(CR) Senior Care Assistant, Maternity Cover - Older People Services in Belfast

Corkey House, part of the Council for Social Witness (Older People Services), is looking for a Senior Care Assistant to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our residents, providing care within a Christian ethos that values both physical and spiritual well-being.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Assist with designing, planning, and implementing individual care programs for residents.
• Monitor and evaluate care plans to ensure high standards of service, identifying both met and unmet needs.
• Provide personal care and support to residents, respecting their dignity and privacy.
• Encourage residents to be as active and independent as possible.
• Accompany residents to appointments, hospital visits, or short walks.
• Administer medication according to care policies.
• Plan, implement, and supervise daily recreational and creative activities, maintaining accurate records.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of residents, staff, and visitors at all times.
• Supervise staff under the direction of the Service Manager.
• Promote team building and strong leadership skills.
• Be involved in QCF assessments as directed by the Home Manager.
• Ensure smooth and effective handovers between shifts.
• Lead or assist with daily prayers for residents as requested.
• Ensure compliance with NISCC regulations and quality care standards.
• Support staff training and professional development.
• Contribute to implementing Quality Assurance programs.
• Respond to enquiries, referring to the Service Manager when necessary.
• Handle administrative tasks as required.
• Maintain confidential records in accordance with legislation and the Council for Social Witness policies.
• Lead or organize Daily Devotions for residents.
• Work with local clergy to coordinate the Home's spiritual programme.
• Participate in staff/resident/relative meetings, maintaining the Home's philosophy of care.
• Take part in ongoing professional development and training.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties required to ensure the well-being of residents.

What We Are Looking For

• A compassionate and experienced Senior Care Assistant with a genuine passion for supporting individuals with disabilities.
• The ability to work within a Christian ethos and support residents' spiritual and physical needs.
• Experience in supervising staff and taking leadership responsibility in the absence of senior management.
• A strong understanding of care planning, medication administration, and personal care procedures.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with staff, residents, and external professionals.
• Flexibility regarding working hours (including weekends) and on-call shifts as part of a rota system.

Required Criteria

• Experience contributing to a care plan.
• A good understanding of adults who require care.
• NVQ/QCF level 3 in Health & Social Care or a willingness to work toward this within two years.
• Awareness and understanding of Adult Safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Appropriate IT skills for Microsoft Word, email, RQIA portal and electronic recording systems.
• A minimum of 2 years experience caring for older people, people with disabilities or people with mental health needs.
• Willingness to achieve competency in administering medications, which must be completed within 4 weeks of start date.
• Availability for flexible hours working (including weekends), which may include hours beyond the normal shift pattern.
• Must maintain registration on the relevant section of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council register.
• Must be willing to behave in a manner which respects the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Desired Criteria

• Knowledge of relevant legislation associated with the management of a residential setting.
• Experience of leadership in a paid or voluntary role.
• A minimum of 2 years experience specifically in a residential care role.
• Experience of supervising other staff.

Benefits

• Discount card for local shops and restaurants.
• Free uniform and training.
• Enhanced annual leave.
• Free Access to NI and NISCC registration.
• Enhanced maternity pay and pension scheme.
• Free employee assistance programme for staff and household members 16+ years.
• Vacation, paid time off, retirement plan and/or pension.
• Employee assistance scheme, perks card, annual raise, on-the-job learning, progression opportunities, bereavement leave.

About the Company

PCI is one of the largest Christian denominations in Ireland, with over 500 congregations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. PCI provides practical care through nursing, residential and supported housing, day services and more, and is committed to spreading the Gospel, serving communities, and supporting mission work locally and globally.