Job Description: Carer
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS
REPORTING TO: Senior Carer/ Qualified Nursing Staff
Required:
• Genuine interest in working within a caring environment
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Team player
• Willingness to participate in Vocational Training Programmes and Dementia Care Training
• Satisfactory Police Check
Desired:
• Carer certificate and registered with SANC
• Experience of working with the Client living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia
JOB PURPOSE:
Care Assistants are the front line staff in all care settings. You will work as part of a larger team and are supervised by a Senior Care Assistant. Your work is defined by a Care Plan, which is developed by a qualified Nurse, Social Worker or Care Manager to meet the assessed needs of the service user.
Care:
You will work with all types of service users receiving direct care. Your duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the needs of the service user but can include:
• Ensuring the highest possible levels of care are maintained by supporting / assisting Clients, when required, with washing, toileting, dressing, undressing, and all other aspects of daily living.
• Assisting Clients in all aspects of their care needs (e.g. physical, emotional and spiritual). Providing attention when needed, whilst ensuring Clients retain their comfort and dignity.
• Paying particular attention to assisting Clients who have limited mobility, or physical /learning difficulties, making the best use of aids provided.
• Closely monitoring Clients who may be confused and/or who have behavioural problems. Assisting in the promotion of Continence.
• Assisting in the delivery of care for Clients who are dying or who have a progressive illness.
• Assisting with Last Offices.
• Observing care planning needs for Clients and completing written daily records as instructed and in line with the Company’s policies and procedures.
• Assisting in framework of social activities by interacting with Clients and helping them continue with hobbies and activities in the Home.
• Answering Nurse Call system and giving assistance as required. Answering the door and telephone appropriately. Responding accordingly, and passing on messages promptly.
• Under the supervision and guidance of senior Care Staff, reporting on the well-being of Clients.
• Carrying out regular checks on Clients at intervals determined by senior Staff Members.
• Making Visitors feel welcome. Providing refreshments / assistance as and when required.
• Making and changing beds, ensuring that rooms are clean and tidy, and commodes are empty. Ensuring the Home’s resources are used appropriately.
• Cleaning and maintaining equipment used by Clients / Relatives e.g. wheelchairs, hearing aids, spectacles etc. Ensuring the Home is kept clean and tidy, in line with the Company’s attention to detail philosophy.
• If applicable, care for Clients’ clothing and rooms as named, and ensuring that all clothing is recorded and clearly marked.
• Ensuring full privacy and dignity is maintained for the dying and the bereaved, in line with the Company’s policies and procedures.
• Assisting Clients who need help during meal times (and awareness of any swallowing difficulties, dietary requirements etc). Assisting with serving of food / drinks as requested / required. Washing up as requested / required.
• Escorting Clients travelling to and from the Home e.g. on social outings, hospital visits etc.
• Practicing maximum integrity in all dealings with Clients and avoiding abuse of the privileged relationship that exists with Clients.
Communication:
• Participating in Staff and Client meetings as and when required.
• Training and Development:
• Maintaining professional knowledge and competence.
• Attending mandatory training days / courses, on or off site, as and when required.
• Participating in relevant training to achieve required qualifications.
Health and Safety:
• Reporting immediately to the Home Manager, or Person in Charge, any illness of an infectious nature or accident incurred by a Client, colleague, self or another.
• Understanding and ensuring the implementation of the Home’s Quality Control, Health and Safety, Infection Control and Hygiene policies, and Emergency and Fire procedures.
• Reporting to the Home Manager, or the Handyperson, any faulty appliances, damaged furniture, equipment or any potential hazard.
• Promoting safe working practice within the Home.
• Adhere to the Home’s Disposal of Waste policy.
General:
• Taking steps to protects Residents from any form of abuse or neglect and use the appropriate reporting mechanisms to inform the Home’s Management of any concerns.
• Adhering to all new, and changes in Local and Central Government initiatives as and when they are implemented.
• Promoting and ensuring the good reputation of the Home.
• Ensuring that all information of a confidential nature gained in the course of duty is not divulged to third parties.
• Notifying the Home Manager, or the Person in Charge, as soon as possible of your inability to report for duty, and also on your return to work from all periods of absence.
• Ensuring the security of the Home is maintained at all times.
• Adhering to all Company policies and procedures within the defined time scales.
• Ensuring all equipment is clean and well maintained.
• Carrying out any other tasks that may be reasonably assigned to you.
This Job Description indicates only the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list.