Applications are now invited for the following positions:
Health Care Assistant (HCA)
1.0WTE, Specified Purpose Contract- 3-4 months duration- 77 hours/fortnight
The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) role is a non-traditional position involving both individual and group interaction with service users. HCAs are primarily responsible for cleaning clinical equipment and for delivering and supporting group activities as part of the organisation’s Recreational Activity Programme.
These recreational activities form a component of service provision and are required by the Mental Health Commission to promote service users’ wellbeing, engagement, and recovery.
The role also includes accompanying service users, facilitating group sessions, and assisting with service user-focused events within SPMHS, as detailed in the job description.
Given the significant group facilitation component of this role, candidates invited for interview will be required to deliver a 5-minute group activity of their choosing with the interview panel.
Applications are welcome from anyone who holds requisite qualifications. The successful applicant must:
- Hold a minimum FETAC Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in a healthcare-related discipline, with proof of certification required
-
Possess a full, clean Category B driving licence and demonstrate willingness to drive a hospital vehicle as part of the role
-
Be aged 23–69 years to meet insurance eligibility criteria
-
Demonstrate the ability to facilitate a variety of group activities, including but not limited to task-based and meditation-focused groups, delivered both in person and via virtual platforms
-
Be competent in the Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Teams and Outlook
-
Have experience working within an inpatient mental health setting and collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team (highly desirable)
Informal enquiries only to:
Sherrie Buckley, Occupational Therapy Manager
Tel: 01 249 3426
Email:
[email protected]
(APPLICATIONS SHOULD
NOT BE MADE TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS)
Please note that if you are viewing this advert via Irishjobs, the contact details for informal enquires above are not visible as irishjobs do not allow telephone numbers or emails to be present in adverts. However, these details are visible in the advert on the St Patrick’s website in the career vacancies section.
Applications in the form of covering letter and Curriculum Vitae, clearly stating the post being applied for should be uploaded
as one document by
Sunday, 26th June 2026.
Panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled
St Patrick's Mental Health Services is an equal opportunities employee
Please note that while we seldom work with recruitment agencies, on the rare occasions we specify that we will accept CVs from recruitment agencies, it is only from those who engage in ethical practice. We do not expect recruitment agencies to charge candidates for placements, and do not condone this behaviour as it is not accepted practice.
Job Description
About the organisation
St Patrick's Mental Health Services (SPMHS) is Ireland's largest independent, not-for-profit mental health service. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality mental healthcare, to promoting mental health awareness, and to advocating for the rights of those experiencing mental health difficulties.
We employ over 700 staff across our services. We hold our staff in high esteem and regard them as our most important asset, enabling us to fulfil our mission. We strive to create and maintain a forward-looking environment where our staff can be innovative and experience satisfaction in their work. We are committed to ensuring the ongoing development of our staff.
SPMHS core values
-
Human Rights – supporting dignity, choice and voice
-
Quality Care – excellence in service delivery and collaboration
-
Innovation – encouraging improvement and new ideas
The benefits
By joining us, you become part of Ireland’s largest independent, not-for-profit mental health service provider, bringing you many strong career opportunities. We offer you many employee benefits, including:
-
A competitive salary range: €37,386 - €42,926
-
19 days annual leave
-
Pension scheme
-
Ongoing training
-
Paid study leave and funding for further education
-
Support for career advancement and professional development
-
A subsidised canteen and onsite gym
-
Bike to Work and TaxSaver Commuter Ticket schemes
Location
St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, James’s Street, Dublin 8, incorporating St Patrick’s Lucan, Willow Grove Adolescent Unit, the Dean Clinics, and other services operated by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services.
