(CR) Senior Care Assistant - Disability Services in Newcastle

Please note this post may close earlier if there are a sufficient number of applications. Please check your junk mail for any correspondence.

Salary: £14.30 per hour

Hours: 25 hours per week (Day and Night Duty Posts)

Responsible to: Service Manager

About the Role

Are you a compassionate and dedicated Senior Care Assistant looking for a rewarding role? Aaron 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 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 Service Manager, you will have responsibility for all aspects of the operation of the home, interacting with relatives and professionals and ensuring smooth operations.

• Care Responsibilities
• Assist with the design, plan and implementation of individual programmes of care for residents, ensuring and promoting resident involvement.
• Monitor, evaluate and review programmes of care to achieve high standards and provision of a quality service, identifying met/unmet needs.
• Help residents with all aspects of personal care where necessary to ensure their needs are met, upholding core values of privacy and dignity, choice and consent.
• Encourage residents to be as active and as independent as possible.
• Arrange and/or accompany residents to medical/health appointments and on social outings.
• Liaise with multi-disciplinary support agencies to ensure the holistic care needs of the residents are effectively met.
• Administer medicines and adhere to all policies in relation to medicine control.
• Plan, implement and supervise residents' creative activities and recreation daily, ensuring records are maintained.
• Ensure vigilance is exercised at all times in relation to the health, safety and well-being of residents, staff and visitors to the Home.
• Administer PEG feeds to residents as required.

• Leadership and Training
• Undertake staff supervision as directed by the Service Manager and provide input to staff performance appraisals and staff personal development plans.
• Exercise good leadership skills and promote team building measures.
• Be involved with QCF Assessments as directed by the Home Manager.
• Ensure that there is an effective written/verbal handover between staff at all times.
• Ensure adherence to all rules, regulations and reporting mechanisms.
• Assist with staff training and support to ensure compliance with professional standards and Codes of Practice.
• Implement Quality Assurance programmes.
• Facilitate and assess new staff working to NISCC induction standards and ensure individual requirements are being met.
• Facilitate effective communication processes.
• Work with the support team to ensure objectives and methods of work with each service user are understood.
• Assist with rota management.
• Assist in the safe management of the monthly medication process ensuring that policies and protocols are adhered to.

• Administration
• Deal with enquiries when necessary, referring to the Service Manager as appropriate.
• Deal with administrative tasks.
• Maintain all records within the context of confidentiality and client access as agreed within the Council for Social Witness and in keeping with legislation and guidance for residential care.
• Maintain and ensure that daily records of service provision are maintained within Service User files.
• Write up evaluation of care interventions and reviews of individual Service Users' progress.
• Report any changes in, or concerns about, individual service users to the Service Manager.
• Take responsibility for receiving and receipting all service user monies and monitoring petty cash expenditure as applicable following the identified procedure.
• Be familiar with all Policies and Procedures and deliver services in compliance with PCI.
• Ensure a sustainable service through the delivery of support to individuals as per contractual arrangements.

• Meetings and Training
• Attend Senior Care Assistant meetings and general staff meetings with the Service Manager to review and plan work.
• Attend individual supervision meetings with the Service Manager.
• Participate in in-service mandatory training.
• Develop knowledge and expertise in requirements to meet regulatory standards.
• Develop knowledge and expertise on the effects of learning, physical, and sensory disability on individuals.

• Health and Safety
• Be aware of and act in accordance with The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Health and Safety Policy.
• Be aware of and act in accordance with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Safeguarding policies.
• Conduct all activities in a manner which is safe to themselves and others.
• Carry out health and safety monitoring checklists and audits including the risk assessments and report on complaints and adverse incidents.
• Report the need for repairs and maintenance in the building to the appropriate person(s) and follow up as necessary.

• Additional Duties
• Lead/organise Daily Devotions for Residents.
• Liaise with local clergy in relation to the spiritual programme within the Home.
• Carry out any other reasonable duty as required by Management of the Home which is necessary for the support and well-being of the residents.

This job description is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and can be changed or augmented at any time to meet changing needs. Duties will include weekend working, bank holidays, at night and at weekends.

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

• 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.
• Experience of contributing to a care plan.
• A good understanding of adults who require care.

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.

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 provides practical care 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: £14.30 per hour.

Benefits: Vacation, Paid time off, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee Assistance Scheme, Perks Card, Annual Rise, On the job learning.