(CR) Senior Care Assistant - River House in Newcastle

Join to apply for the Senior Care Assistant role at Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Location: River House

Council: Council for Social Witness (Older People Services)

Salary: £13.80 - £14.00 per hour

Hours: Post 1: 25 per week, Post 2: 25 per week (Maternity Cover)

Responsible to: Service Manager

About The Role

River House, part of the Council for Social Witness (Older People Services), invites a compassionate Senior Care Assistant to join our team. This role offers an opportunity to positively impact residents while working within a Christian ethos that values both physical and spiritual well-being.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Assist with planning and implementing individualized care programmes for residents.
• Monitor and evaluate care plans, ensuring high standards and identifying unmet needs.
• Provide personal care and support, respecting residents’ dignity and privacy.
• Encourage residents to be active and independent.
• Accompany residents to appointments, hospital visits, or walks.
• Administer medication in accordance with care policies.
• Plan, implement and supervise daily recreational and creative activities.
• Maintain safety and wellbeing of residents, staff, and visitors.
• Supervise staff under the direction of the Service Manager.
• Promote team building and leadership skills.
• Participate in QCF assessments as directed by the Home Manager.
• Ensure smooth handovers between shifts.
• Lead or assist with daily prayers and devotions for residents.
• Ensure compliance with NISCC regulations and quality care standards.
• Support staff training and professional development.
• Assist with administration, including responding to enquiries and maintaining confidential records.
• Coordinate the home’s spiritual programme with local clergy.
• Participate in staff, resident and relative meetings, maintaining the home’s philosophy of care.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and training.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties required to ensure resident wellbeing.

What We Are Looking For

• A compassionate and experienced Senior Care Assistant with a genuine passion for supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to work within a Christian ethos and support residents’ spiritual and physical needs.
• Experience supervising staff and taking leadership responsibility in the absence of senior management.
• Strong understanding of care planning, medication administration, and personal care procedures.
• Excellent communication skills and 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 residents’ lives.
• Work in a supportive and caring environment valuing physical and spiritual care.
• 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 to NI and NISCC registration.
• Enhanced maternity pay and pension scheme.
• Free employee assistance programme for staff and household members 16+ years.

Required Criteria

• Experience contributing to a care plan.
• Good understanding of adults who require care.
• NVQ/QCF level 3 in Health & Social Care or willingness to achieve within two years.
• Aware of and understand Adult Safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Appropriate IT skills – Microsoft Word, email, RQIA portal and electronic recording systems.
• Minimum 2 years experience caring for older people, people with disabilities or mental health needs.
• Willingness to achieve competency in administering medications within 4 weeks of start date.
• Availability for flexible hours, including weekends and beyond normal shift patterns.
• Must maintain registration on the relevant section of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council register.
• Must behave in a manner respecting the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Desired Criteria

• Knowledge of legislation related to management of a residential setting.
• Experience leading in a paid or voluntary role.
• Minimum 2 years experience specifically in a residential care role.
• Experience supervising other staff.

About The Company

Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is one of the largest Christian denominations in Ireland, 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. PCI fosters a culture of faith, service and community; encouraging integrity, compassion and inclusivity. It provides a welcoming environment where individuals and families can deepen their faith, contribute to meaningful causes and build lasting relationships within a vibrant Christian community.