Healthcare Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

Healthcare Assistant

Reference No:
QUALIFICATIONS
Each candidate must on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office: Provide evidence of a level 5 Major award (QQI or FETAC) in the area of Health Service Skills 5M3782, Health Care Support 5M4339, or Nursing Studies 5M4349. In the absence of this a mix of 6 modules below will be considered as outlined below: Please include reference numbers for clarity on your CV as some modules have similar names but different content: 5N3734 Infection Prevention and Control 5N2270 Care Skills 5N0690 Communications 5N1794 Safety and Health at work 5N1367 Team working 5N1390 Personal Effectiveness 5N2706 Care of the Older Person 5N0972 Customer Service 5N3769 Palliative care Support 5N3707 Activities of living Patient Care Or Have 1 Year of recent experience as a Health Care Assistant or a comparable patient contact role and be willing to complete the relevant QQI Level 5 within one year of commencing employment at TUH. Or An equivalent relevant health care qualification or a comparable healthcare qualification as outlined in the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) NARIC Ireland framework. And Must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role. Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 2. Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.

3. Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

4. Be of good character.

5. Garda Vetting
Garda Vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital. Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate. The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquired during the course of your employment. Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda Vetting Unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate this contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda Vetting policy.
6. Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015 Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child's health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on ; It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

1. The appointments are full-time, part-time, permanent and pensionable.

2. Remuneration:
Remuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of Health & Children. Current remuneration with effect from 1st October 2023 is:
€32,473 by 9 increments to €41,488
Salary scales will be updated in line with nationally agreed pay agreements and will be updated accordingly and retrospective payments applied as applicable.

3. Pension arrangements and Retirement Age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:

(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme

Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.

(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.

(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.

(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes). The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

4. Duties:
The Healthcare Assistant will perform such duties as are outlined in this job description.

5. Hours of work:
Normal working hours are 39 worked over 7 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.

6. Probation:
The successful candidate will be appointed initially for a probationary period of 6 months. During the probationary period progress or otherwise will be monitored and at the end of the probationary period the service will (a) be certified as satisfactory and confirmed in writing or (b) if not satisfactory, the probationary period may be extended by 3 months.

7. Annual Leave:
The annual leave entitlement is 23 working days per year plus 10 Bank Holidays per annum as they occur. The annual leave year runs from 1st of April to 31st March each year.

8. Sick Leave:
Payment of salary during illness will be in accordance with arrangements as approved from time to time by the Department of Health and Children.

9. Termination of Office:
The employment may be terminated at any time by one month notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management's right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY Maintain throughout the Hospital awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all Hospital activities. Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Mission, Vision and Values of the Hospital. Report to Ward Manager and/or persons designated by them. Assist in the delivery of patient care under the supervision of the CNM and Staff Nurses. The primary role is to assist Nurses with nursing care and associated duties. GENERAL DUTIES Make unoccupied beds and assist nursing staff to make beds. Move beds and furniture within ward as requested. Ensure kitchen is clean and tidy after use. The following duties are necessary duties outside kitchen staff normal working hours. Setting trays Distributing and collecting trays/crockery. Ensuring patients have fresh water. The following tasks need to be undertaken at the request of Registered Nurses. Assist with confused or agitated patient following assessment by nursing staff. Escort/ transport the patient within or outside the Hospital as required. Remain with patients who require custodial supervision. Assist with the last offices and preparation of the deceased for transfer to the mortuary Patient Admission Check that bed and locker are prepared. Deal with patient's personal property (except medications money or other valuables) in accordance with hospital policy. Assist patients to dress and pack in preparation for discharge. Change ward curtains as requested. Report broken items in need of repair to CNM or Staff Nurse in charge Communication Report any complaints of pain, distress expressed by patients. Answer telephones, locate appropriate personnel and direct enquires concerning patient's condition to nursing staff. Receive and direct visitors within the ward. Assist patients to make telephone calls. Answer call bells and report requests to nursing staff. Ensure that bells are in working order and are within the reach of the patient. Ward Hygiene Wash and disinfect beds, lockers and wardrobes following discharge of the patients and as required. Clean all equipment on the Ward e.g. IV stands, Commodes, Hoists, Bed Cages, Wheelchairs etc. Assemble equipment as required e.g. trolleys, drip stands etc. Assist with the disposal of clinical waste. Attend to spillages immediately to reduce the risk of accidents. Ensure linen cupboard and store areas are kept tidy and stocked. Ensure correct laundry bags are used and tied and (c) the correct use of alginate bags. Ensure correct laundry bags are used, tied and also correct use of alginate bags. Assist with disposal of clinical waste and clean procedure trolleys use. Other Responsibilities Be familiar comply with the Hospital policies in relation to Health and Safety, Fire. Major Disaster, Infection control, Waste Disposal including disposal of soiled linen, smoking policy and Patients Charter. Report all incidents involving self, patients or visitors to CNM or Staff Nurse in charge. Assist with emergency first aid as directed. Attend in-service instruction as required / further education Deal with ward/patients' plants, flowers as requested by registered nurses. All staff be willing to be trained in computer systems applicable to the role. SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY

Hygiene Bath, shower, dress and undress the patient as directed Shave male patients. Supervise and assist the patient when using/removing and emptying bed-pans, commodes, in toilets and bathrooms and associated hygiene. Help the patient to wash teeth and dentures and assist with associated hygiene needs Care for the Patient's soiled clothes Assist with the care of the unconscious patient. Assist with the care of the incontinent patient Assist patients who are confined to bed with their toilet needs. Assist with bed bathing and in caring for the patient's hair and finger nails As requested give and remove bedpans, urinals, commodes, and disposal of excreta (check first with Registered Nurse). Use of bed pan washer disinfector. Nutrition Help to prepare and support the patient during meal times Feed the helpless patient as directed Cut up food for patients. Ensure patients dietary needs are adhered to, including special diets or supplementary drinks under the direction of the nursing staff. Prepare and serve food/drinks outside of normal catering hours and collect cookery etc. where necessary. Assist patients to complete menu cards where necessary. Mobilisation Assist with moving and handling of patients, using appropriate aids. Assist the patient with walking and limb exercises as directed Assist with turning and re-positioning patients. Ensure the patient is comfortable in beds and chairs. Information Technology Ensure that the team makes the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner, which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation. Ensure that all staff are trained in the use of computer systems, which are used in the management of patient episodes in the Hospital, e.g.: Pims, Order comms, Symphony, sap, core. Health & Safety Ensure the compliance of all your staff with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. Comply and enact Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital policies, protocols and procedures relevant to your area. Prepare risk assessments and departmental safety statements as required. Hygiene/Infection Control Ensure that all your staff are advised of their responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as "The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection." Act as a role model and actively promote infection control and prevention and ensure that staff in your area familiarise themselves with the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual. Ensure that staff in your area are aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection. Ensure that all your staff are advised that they have a responsibility to prevent the transmission of infection particularly in relation to hand hygiene. Quality, safety and risk management Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital. Confidentiality You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality. To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control. Data Management Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018. Development of Hospital Groups The Hospital Structure is currently under review and therefore, reporting relationships may change. The development of Hospital Groups may require the post-holder to adopt a different reporting relationship and additional accountabilities. Full consultation will take place in advance of any such change.

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