At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with care plans, personal care, and daily activities.
- Company: Join the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, dedicated to community service and spiritual support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £1000 welcome bonus, flexible hours, and discounts at local shops.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while working in a caring, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ/QCF Level 2 in Health and Social Care and 2 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate team that values both physical and spiritual well-being.
Please note this post may close earlier if there are sufficient applications
Location: Sunnyside House, Bangor
Council: Council for Social Witness (Older People Services)
Salary: £13.80 – £14.00 per hour + £1.00 per hour enhancement for 2 years
Hours: 18.5 per week
Responsible to: Service Manager
About the Role
Are you a compassionate and dedicated Senior Care Assistant looking for a rewarding role? Sunnyside 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.
Main Function of the Job
As part of the management team under the Service Manager, the Senior Care Assistant will help ensure the effective and efficient day-to-day operation of the home. You will maintain high standards of professional care practice as required by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, while working within the Christian ethos of the Council for Social Witness.
In the absence of the Service Manager or Deputy Manager, you will have responsibility for all aspects of the operation of the home, interacting with relatives and professionals and ensuring smooth operations.
Background Information:
The Council for Social Witness (Older People Services), part of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, provides care for older people in a Christian ethos, with a strong emphasis on offering spiritual support in addition to physical care.
Sunnyside House is one of 6 homes for older people run by the Council for Social Witness (Older People Services). The Home accommodates 45 residents who have a variety of physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs and varying levels of dependency.
The Home operates a No Smoking Policy.
About The Role
Responsibilities and Duties:
1. Care Responsibilities:
- 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.
2. Leadership and Training:
- 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.
3. Administration:
- 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.
4. Additional Duties:
- Lead or organize Daily Devotions for residents.
- Work with local clergy to coordinate the Homes spiritual program.
- Participate in staff/resident/relative meetings, maintaining the Homes 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 to work nights, weekends, and on-call shifts as part of a rota system.
Why Join Us?
- Make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents.
- Work in a supportive and caring environment that values both physical and spiritual care.
- Gain opportunities for further training and development.
- Be part of a dedicated, compassionate team.
Benefits:
Discount card money off in local shops and restaurants
Free uniform and training
Enhanced annual leave
Free Access NI and NISCC registration
Enhanced maternity pay and pension scheme
Free employee assistance programme for staff and household members 16+ years
If you are a Senior Care Assistant with a heart for providing quality care and are looking for a new opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join our team and contribute to the well-being of our residents.
Required Criteria
- Experience of contributing to a care plan
- A good understanding of adults who require care
- A minimum of NVQ/QCF Level 2 Award in Health and Social Care and willingness to work towards Level 3.
- Appropriate IT skills to be able to use 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 on 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
- A minimum of 2 years experience in a care role in a residential home for older people
- Experience of supervising other staff
- Experience of leadership in a paid or voluntary role
- Knowledge of relevant legislation associated with the management of a residential setting
Skills Needed
About The Company
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is one of the largest Christian denominations in Ireland, with over 500 congregations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Rooted in the Reformed tradition, PCI is committed to spreading the Gospel, serving communities, and supporting mission work both locally and globally. The Church plays an active role in education, social care, and advocacy, reflecting its core values of faith, compassion, and service. Through worship, discipleship, and outreach, PCI seeks to make a meaningful impact on society while fostering a strong, supportive Christian community. Governed by a system of elders, the Church values biblical teaching, leadership, and engagement with contemporary issues. Additionally, PCI provides a range of resources and initiatives to support individuals, families, and communities in their faith journey.
Company Culture
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) fosters a culture of faith, service, and community, rooted in biblical teaching and the Reformed tradition. It values integrity, compassion, and inclusivity, encouraging members to live out their faith through worship, discipleship, and outreach. PCI places a strong emphasis on servant leadership, where ministers, elders, and members work collaboratively to support one another and serve their communities. The Church is deeply committed to pastoral care, social responsibility, and global mission work, reflecting its dedication to making a positive impact both locally and internationally. With a focus on spiritual growth, education, and engagement with contemporary issues, PCI provides a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals and families can deepen their faith, contribute to meaningful causes, and build lasting relationships within a vibrant Christian community.
Company Benefits
Vacation, Paid time off, Retirement plan and/or pension, Referral bonus, Employee Assistance Scheme, Perks Card, Wellbeing Scheme, Annual performance review, Culture of recognition, On the job learning, Progression opportunities, Service recognition increases to annual leave
Salary
£13.80 – £14.00 per hour
Benefits:
Vacation, Paid time off Retirement plan and/or pension Referral bonus Employee Assistance Scheme Perks Card Wellbeing Scheme
(CR) Senior Care Assistant, Day Duty - £1000 Welcome Bonus pro rata employer: Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Contact Detail:
Presbyterian Church in Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land (CR) Senior Care Assistant, Day Duty - £1000 Welcome Bonus pro rata
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Christian ethos of the Council for Social Witness. Understanding their values and how they integrate spiritual care into daily routines will help you connect better with the team and residents during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've supervised staff or taken charge in the absence of management, as this is a key responsibility for the Senior Care Assistant position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of care planning and medication administration. Be ready to talk about how you've contributed to care plans in the past and any relevant training you've undertaken, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours. Since the role requires availability for weekends and on-call shifts, expressing your willingness to adapt your schedule can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace (CR) Senior Care Assistant, Day Duty - £1000 Welcome Bonus pro rata
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Care Assistant position. Highlight your relevant experience in care planning, medication administration, and personal care procedures.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in caring for older people and any supervisory roles you've held. Emphasise your qualifications, such as NVQ/QCF Level 2, and your willingness to work towards Level 3.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for providing quality care within a Christian ethos. Mention specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles and your commitment to supporting residents' physical and spiritual needs.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your contact information is correct and that your application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Presbyterian Church in Ireland
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Senior Care Assistant, compassion is key. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and care in previous roles. This will show your genuine passion for supporting individuals with disabilities.
✨Understand the Christian Ethos
Since the role involves working within a Christian ethos, it’s important to express your understanding and alignment with these values. Think about how you can incorporate spiritual support into your care practices and be ready to discuss this during the interview.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
The position requires supervising staff and taking on leadership responsibilities. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in leadership roles, whether paid or voluntary, and how you’ve successfully managed teams or projects.
✨Prepare for Care Planning Questions
Expect questions related to care planning and medication administration. Brush up on your knowledge of care plans and be ready to explain how you would monitor and evaluate them to meet residents' needs effectively.