JOB DESCRIPTION

CARE ASSISTANT (2/3 NIGHTS PER WEEK)

PALMERSTON RESIDENTIAL/EMI HOME

1. THE ORGANISATION

Wesley Housing Association provides a range of sheltered housing, general needs (elderly) housing and residential care and dementia care for the elderly throughout Northern Ireland.

It is our aim is to provide care and accommodation of the highest quality to all our clients and to seek opportunities to expand the provision of affordable housing to those in need.

Residential HomePalmerston Residential/EMI Home (opened October 2008)

9-17 Palmerston Road, Belfast

Sheltered HousingStutt House (opened 1982)

19 Palmerston Road, Belfast

Bryans House (opened 1994)

Manse Drive, New Mossley, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim

Wesley Court (opened 1996)

Belfast Road, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim

Fleming House (opened 1998)

7 Palmerston Road, Belfast

General Needs HousingTennent Street (opened 2007)

for the elderlyTennent & Geoffrey Street, Belfast

2. EQUALITY – STATUTORY DUTIES ARISING FROM SECTION 75 OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND ACT 1998

The Association is designated as a ‘Public Authority’ and is therefore subject to the requirements of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

The Association has an Equality Scheme approved by the Equality Commission and the Association is committed to the principles of Equality for all individuals and groups in its operations.

3. GENERAL

People working in the Association are encouraged to bring their own gifts, aptitudes and initiative to the post to which they have been appointed. Each person is valued as an individual and invited to contribute fully to the common goal.

The Association aims to provide a professional standard of care combined with an attitude of respect. The home aims to respect all residents’ dignity and privacy whilst ensuring they receive care appropriate to their individual needs. Whilst no permanent medical service is provided, the home works in close partnership with health care professionals.

4. PURPOSE AND DUTIES

PURPOSE

(a) To share with other staff in the provision of a high standard of personal care in a way that respects the dignity of the individual and encourages independence for all residents.

(b) To support the Head of Home to care for the residents’ physical environment and in the efficient and effective day-to-day management and activities of the above Homes.

5. DUTIES

a)The dressing, undressing, washing and bathing, toileting and personal hygiene of the residents, as necessary.

b)Care of residents’ clothing and personal possessions.

c)Care, approximating to home care, of the sick.

d)Encouraging self-help and endeavouring to help the residents to overcome their difficulties by practical encouragement and application.

e)Washing of residents’ clothing in addition to linens and bedding, etc, belonging to the Home as directed.

f)Carrying out specific night checks as required by the Head of Home and to take any follow-up action as required to ensure the health and well being of residents.

g)Practice a high standard of personal cleanliness and hygiene.

h)Respond to activation of the call system either from the residents and deal with them in an appropriate manner.

i)Such other duties appropriate to the post, assigned by the Supervisory staff.

6. RELATIONSHIPS

Accountable to the Head of Home or in her absence to her Deputy, or Senior Staff member on duty.

7. PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

The post of Night Care Assistant involves being on call as provided for in the rota prepared by the Head of Home. Hours will normally total a maximum of eleven each night (9.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m.) and rota duties will involve two/three nights each week on a 4 week rota (which will also include some weekend work).

However, the job holder should expect to be asked to work an extra night/s (or alternatively days) to cover colleagues’ holidays/sickness absences. The work is only partly sedentary, the duties of caring require physical activity.

A staff room is provided for the convenience of Staff.

Night Care Staff are required to undertake an Annual Health Assessment.

8. SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Close working relationships with the Head of Home, her Deputy and the Senior Care Staff. A good working relationship with residents and staff is essential.

9. ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

Starting Point £6.44 per hour(age 18+). Annual Wage review is on 1 July.

ANNUAL LEAVE

Annual leave is as follows:

up to 5 years’ service - 4 weeks (i.e.17 days per annum pro rata – working 33hrs)

after 5 years’ service - 5 weeks (i.e.21 days per annum pro rata – working 33hrs)

Winter leave of one week included in above must be taken between the 1 November and

31 March. In addition the following public and statutory holidays as recognised by the Wesley Housing Association Ltd will be allowed. (Public holidays only if worked).

New Year’s DayJuly 12 & 13

Easter Monday and TuesdayChristmas Day

May Bank Holiday Boxing Day

If work is required on these days the rate of pay will be two times the current rate and time in lieu will be given which must be taken within 28 days of the public or statutory holiday. No payment or time off will be granted for Statutory Days, unless work is actually undertaken on such a day.

You are eligible to join the Association’s Contributory Pension Scheme.

4 week rota pattern – nights will vary and may include weekends.

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Care Assistant Nights

Updated Mar10