Company: Easteden Care Homes

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Job Description:

Job Title: Senior Care Assistant

We have a number of roles available across multiple homes, Omagh and Derry.

Reports to: Nurse In Charge

Department: Care & Nursing Services

About Easteden

At Easteden, we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care and support within environments that are welcoming, compassionate and empowering. We believe every individual deserves to feel valued, respected and safe, and we strive to promote dignity, wellbeing, independence and meaningful outcomes and positive experiences for the individuals we support.

As a growing and values-led organisation, Easteden operates a diverse range of care homes and services, including Owen Mor Care Centre, Mullaghcarn Care Centre, Granard Residential Home and Slieve Na Mon Care Centre, alongside our wider support functions and operations. We are continually strengthening our people, services and systems as we help positively shape the future of care.

Across our organisation, we foster a culture built on collaboration, professionalism, compassion and continuous improvement, where colleagues are encouraged to contribute, develop and thrive. We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive, professional and people-focused, where diversity, inclusion and respect are valued, and talented individuals can build meaningful careers while making a genuine difference to the lives of others.

Role Summary

To provide high-quality, compassionate and person-centred care and support to residents within the home while supporting the effective coordination and oversight of day-to-day care delivery. The Senior Care Assistant plays an important role in promoting resident wellbeing, dignity, independence and positive experiences while acting as a positive role model and providing guidance and support to care teams.

The role involves supporting residents with daily living activities, overseeing care practices, contributing to safe and effective shift coordination and assisting with the supervision and support of care staff within the Home. The Senior Care Assistant will work collaboratively with nursing, care and wider multidisciplinary teams to promote safe, responsive and high-quality care in accordance with organisational policies, professional standards and regulatory requirements.

In the absence of senior nursing or management staff, the Senior Care Assistant may be required to support the coordination of care delivery and day-to-day operational oversight appropriate to the scope of the role.

The role may involve supporting residents living with dementia, mental health conditions, behavioural support needs or complex care requirements depending on the service environment.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery & Stakeholder Experience

Deliver compassionate, high-quality and person-centred care tailored to individual resident needs, preferences and abilities.
Support residents with activities of daily living including personal care, dressing, mobility, nutrition, hydration and emotional wellbeing.
Promote resident dignity, privacy, independence, choice and rights at all times.
Support residents to express their individuality, preferences and choices within daily life and routines.
Assist residents to participate in meaningful activities, social engagement and positive daily experiences that enhance wellbeing and quality of life.
Support opportunities for residents to maintain social connection, confidence and participation within the Home.
Welcome new residents and support them in settling comfortably into the Home.
Observe, monitor and report changes in resident wellbeing, emotional presentation, mental wellbeing or behaviour appropriately to nursing or senior staff.
Support residents with eating and drinking where required and report any concerns regarding nutrition, hydration or wellbeing appropriately.
Promote positive relationships with residents, relatives, visitors and external professionals.
Support effective shift coordination and contribute to the safe and efficient delivery of care across the Home.
Assist in responding appropriately to incidents, emergencies, safeguarding concerns or changes in resident needs.
Support special occasions, wellbeing initiatives and engagement activities within the Home where appropriate.

Leadership & Team Support

Act as a positive role model and provide guidance, support and encouragement to care and ancillary staff.
Support the day-to-day coordination and delegation of care duties appropriate to resident needs and service requirements.
Assist with supervising and supporting staff practice to promote high standards of care, professionalism and resident experience.
Support effective communication, teamwork and collaborative working across the Home.
Contribute positively to induction, mentoring and support of new or less experienced colleagues where required.
Escalate operational concerns, staffing issues, incidents or practice concerns appropriately and without delay.
Promote a culture of dignity, accountability, safeguarding, inclusion and continuous improvement.
Support staff wellbeing and contribute to a respectful and supportive team environment.

Communication & Collaborative Working

Work collaboratively with nursing, care, housekeeping, catering, activities and wider multidisciplinary teams.
Participate positively in handovers, meetings and communication processes to support safe and effective care delivery.
Communicate professionally and compassionately with residents, families, colleagues and visitors.
Maintain effective communication with nursing staff regarding resident wellbeing, observations, concerns or changes in presentation.
Escalate safeguarding concerns, incidents, accidents or operational risks appropriately and in line with organisational procedures, and without delay.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.

