Job Title: Support Worker (Care Assistant)

Hours: 39 hours per week, permanent contract

Location: Blackrock Clinic, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Company Profile and Role Overview

Blackrock Clinic have an opportunity for a Support Worker (Care Assistant) to join our expanding team. Blackrock Clinic is a progressive and pioneering hospital in which care for the patient is central to everything we do. Blackrock Clinic is proud to be included in the “Leading in Wellbeing Top 100 Companies 2022” index.

The Support Worker will work as part of the ward/department team under the supervision of registered nurses and

• participates in the delivery of patient care
• contributes towards ward/department organisation
• gives support to registered nurses in the provision of a safe and caring environment

Job Responsibilities

• At all times treating patients with dignity and respect, exercising discretion and maintaining their confidentiality.
• Assisting patients to become as independent as possible by giving the appropriate level of support in the following areas where delegated and under supervision.
• Maintaining personal hygiene (including help with dressing/undressing, giving bed baths, mouth and skin care, assisting with care of pressure areas).
• Escorting patients to other departments and hospitals.
• Ensuring adequate nutritional intake and hydration (including feeding patients and ensuring the patient receives the appropriate calorific intake). Recording/charting fluid balance and understanding the need for accuracy
• Assisting patients to access and use appropriate toilet facilities, ensuring that privacy and Dignity are maintained.
• Carrying out and recording observations identified as routine or basic for that particular area of work where designated by the nurse in charge following training and having been assessed as competent (e.g. temperature, pulse, urine).
• Maintaining and improving mobility using appropriate patient handling skills.
• Assisting with basic patient care duties (e.g. making beds, sorting clean linen).
• Assisting the patients to achieve their maximum physical comfort (e.g. positioning and moving using appropriate equipment and aids, checking pain levels, requesting pain relieving on patient’s behalf.
• Maintaining the ward/department environment to promote good infection control and health and safety at work.
• Taking due care of patient’s property and valuables in accordance with hospital policy.
• Working co-operatively with others as part of the multi-disciplinary team helping and assisting nursing and other clinical staff in the routine work associated with patient care.
• Providing comfort, reassurance and support to patients in times of high anxiety or distress.
• Obtaining, relaying, recording and storing information relating to care delivery whilst at all times maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the importance of accurate documentation and contributing towards recording daily reports of patients activity and progress, recognising that the qualified nurse has personal accountability for entries to patient records made by others under their supervision.
• Listening to and being able to accept constructive feedback.
• Participating in discussion about patient care and ward/departmental development, including handover and team meetings.
• Undertaking a range of administrative and clerical tasks associated with patient care to facilitate the smooth running of the ward/department
• Maintaining and controlling stock, equipment and materials related to patient care in order to facilitate the efficient and effective use of resources and ensure that patient areas are kept tidy.
• Complying with the policies and procedures at Blackrock Clinic, e.g.

o Health and Safety

o Infection Control including disposal of waste, sharps and infected lined.

o Accident and Incident Reporting

o Complaints Procedure

o Hospital Fire Policy and evacuation

• You must comply with all hospital policy’s in relation to Infection Prevention and Control. Every employee has a responsibility to know how to reduce infection in their role.

Professional Responsibilities

• Communicate appropriately with colleagues and other members of the health care teams.
• Communicate in a manner that avoids antagonism, reduces conflict and prevents undue anxiety.
• Recognise limitations and seek assistance where necessary.
• Attend and contribute to appropriate meetings.
• Accept constructive advice when appropriate.
• Report all incidents immediately, which may adversely affect a patient, colleague or the Blackrock Clinic.
• Communicating clearly and appropriately with patients, their relatives / friends colleagues and all other members of the multidisciplinary team including responding to queries, answering the phone, taking messages and passing on written and verbal information to patients.
• Support the philosophy, objectives and goals of Blackrock Clinic.
• Observe the appropriate lines of authority.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all patients and the activities of Blackrock Clinic.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in all areas of the hospital/clinic as required.
• The Ward/Unit Manager depending on the availability of locum cover will arrange annual leave; this usually means the holiday periods i.e. Easter, summer and Christmas.
• Participates in developing and providing quality care within Blackrock Clinic.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel.
• Continue to develop personal knowledge and skills and seeks outside educational opportunities.
• Present a professional appearance and conform to the dress, hygiene and infection control policies of the Clinic.

Desired Skills

• Continue to develop personal knowledge and skills.
• Strong written and verbal communications
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to execute tasks assigned
• Strong teamwork skills
• Strong planning and organising skills
• Good level of flexibility and adaptability
• Proficient IT Skills
• Ability to work well under pressure

Qualifications

• Fetac Level 5 Healthcare support course
• Have at least 1-3 years’ experience in a relevant care setting

Blackrock Clinic offers many financial, health and wellbeing benefits. These include, but are not limited to:

Financial:

• Relocation Expenses*
• Accommodation Advice & Assistance*
• Defined contribution pension scheme, spouse/dependants’ pension, children's pension
• On-site car parking
• Educational support
• Life Assurance
• Tax Saver Scheme
• Saving Schemes
• Annual Bonus*

Health & Wellbeing:

• Health Insurance Group Schemes
• Discounted rates at our onsite Pharmacy with a reduced dispensing fee
• Discounted medical tests for staff
• Sick Leave Benefit
• Additional Unpaid Leave
• Maternity Leave benefit top up
• Work- Life Balance Approach
• Discounted rates at our onsite Restaurant
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Health and Wellbeing employee group and initiatives
• Sports and Social Club
• Uniforms*

This job description is a reflection of the present service requirements and may be subject to review and amendments to meet the changing needs of the service. Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

Blackrock Clinic is an Equal Opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an environment that promotes equality and dignity at work.

Blackrock Clinic is committed to providing reasonable accommodation when needed. Please advise if you have particular requirements, so that we can look into arranging reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. You can contact us at recruitment@blackrock-clinic.