Job Title: Healthcare Assistant
Contract Type: Two-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Hours: Full-Time, 39 hours per week
Annual Leave: 25 days
About the Role
- The Healthcare Assistant will provide high-quality, person-centred care and support to individuals with disabilities across a range of settings, including residential services, nursing homes, and community-based services.
- The successful candidate will support Pathways students with activities of daily living while promoting independence, dignity, safety, comfort, and overall well-being. The role requires a compassionate and professional approach, with a commitment to delivering care in accordance with individual support plans, organisational policies, relevant health and safety legislation, and recognised best practice.
Key Responsibilities
The Healthcare Assistant will:
- Provide high-quality, person-centred care and support in line with each individuals needs, preferences, goals, and support plans.
- Assist Pathways students with any activities on their daily schedules while promoting independence, choice, dignity, and inclusion.
- Monitor and observe students health and well-being and promptly report any changes or concerns through the appropriate channels.
- Maintain safe and supportive environment in accordance with organisational policies and health and safety requirements.
- Provide support with personal care, including toileting, bathing, showering, dressing, and personal hygiene while maintaining privacy, dignity, and respect.
- Support with meal planning and preparation and eating in accordance with individual dietary requirements and care plans.
- Assist students with mobility and participation in daily activities, including safe transfers and the appropriate use of mobility aids and assistive equipment.
- Support students to access community activities, appointments, education, employment, and other meaningful opportunities, where required.
- Transport and accompany students to and from residential services, medical appointments, therapy sessions, and community-based activities, as required.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in accordance with organisational procedures and data protection requirements.
- Follow all relevant policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, health and safety, infection prevention and control, risk management, and incident reporting.
- Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, healthcare professionals, family members, advocates, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, mandatory training, and ongoing professional development.
- Carry out other reasonable duties that may be assigned and that are appropriate to the role.
Core Competencies
Communication
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with individuals who have a range of communication needs.
- Ability to build positive, trusting, and professional relationships with students, colleagues, families, and other stakeholders.
Teamwork and Collaboration
- Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to develop positive working relationships and collaborate with healthcare professionals, family members, caregivers, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Willingness to contribute positively to a supportive and inclusive team environment.
Person-Centred Care
- Demonstrated ability to provide compassionate, respectful, and person-centred care.
- Commitment to promoting individual choice, independence, dignity, inclusion, and quality of life.
- Ability to recognise and respond appropriately to the individual needs, preferences, strengths, and goals of students.
Information Technology and Record Keeping
- Proficient IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and electronic care or documentation systems.
- Ability to maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records.
Organisation and Time Management
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to prioritise tasks, manage competing demands, and work effectively within agreed timeframes.
- Ability to work independently while recognising when guidance or support is required.
Problem-Solving and Initiative
- Ability to identify potential concerns and respond appropriately and proactively.
- Sound judgement and the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging or changing situations.
- Ability to follow established procedures and escalate concerns when necessary.
Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
- A minimum of two years experience working in a healthcare, educational or social care setting, preferably within disability services, residential care, nursing homes, or community-based services.
- Demonstrated experience providing a range of personal care and daily living supports to individuals with disabilities.
- QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support or an equivalent relevant work experience
- An understanding of health and safety requirements and safe working practices within a healthcare, educational or social care environment.
- A strong understanding of confidentiality, data protection, and the appropriate handling of sensitive information.
- Knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control practices.
- A commitment to safeguarding, promoting welfare and maintaining professional boundaries.
- Ability to work flexibly across a range of settings, in line with service requirements.
Desirable
- Experience supporting individuals with visual impairments.
- Experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Full, clean Irish Driving Licence
- Experience supporting individuals who may present with behaviours of concern.
- Knowledge and understanding of the New Directions framework for disability services.
- Experience using electronic care records or other digital documentation systems.
Other Requirements
- Full, clean Irish Driving Licence (desirable)
- Eligible to work in Ireland
- Satisfactory Reference Checks and Garda Vetting
- Availability to attend an in-person interview.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the people we support and families.
- Collaborative, supportive, and multidisciplinary team environment.
- Comprehensive training and ongoing professional development.
- Access to specialist expertise in visual impairment and inclusive education.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary and Benefits package
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Bike-to-Work scheme
- On-site Parking
- Company Pension
- Wellness Programme
- Onsite Café Staff Discount
ChildVision is an equal opportunities organisation and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where all individuals are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
