Healthcare Assistant – Kilcock, County Kildare

About InisCare

InisCare is dedicated to ensuring that contented caregivers contribute to satisfied clients by offering compassionate, reliable home care services under the guidance of a skilled and empathetic leadership team. Our mission is to empower caregivers to provide professional and caring support that helps individuals maintain active and fulfilling lives at home.

Position Summary

The Healthcare Assistant is responsible for supporting clients to live safely and happily in their own homes. Duties include helping with personal care needs such as bathing, dressing, managing incontinence, meal preparation, and light housekeeping tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Adhere to the latest safety protocols including safe moving and handling of individuals.
• Report any concerns about clients or colleagues who may not be following safety standards directly to your supervisor.
• Immediately notify your manager of any safeguarding incidents or suspected safeguarding issues.
• Maintain accurate, factual documentation of all care activities and tasks completed during each shift.
• Respect and protect client confidentiality at all times.
• Participate in all scheduled training and work within defined professional and safety boundaries.
• Perform all care tasks—including medication prompts, personal care, and meal assistance—with dignity and respect towards the client.
• Encourage clients to maintain autonomy and participate in decision-making about their care.
• Engage in regular conversation with clients throughout the shift, catering to all verbal and cognitive abilities, ensuring interactions remain professional.
• Attend all scheduled shifts punctually and inform the office promptly if unable to attend or if running late; direct communication with clients regarding absences is not permitted.

Qualifications and Training Requirements

• QQI Level 5 Healthcare Award or equivalent qualification.
• Mandatory training courses include Children’s First, Safeguarding, Dementia Care, GDPR, Basics of Infection Prevention and Control, Hand Hygiene, and Proper Use of PPE in Community Healthcare—all available through HSE LAND and AMRIC.

Essential Skills

• Competence in basic patient care such as bathing, dressing, and feeding assistance.
• Support clients with mobility and exercise activities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills combined with active listening abilities.
• Ability to follow established protocols and instructions accurately.
• Provide emotional support, companionship, and reassurance.
• Familiarity with healthcare equipment and devices used in client care.
• Effective time management and prioritization of tasks during shifts.

Desired Competencies

• Empathy and compassion towards clients’ emotional and physical needs.
• Effective collaboration and teamwork within healthcare settings.
• Adaptability to changing client needs and work environments.
• Eagerness to learn new skills and procedures continuously.
• Attention to detail for observation and reporting.
• Physical endurance to perform demanding care tasks.
• Reliability, punctuality, and professional appearance.
• Strict adherence to ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Good problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Experience

Applicants with one year of paid experience are preferred, but candidates holding the QQI Level 5 qualification without prior experience will also be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly wages ranging between €14.50 and €20.00 depending on qualifications and experience.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel.
• Referral bonus of €150 for successful referrals.
• Participation in bike-to-work schemes.
• Access to a mentorship program.
• Sponsored training for QQI Level 5 Care Skills and Elderly Care Modules.
• Clear career progression pathways and guidance.
• A welcoming bonus of €200 upon joining.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace free from discrimination, ensuring equality across gender, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, and membership of the Traveller community. Recruitment, training, and promotion processes are merit-based and comply with the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. Our environment values respect and dignity for all employees.