Governance, Compliance & Professional Standards

Deliver care in accordance with individual care plans, risk assessments, organisational policies and professional standards.
Maintain accurate records and documentation as required, including care records, monitoring charts, incident reporting and daily reporting systems.
Support safe working practices and comply with infection prevention and control, health and safety, safeguarding, moving and handling and medication-related procedures where appropriate.
Assist nursing staff in supporting safe medicines management processes in accordance with organisational requirements and delegated responsibilities.
Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety and environmental presentation across resident and communal areas.
Use equipment, supplies and organisational resources responsibly and report maintenance or safety concerns appropriately.
Promote a culture of safeguarding, dignity, accountability and continuous improvement within the Home.
Ensure compliance with RQIA, NISCC and organisational requirements where applicable.
Adhere to safeguarding, emergency procedures, fire safety requirements and organisational health and safety processes at all times, escalating concerns appropriately and without delay.

Professional Development & Continuous Improvement

Participate fully in induction, mandatory training, supervision and continuing professional development activities.
Achieve and maintain registration with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) where required.
Maintain awareness of current good practice, organisational procedures and developments relevant to the care sector.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, reflective practice and the ongoing development of professional knowledge and skills.
Support learning and development opportunities within the care team environment.
Contribute positively to service improvement and quality initiatives within the Home.

Values & Behaviours

Demonstrate compassion, professionalism, integrity and respect in all interactions.
Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, dignity and human rights across all aspects of care delivery.
Demonstrate empathy, resilience, professionalism and sound judgement within a dynamic care environment.
Recognise personal limitations and seek guidance or support appropriately when required.
Contribute positively to Eastedens culture of collaboration, accountability and person-centred care.

Additional Responsibilities

Support operational oversight and shift coordination responsibilities where reasonably required within the scope of the role.
Attend meetings, training sessions and organisational events as required.
Support wider Home operations where reasonably required within the scope of the role.
Undertake any other duties reasonably requested in line with the scope, responsibility and seniority of the role.

Job Description Review

Whilst Easteden seeks to maintain consistency in role design and expectations across the Group, some duties and responsibilities may reasonably vary depending on the location, service type, operational requirements or structure of the individual service. Any such variations will remain consistent with the overall purpose, skill level and core responsibilities of the role and will not fundamentally alter the nature of the position.

This job description outlines the primary duties, responsibilities and expectations of the role at the time of issue. As Easteden continues to grow and evolve, the responsibilities and scope of the role may reasonably develop in line with organisational needs, service requirements and operational priorities.

Employees will be consulted and notified of any significant or material changes to the role in accordance with organisational procedures.

The Requirements

Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Registration

GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent qualification);

Demonstrable literacy and numeracy skills appropriate to the role.
Willingness to achieve and maintain NISCC registration.
Willingness to participate in mandatory training and ongoing professional development.

Experience & Knowledge

Minimum of 2 years experience supporting vulnerable adults within a regulated care, healthcare or residential environment
Demonstrable experience supporting person-centred care delivery and responding to the needs of individuals requiring daily living support.
Understanding of the responsibilities associated with senior care practice, staff support and day-to-day operational coordination within a regulated care environment.

Service Delivery & Engagement

Ability to provide compassionate, person-centred care and support tailored to individual resident needs and preferences.
Ability to support residents with personal care, mobility, nutrition, hydration and emotional wellbeing needs.
Ability to respond appropriately to changing resident needs, incidents or emergency situations within the scope of the role.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Strong spoken and written English communication skills with the ability to complete accurate documentation, participate in handovers and communicate effectively with residents, families, colleagues and external professionals.
Ability to provide guidance, support and positive role modelling to colleagues within a team environment.
Ability to demonstrate empathy, professionalism, resilience and sound judgement within a dynamic care environment.

Leadership & Teamworking

Positive, flexible and professional approach with the ability to support, motivate and work collaboratively with colleagues.
Ability to support delegation and coordination of care duties appropriately within the team environment.
Commitment to promoting dignity, inclusion, accountability and person-centred care.

Governance, Safety & Professional Standards

Understanding of the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding, infection prevention and control, health and safety and professional boundaries.
Commitment to maintaining accurate records and complying with organisational policies and procedures.
Understanding of the importance of safe medicines management and delegated responsibilities within the scope of the role.

IT & Administration

Ability to maintain accurate care records and documentation appropriately.
Good organisational and communication skills.

Other Requirements

Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays where required.
Ability to undertake duties associated with supporting residents and contributing to operational oversight within a care environment.
Satisfactory AccessNI clearance at the level required for the role and in accordance with organisational and regulatory requirements.

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications & Registration

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).