Health Care Assistant

Applications are now invited for the following position: Health Care Assistant (HCA) 1.0 WTE Full time, Specified Purpose Contract (77 hours fortnight) Applications are welcome from anyone who holds requisite qualifications and is available for the time-period. The successful applicant must: Hold a minimum FETAC level 5 qualification ideally in a healthcare discipline (must demonstrate proof) Hold a full, clean category B driving license and be willing to drive a hospital van Be aged between 23 and 69 years of age for insurance purposes Have experience of facilitating group activities both face-to-face and virtual either personally or professionally Have experience working in a mental health or psychosocial setting and with different healthcare professionals Ability to interact on a one-to-one basis with service users of different backgrounds and in various stages of mental health recovery Have genuine concern for others Can demonstrate kindness, compassion, and patience Ability to clean clinical equipment such as crash trolley, defibrillator, suction machine, centrifuge, refrigerator etc. in line with infection control guidelines Ability to plan and facilitate creative activities with service users such as art & crafts Knowledge of Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Office Suite Must be eligible to work in Ireland or hold a work permit Informal enquiries only to: Sherrie Buckley, Occupational Therapy Manager Tel: Email: (APPLICATIONS SHOULD NOT BE MADE TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS) Please note that if you are viewing this advert via Irishjobs, the contact details for informal enquires above are not visible as irishjobs do not allow telephone numbers or emails to be present in adverts. However, these details are visible in the advert on the St Patricks website in the career vacancies section. Applications in the form of covering letter and Curriculum Vitae, clearly stating the post being applied for should be uploaded as one documentbyFriday, 21st March 2025. Panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled St Patrick's Mental Health Services is an equal opportunities employee Please note that while we seldom work with recruitment agencies, on the rare occasions we specify that we will accept CVs from recruitment agencies, it is only from those who engage in ethical practice. We do not expect recruitment agencies to charge candidates for placements, and do not condone this behaviour as it is not accepted practice. The role Health Care Assistant (HCA) 1.0 WTE Full time, Specified Purpose Contract(77 hours/fortnight) St Patrick's Mental Health Services (SPMHS) is Ireland's largest independent, not-for-profit mental health service. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality mental healthcare, to promoting mental health awareness, and to advocating for the rights of those experiencing mental health difficulties. The Health Care Assistant (HCA) will deliver Service User care within SPMHS multi-disciplinary care setting in the form of liaison services, communication, supervision, and access co-ordination, accompanying, group facilitation and assistance with Service User orientated events in SMPHS. The HCA will report to the Occupational Therapy Manager. The standard working week applying to this post is 77 hours per fortnight. The benefits We offer you many employee benefits, including: A competitive salary range: €36,154 €41,585 19 days annual leave Pension scheme Ongoing training Paid study leave and funding for further education Support for career advancement and professional development A subsidised canteen and onsite gym Bike to Work and TaxSaver Commuter Ticket schemes. Location St Patricks Mental Health Services, Jamess Street, Dublin 8, incorporating St Patricks Lucan, Willow Grove Adolescent Unit, the Dean Clinics, and other services operated by St Patricks Mental Health Services. Responsibilities Front of House Related Duties Meet and Greet Service Users in/at Admissions Offer tea, coffee, refreshments Orientate Service Users to immediate facilities e.g., toilets, fresh drinking water Orientate Service Users to admission procedures or workflow that they will experience and the likely timelines for each phase (procedure time and waiting times) Bring Service Users to Consultants offices from Reception Bring Service Users to Group and Activity Rooms as required Bring Service Users on garden walks as required Assist Service Users/Visitors with the car park machine and barrier as required Assist with service user visiting as required Events Related Duties Provide service to departments within the hospital that host Service User focused events. This will normally be at the request of the Occupational Therapy Manager and on occasion support may be required by other departments such as Communications & Social Work Assist the Activity department & Art Committee during with the preparations for the Hospital Art Exhibitions as required Assist with the Service User Art Exhibition i.e., in-take of submissions and return of works, hanging of exhibition, general queries etc. Assist with Activity/Occupational Therapy Dept. activities I.E. Tree Decorating Party Orientation Related Duties Facilitate an orientation tour of SPUH/SPL as required Aid the delivery of the support and information centre in assisting Service Users in a range of areas e.g., assisting the completion of forms, distribution of Service User Information Booklet, accompanying Service Users to places they wish to go in the hospital, practically assisting with general queries like help topping up phone Provide or facilitate daily/ regular meetings with Service Users to explain the activity timetable and the hospitals facilities as required Gym/ Exercise Duties Accompany Service Users on daily group walks both on hospital property and in the community. Service User Transfer Duties Be part of a rota facilitating service users transfer to St Patricks Hospital Lucan, if required, during the following times: 5pm and 8pm Monday through Thursday, Friday afternoons to 8pm 8am to 8pm during leave of the individual who facilitates transfers Monday through Friday or as required Drive the hospital van for