This job description may be reviewed and amended in line with service needs. Changes will be discussed in advance
- Employment is subject to satisfactory Garda vetting, two satisfactory references and verification of qualifications
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: €15.00-€16.00 per hour
Application question(s):
- We have no public transport access, do you drive or have private transport?
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
