Health Care Assistant

Health Care Assistant (HCA) Enhanced Supervision (ES) Team Permanent Contract, Full Time Hours The role of the HCA ES is to provide additional care, beyond what is provided for within the average daily staffing levels. It is working with patients with altered cognition, who are exhibiting challenging behaviour, who are at risk of falls or at the risk of causing harm to themselves or others. Enhanced Supervision (previously known as Close Supervision) is an integral part of a therapeutic plan and ensures the safe and sensitive monitoring of the patients physical and psychological well-being (including their conduct and mental health), whilst at the same time fostering positive therapeutic relationships. Responsibilities include: Monitors and documents the patients behaviour in the behaviour chart reporting any changes in behaviour and condition to the Reg Nurse, who maintains responsibility for delegated tasks. Assists designated patients with all ADLs. Engages and interacts with the patient whenever the opportunity arises. It is important to elicit the patients preferences, e.g. reading, watching television, listening to music and every effort should be made to accommodate this. Will be aware that the privacy and dignity of the patient must be maintained. Supporting the Reg Nurse in attending to all patients needs. Assisting with nutrition and hydration and assisting patients where required. Working with RN/Multidisciplinary Team in the mobilisation/rehabilitation of patients. Working as part of a team in pressure area prevention. Assisting patients with mouth care as needed. Maintaining high standards in hygiene. Communicating with patients, family and/or parents. Eligibility Criteria - Candidates must have at the closing date for receipt of applications: The relevant Health Skills QQI/FETAC Level 5 qualification, OR an equivalent relevant health care qualification or a comparable healthcare qualification as outlined in the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) NARIC Ireland framework, OR be currently employed as a Health Care Assistant or a comparable role. Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role. Acute experience desirable. Closing date for applicants 1pm on Friday, 12th September 2025. Please note the date for interview (for shortlisted candidates) is Tuesday, 16th September 2025. MUH reserve the right to create a panel for this post from which permanent, fixed term and specified purpose vacancies of a full or part time duration may be filled. Mercy University Hospital (MUH) MUH is a growing voluntary hospital in the heart of Cork City. We have over 1,500 staff providing complex diagnostic, medical and surgical care through our inpatient, day patient, outpatient and emergency services. We are a teaching hospital, a centre of national and international excellence, and are renowned for our research and tertiary services. Providing 24/7 acute surgical, acute medical and critical care, MUH now has multiple sites across the city and continues to expand. We support staff development with approx. 100 promotions annually.We prioritise work life balance with 28% of our team working part time hours.We offer nationally agreed enhanced Salary Scales, Pension Scheme, excellent holidays, canteen, and Study Leave and Assistance. From Cardiac Care to Intensive Care, our varied specialist services offer real career choice to our team.And we live by our Core Values of Compassion, Excellence, Justice, Respect and Team Spirit. Skills: Health Skills Level 5 Qual Acute Hospital Experience Desirable Health Care Assistant Experience Desirable Enhanced Supervision