(CR) Relief Senior Care Assistant - Older People Services in Newcastle

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Location: River House, 131 Central Promenade, Newcastle, BT33 0EU

Council: Council for Social Witness (Older People Services)

Salary: £13.95 per hour

Hours: As and when required

Responsible to: Service Manager

About the Role

Are you a compassionate and dedicated Senior Care Assistant looking for a rewarding role? River 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. River House is one of 6 homes for older people run by the Council for Social Witness (Older People Services). The purpose-built Home accommodates 29 residents. The residents have a variety of physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs and varying levels of dependency. The Home operates a No Smoking Policy.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 regarding working hours (including 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

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
• NVQ/QCF level 3 in Health & Social Care or a willingness to work towards this within two years
• Awareness and understanding of Adult Safeguarding policy and procedures
• 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

• 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

About The Company

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

Company Culture

PCI fosters a culture of faith, service, and community. It values integrity, compassion, and inclusivity, encouraging members to live out their faith through worship, discipleship, and outreach. 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
• Employee Assistance Scheme
• Perks Card
• Annual Rise
• On the job learning
• Progression opportunities
• Bereavement leave

Salary £13.95 per hour