Social Care Assistant Relief, Callan, Co. Kilkenny in Armagh

Camphill Communities of Ireland are seeking to hire Relief Social Care Assistants. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking for a new challenge.

Purpose of Post

The post holder will be required to take an active part in ensuring that the day‑to‑day operations of the Service reflect the ethos and vision of Camphill Communities of Ireland (CCoI) and that all co‑workers are meeting the needs of the individuals who are supported by the services therein. The person appointed will be part of a day and residential support team who will work intensively with individuals to discover what will constitute a good life for the individual and to establish what supports the individual will need to achieve their goals. In order to do this, there is a requirement that the post holder will work in partnership with the social care team and important people in the individual’s life. A high degree of flexibility is required as the timing and location of the supports provided will be dictated by the individual’s plan. The person appointed should have the ability to participate proactively as a member of a team and contribute positively to the ongoing development of effective teamwork.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Advocacy & Rights
  • Respect each person who uses the services as an equal citizen.
  • Uphold and respect the human, legal and constitutional rights of each person who uses the service, recognising their individuality and equality, and empowering them to grow, thereby achieving the highest possible level of personal autonomy.
  • Facilitate, encourage and develop the choice and decision‑making skills of people who use the services.
  • Facilitate, encourage and develop the self‑advocacy skills of and opportunities for involvement in advocacy for people who use services.
  • Enable each individual supported by the services to pursue and maintain their individual hobbies and interests.
  • Foster, encourage and develop the self‑help and social skills of each individual supported by the services so as to achieve the greatest degree of autonomy possible.
  • Facilitate each individual supported by the services to actively participate and integrate into the community, through the use of generic community facilities.
• Person‑Centred Support for Living
  • Ensure a person‑centred approach to service delivery.
  • In the context of the individual person‑centred plans, support people who use the service with aspects of individual and group service responses including: occupation and leisure activities, communication, behaviour support plans, independent living skills, social integration and the use of community facilities, personal care, personal development.
  • Assist with fostering, encouraging and developing each individual's self‑care skills, particularly in relation to personal hygiene, health matters and care for their personal appearance.
  • Support the individual by ensuring appropriate physical support – moving and handling, fire safety, cleaning, laundry, infection control, mobility and communication needs.
  • Personal care – dressing, bathing, toileting, assistance with eating, sleeping support, skin care, first aid and health promotion.
  • Attend all medical appointments as required.
  • Ensure a healthy and nutritious diet is offered and takes individual choice into account.
  • Encourage and promote each person’s full participation in their home while at the same time ensuring that their home and its environs are maintained to acceptable standards where each resident has access to comprehensive, person‑centred and holistic personal support.
  • In consultation with the individual implement person‑centred plans and ensure that the needs identified are appropriately addressed and participate in resident reviews as required.
  • Achieve competency in driving the centre transport and participate in transport duties as required. This may necessitate flexible starting and finishing times.
  • As a full team member to accept delegated responsibility for the physical and emotional well‑being as well as the personal hygiene of the individuals supported by the service.
  • Participate and assist with the organisation of centre outings.
• Management and Leadership
  • Be responsible for the physical and emotional well‑being of individuals supported by the services.
  • Be responsible for the safe use and care of equipment and report faulty equipment as it arises.
  • Contribute actively to the team while providing consistent and quality support for vulnerable adults.
  • Be familiar with and ensure that policies, procedures and codes of practice of the services are adhered to.
  • Ensure that all records in relation to individuals supported by the services are up to date, correctly filed and managed as per the service’s records management system.
  • Ensure that all reports, timesheets and financial statements are accurate, completed and returned on time.
  • Maintain complete and accurate records for each person to include the personal needs assessments, risk assessments, incidents and notifiable events, file notes, communication plans, behavioural management support, health action plans, medication management and financial records.
  • Ensure immediate and accurate reporting of all matters of concern to the Person in Charge (PIC).
  • Report all accident/incidents and take appropriate action.
  • Utilise efficiently the transport services available to the service area and advise the appropriate staff on transport needs.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience

• Applicants must hold a minimum of a QQI Level 5 Major Award on the QQI Framework – BA in Social Care Studies or equivalent qualification in Community/Health or Social Care.
• Have 1 year’s experience of working with vulnerable adults or adults with intellectual disabilities.
• Have an understanding of current policy and developments at national and sectoral level in relation to Social Care within disability services.
• Have an ability to follow plans and methods to meet the ongoing needs of the individuals supported.
• Have effective interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Have proficient IT skills relevant to the role, to include Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, SharePoint, OneDrive and Teams.
• Have a full driver’s licence and availability of own car is an essential requirement.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with Sunday and Bank Holiday premiums.
• Pay scales.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Work/life balance.
• Paid annual leave.
• Refer a friend scheme.
• Employee Assist Programme offering advice and counselling.
• Paid mandatory training.
• Paid travel expenses.

Details of the Role

• Salary Scale: € 16.77 per hour.
• Duration: Relief contract – fixed‑term one year.
• All posts are subject to Garda vetting, relevant police check for any country of residence over 6 months from the age of 18 and reference checking.
• Camphill is an equal opportunities employer.