Dual Role – Personal Activities Leader/Care Assistant

Produce an ongoing programme of events (in-house entertainment, outings, and group activities) which are both mentally and physically stimulating and of interest to people who use ACH services. Create a programme that commits to the therapeutic value of age-appropriate activities for older people. Consider appropriate activities which allow for the involvement of residents with impaired ability. Regularly promote leisure and recreation within the service.

Consult with the manager, people who use services and other staff members when planning and co-ordinating leisure and recreational pursuits. Review and obtain the Manager’s approval of all external suppliers of leisure and recreation services and entertainers prior to engaging them. Ensure that all appropriate checks in line with safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children are complete, prior to any placement. Undertake any necessary risk assessments in connection with leisure and recreation and verify ACH’s insurance cover if required.

Ensure that the individual social needs and occupational interests of each person who uses the service are identified and logged in the Support Plan by key workers. Take regular feedback from residents as to activities and hobbies they enjoy and incorporate them into the activity programme. In instances where residents do not wish to participate in group activities, maintain other activities that can be completed on a one to one basis to meet the residents' needs. Maintain accurate records of leisure and recreation within the service.

Ensure that day-to-day tasks and routines are carried out to contribute to the smooth running of the service as a whole. Actively promote the service and ACH by clear, respectful and helpful communication with all potential customers including people who use services, relatives, health and social care professionals, other officials and contractors, visitors as well as ACH colleagues. Contribute to the success of the whole staff team by respecting colleagues and participating in team meetings and communications systems. Any other duties consistent with the business of ACH, the job, and hours of work as may reasonably be required.

Ensure that the activities programme is reviewed at regular intervals to ensure it continues to meet all aspects of legislation and regulatory standards.

Assist staff with the assessment and implementation of individual care plans undertaking daily tasks and activities as directed in order to facilitate the wellbeing, dignity and treatment of all residents. Work efficiently with the multidisciplinary team to approach patient care. Assist nursing/residential home residents with all personal care required, including: bathing in bed/bathroom/chair to include essential aspects of personal hygiene – i.e. washing body and hair, brushing teeth etc., ensuring that such activities comply with the procedures and relevant healthcare legislation.

Duty to observe and monitor the wellbeing of residents ensuring that any unusual physical, mental or emotional occurrences are promptly reported to senior staff and documented appropriately. Additionally, staff must ensure they are aware of the local child and adult safeguarding policies and procedures furthermore who to contact within the local authority for safeguarding. Assisting with mobility and transfer using correctly any specialised equipment provided. Participation in ward meetings. Adhere to infection control policies and maintain ward cleanliness. Maintain and develop good professional relationships with residents, colleagues and visitors.

Participate in induction programme and in-service training. Attend and participate in staff meetings if required. Adhere to and ensure safe practice according to Health and Safety policies. Maintain client confidentiality; unwarranted breaches could result in disciplinary action. Be fully aware of the fire policy and the awareness of food hygiene regulations. Ensure you are familiar with all current policies and procedures and understand your duty to comply and implement them when necessary.

Experience/Qualification: While no formal qualification is required, the candidate must be cheerful, outgoing and compassionate by nature, with a flair for naturally creative and a genuine enthusiasm for working with the elderly. Experience within a care home setting, and with dementia care is preferred but not essential. NVQ level 2 or 3 desirable but not essential.

Essential Criteria: GCSE Maths and English. Basic IT skills. Excellent communication skills; both written and verbal. Health care experience is essential. Will be required to be signed off as competent at the induction training. Available to work a flexible shift pattern including 1:1 support, evenings and weekends. All Ann’s Care Home Health Care Assistant staff will be required to complete and obtain a minimum 60% in Level 2 of The Deprivation of Liberty module. Eligibility to work in UK.

Benefits of working with Ann’s Care Homes: A friendly dedicated team, £13.10 per hour, free uniform, four weekly pay, paid Access NI check, free practical and online training, immediate interviews offered.

We reserve the right to enhance the criteria at shortlisting stage. Please note, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will only be contacting those people successful at shortlisting. Ann’s Care Homes are an Equal Opportunities Employer.