specific service user activities or outings such as the EDP day-patient group Occupational Therapy & Activity Department Related Duties Accompany Service Users that need additional support on the Pathways Day Programme and Eating Disorder Programme or another Day Programmes as required Facilitate or co-facilitate anti-tension/relaxation group/guided meditation Maintain Music Room, Library, OT Kitchen, and Garden by reporting to the OT Manager any recognised needs or faults with equipment Maintain occupational therapy stores including equipment and stationery Meet with Service Users referred to the music room. Orient them to the area and provide them with the usage guidelines Maintain the Music Room list on the S drive and ensure reception have an up-to-date list of all Service Users referred to the music room and garden Keep the Shomera tidy and keep accurate inventory of what plants/items need to be ordered in the Service User Garden Keep the pet area of the Service User Garden tidy and ensure the equipment/supplies are replenished. Advise when items need to be ordered Accompany Service Users to the Activity Department or on garden walks when required Supervise closed areas e.g., Garden, Music Room Maintain the Service User Library including the re-shelving of books and handling book donations Assist with Occupational therapy & Activity groups when appropriate Assist in the Art, Craft, OT Kitchen, and Pottery Rooms when required Assist with any new developments as appropriate where prior consultation takes place Accompany Service Users, guest and their pets to the Service User Garden with Pet Area and inform them of the rules Facilitate and supervise evening activities as required Supervise Service User Garden access and co-ordinate activities in the Garden. Facilitate a gardening group Facilitate and moderate virtual activities using Microsoft Teams Supervise pet visiting Provide recreational activities and support to Vanessa Ward (over 65 Unit) and Dean Swift Ward/SCU and other wards as requested or required Cleaning of Clinical Equipment Clean all clinical equipment in line with associated procedures, SOP, infection control and local policies Clinical Equipment includes but is not limited to: Drip Stands, BP Stands, Laundry Trolleys, Walking Frames, Free Standing Fans, Assisted Toilet Seats, Wheelchairs, Commodes, Weighing Scales, Shower Chairs, Assisted Baths, Hoist, ECG Frame, Shower Stool, Zimmer Frames, Refrigerator, Defibrillator, Crash Trolley, Suction Machine, Centrifuge etc. Cleaning of clinical equipment has priority over other service user activities This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. The person appointed may be required to perform other duties as appropriate which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the position. The person appointed will be assigned specific targets in terms of tasks and revenue. Person specification Qualifications and/or experience Candidates must have: Hold a minimum FETAC level 5 qualification in a healthcare discipline (must demonstrate proof) Hold a full, clean category B driving license and be willing to drive a hospital van Be aged between 23 and 69 years of age for insurance purposes Have experience of facilitating group activities both face-to-face and virtual Have experience working in an inpatient mental health setting and with different healthcare professionals (highly desirable) Professional knowledge, competencies, and skills Skills, competencies and/or knowledge Knowledge of clinical departments within the hospital and their roles and functions An awareness of the Mental Health Commission as a regulatory body. An awareness of the existence of the MHCs Judgement Support Framework on which the hospital is assessed Understanding of and commitment to the current Hospital Strategy Ability to interact on a one-to-one basis with service users of different backgrounds and in various stages of mental health recovery Have genuine concern for others Have the ability to demonstrate kindness, compassion, and patience Possess good verbal communications skills Communication - Ability to communicate effectively to varied individuals and groups in a clear manner with organised expression of thought Solving Problems - Ability to take initiative and solve problems with relevant information. Coping with Pressure - Ability to cope with pressure and demands while maintaining a positive attitude and prioritize activities/events effectively. Proven ability to work in a team - Ability to develop and maintain constructive working relationships at all levels within the Organisation. Organisational, Administrative and I.T. skills - Ability to access and record information using computerised systems and undertake paperwork. Ability to take direction Please note all above criteria are essential unless otherwise noted. Terms and Conditions Tenure: 1.0 WTE Full time, Specified Purpose, and pensionable. Working Week: The standard hours for this position are 77 hours/fortnight. Salary: The salary for the position is based on the Health Care Assistant (HCA) 2025 pay scale, €36,154 €41,585, and is commensurate with experience. Annual Leave The annual leave associated with the position is 19 days. Pension: All pensionable staff become members of the pension scheme after successful completion of probation. The scheme is a defined contribution scheme with a deduction from the salary of the employee of 4%.In respect of an internal appointment being made, the individuals existing pension arrangements will continue. Probation: The appointee will be appointed in a probationary capacity for the first six months during which time the job holders performance will be subject to ongoing review.Any extension to or suspension of the period of probation will be in line with the European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) 2022. Health: The appointee must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the position and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Character: The appointee must be of good character. Retirement Age: Normal retirement age for employees is 66 years which at present is also normal pension age. Skills: Health Care Assistant Hospital Mental Health