Responsibilities
Front of House Duties-
Welcome Service Users in Admissions, providing a supportive point of contact
-
Offer refreshments (tea/coffee) during admission
-
Orient Service Users to key facilities (toilets, water access)
-
Accompany Service Users to consultants’ offices, group sessions, and activity rooms
-
Accompany Service Users on therapeutic garden walks as per care plans
-
Support Service User visits to ensure a positive experience
Events Duties-
Support Service User–focused events in collaboration with OT, Communications, Social Work, and other departments
-
Assist with preparation, support and delivery of hospital art exhibitions including the Service User art exhibition
-
Contribute to organisational events (e.g. Tree Decorating Party, First Fortnight, Family Day)
Orientation Duties-
Facilitate hospital orientation tours (SPUH/SPL)
-
Provide information sessions on the Service User Information Booklet and supports available
-
Assist Service Users with:
-
Completing forms
-
Accessing information booklets
-
Navigation within the hospital
-
Practical queries (e.g. phone credit)
Exercise Facilitation-
Lead and support daily structured group walks (up to three per day) within hospital grounds and the community, aligned with therapeutic goals
Service User Transfer Duties-
Participate in rota for transferring Service Users to/from St Patrick’s Hospital, Lucan
-
Drive hospital van in line with road safety, health & safety, and organisational policies
Occupational Therapy & Activity Duties-
Support & Facilitate Service Users in Day programmes (e.g. Pathways, Eating Disorder Programme)
-
Facilitate/co-facilitate relaxation and meditation sessions (in-person and virtual)
-
Maintain therapy spaces (Music Room, Library, OT Kitchen, Garden); report issues promptly
-
Manage OT supplies, equipment, and inventory (including garden/Shomera)
-
Orient Service Users to the Music Room and maintain referral records
-
Maintain and oversee the Service User Garden, including activities, facilitating and supporting gardening groups and pet visits
-
Supervise designated areas (e.g. Garden, Pool Room) for safe use and in line with organization policy/procedures
-
Maintain Service User Library and manage book donations
-
Assist in OT, art, craft, kitchen, and pottery sessions as required
-
Support development of new initiatives
-
Facilitate evening and virtual activities (Microsoft Teams)
-
Provide activities across wards as required (e.g. Vanessa Ward, Dean Swift Ward/Special Care)
-
Facilitate a range of recreational activity groups (arts, games, baking, mindfulness, etc.)
-
Set up/support sessions with external facilitators (in-person/virtual)
-
Complete clear shift handovers (verbal/written)
-
Set up and restore activities rooms, including equipment and materials. This may include stacking chairs, moving podium and hybrid screen
-
Any other duties as operationally required and directed by the Head of Occupational therapy
Cleaning of Clinical Equipment-
Clean clinical equipment in line with SOPs, infection control, and local policies
-
Report faulty, missing, or defective equipment to OT Manager or CNM
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. The person appointed may be required to perform other duties as appropriate which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the position. The person appointed will be assigned specific targets in terms of tasks and productivity.
Person specification
Qualifications and/or experience
Candidates must have:-
Hold a minimum FETAC Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in a healthcare-related discipline, with proof of certification required
-
Possess a full, clean Category B driving licence and demonstrate willingness to drive a hospital vehicle as part of the role
-
Be aged 23–69 years to meet insurance eligibility criteria
-
Demonstrate the ability to facilitate a variety of group activities, including but not limited to task-based and meditation-focused groups, delivered both in person and via virtual platforms
-
Have experience working within an inpatient mental health setting and collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team (highly desirable)
-
Be competent in the Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Teams and Outlook
Professional knowledge, competencies, and skills
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge-
Facilitate group sessions using structured activities and interventions to achieve shared goals
-
Provide clear end-of-shift handovers (verbal/written) to ensure continuity of care
-
Demonstrate knowledge of hospital departments, roles, and functions
-
Show awareness of the Mental Health Commission and relevant inspection frameworks
-
Align with hospital strategy and values
-
Engage effectively with diverse Service Users, both individually and in groups
-
Communicate with empathy, professionalism, in a clear and professional manner using appropriate boundaries
-
Demonstrate kindness, patience, and a non-judgemental approach
-
Maintain strong verbal and written communication skills and have excellent organisational, administrative and IT Skills
-
Report and document incidents in line with policies
-
Demonstrate problem-solving, initiative, and decision-making skills
-
Work effectively under pressure, prioritising tasks and maintaining resilience
-
Collaborate positively within a multidisciplinary team
-
Follow direction and work independently when required in line with organisational policy and frameworks
Please note all above criteria are essential unless otherwise noted.
Terms and Conditions
Tenure: 1.0 WTE, Specified Purpose Contract (3-4 months duration)
Working Week: The standard hours for this position are 77 hours/fortnight.
Salary: The salary for the position is based on the Health Care Assistant (HCA) 2026 pay scale, €37,386 - €42,926 and is commensurate with experience.
Annual Leave The annual leave associated with the position is 19 days.
Pension: All pensionable staff become members of the pension scheme upon commencement of employment. The scheme is a defined contribution scheme with a deduction from the salary of the employee of 4%. In respect of an internal appointment being made the individuals existing pension arrangements will continue.
Probation: The appointee will be appointed in a probationary capacity for the first six months during which time the job holder’s performance will be subject to ongoing review. Any extension to or suspension of the period of probation will be in line with the European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) 2022.
Health: The appointee must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the position and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Character: The appointee must be of good character.
Retirement Age: Normal retirement age for employees is 66 years which at present is also normal pension age.
