(CR) Senior Care Assistant, Days - £1000 Welcome Bonus, pro rata

Please note this post may close earlier if there are sufficient applications.

Salary: £13.80 - £14.00 per hour + £1.00 per hour enhancement for 2 years

Hours: 12.5 hours per week (Day Duty)

Responsible to: Service Manager

About the Role

Are you a compassionate and dedicated Senior Care Assistant looking for a rewarding role? Lawnfield House, part of the Council for Social Witness (Disability 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 Home 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 Home Manager or Deputy Head, you will have responsibility for all aspects of the operation of the home, interacting with relatives and professionals and ensuring smooth operations.

The Council for Social Witness (Older People Services) is part of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, providing care in a Christian-based environment. Lawnfield House is registered with the RQIA to provide residential respite care for up to 20 residents who have a learning disability; physical disability; sensory impairment or is an older person. Our residents have varied physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs, and we are committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred care. The Home operates a No Smoking Policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the design, planning, and implementation of individual care programmes for residents.
• Monitor and evaluate care plans to ensure high standards and identify met/unmet needs.
• Provide assistance with personal care needs, respecting residents’ privacy and dignity.
• Encourage residents’ independence and facilitate active participation in daily life.
• Accompany residents to appointments, walks, or outings as needed.
• Administer medications following prescribed guidelines and ensure compliance with medication control policies.
• Plan and oversee residents’ recreational activities and creative projects, maintaining necessary records.
• Ensure residents' health, safety, and well-being are consistently monitored.

Leadership and Training

• Supervise staff as directed by the Home Manager, providing leadership and team-building guidance.
• Participate in QCF Assessments and provide staff support to ensure compliance with professional standards.
• Ensure effective communication during staff handovers and assist with daily prayers as requested.
• Support staff development and training to ensure adherence to NISCC regulations.
• Assist in implementing Quality Assurance programmes to ensure a high standard of care.

Administration

• Respond to enquiries, referring to the Home Manager when necessary.
• Complete administrative tasks, ensuring records are maintained confidentially and in compliance with legislation.
• Participate in staff, resident, and relative meetings, contributing to the ongoing development of care practices.

Additional Duties

• Lead or organise Daily Devotions for residents, supporting their spiritual needs.
• Liaise with local clergy to enhance the spiritual programme within the home.
• Participate in staff development programs to ensure compliance with professional standards.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as required by the Home Manager for the well-being of the 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.
• 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 at Lawnfield House and contribute to the well-being of our residents.

Desired Criteria

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

Required Criteria

• A minimum of NVQ/QCF Level 2 Award in Health and Social Care and willingness to work towards Level 3.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience caring for older people, people with disabilities or people with mental health needs.
• Appropriate IT skills to be able to use Microsoft Word, email, RQIA portal and electronic recording systems.
• 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.