Residential Support Worker (Health Care Assistant)

The Anne Sullivan Centre (ASC) located on Brewery Road, Stillorgan, Co Dublin, A94 Y763, provides residential, day and outreach expertise and care to people who are deafblind. We are a small organisation providing intensive professional support to individuals who are experiencing significant multi-sensory challenges. At present we are recruiting a Residential Support Worker (Health Care Assistant) to assist residents with many activities of daily living.  The Residential Support Worker is responsible for providing day-to-day care to the Residents.

The position reports to the Team Leader.

In this role based  you will be working full-time (39 hours per week – 8am to 8pm days) supporting Individuals with complex communication needs and a range of hearing and/or sight loss. In some cases, the Individuals you support will have behaviours that challenge and may have some learning difficulties and/or mental health issues.  

Care of Residents:

Ensure that the life and experience of each Resident reflects the core values of the ASC and their person-centred plans and that all Residents:

    Experience dignity and respect.

    Are supported to live an ordinary life, accessing the same local facilities as others.

    Are provided with opportunities to make choices and decisions about their lives.

    Are supported to make sense of their environment, learn new skills and maximise their independence.

RSWs also ensure that they:

    Get to know each Resident in their care.

    Pay attention to the ‘cues’ in behaviour and follow the positive behaviour support model.

    Understand and facilitate Residents’ needs using appropriate communication systems.

    Establish, through continuity of work with Residents, trusting professional relationships.

    Accompany Residents to appointments and other events as required.

    Act as advocate for Residents – within the ASC and in the community - who may have difficulty in expressing their needs.

    Support individuals to keep in contact with family and friends and to develop their social networks if they choose to.

    Assist Residents who have reduced mobility.

    Support Individuals with their health, well-being and personal care if required.

    If necessary, use Safety Intervention training, to ensure they can respond effectively to any potentially challenging situations - training provided.

    Adhere to all ASC Policies, Procedures, Employee Handbook and work practices.

    Adhere to all relevant national standards

Work collaboratively and supportively with Multi- disciplianary team.

Essential Requirements

    Minimum of QQ1 Level 5 in Healthcare/Social Care or relevant field

Desirable Requirements

    QQI Level 7 Degree in Social Care or a degree in a related discipline is an advantage

    Ideally a minimum of 6 months experience in a care setting

    Experience providing Individuals with positive behaviour supports

    Appreciation of the skills required to support Individuals who have combined vision and hearing loss