Offaly And Limerick: Healthcare Assistant / Support Worker Separated Children

About Us

At Harmony we focus on the care, safety and protection of our children. Our incredible team ensures that each individual child’s goals and potential are fully supported, nurtured and given every opportunity to grow, make mistakes, have positive experiences, learn new skills and most importantly, develop a sense of safety and security. We strongly believe that a child-centred approach, focused on relationships and empathy, positively promotes the wellbeing of our children. Harmony maintains stability, ensures reliability and inspires hope by consistently upholding the highest standards in children's residential services. Harmony is a regulated and approved provider of children's residential services, operating under contract with Tusla.

Location: Offaly (near Birr/ Tullamore) and Limerick (Castletroy)

Reports to: Centre Manager

Role Overview: As a Health Care Assistant / Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in providing care and assistance to separated children seeking international protection. Your responsibilities will include creating a safe, supportive, and culturally sensitive environment to help these children feel secure and supported during their transition.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day care and support to children in accordance with individual plans.
• Assist with daily activities, including facilitating education, meal preparation, and recreational activities.
• Build trusting relationships with children, fostering a sense of safety and belonging.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver a holistic approach to care.
• Promote cultural sensitivity and understanding in all interactions.
• Document and report on the children’s progress and any concerns to the management team.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies, procedures, and legal requirements.

Teamwork and Professional Engagement

• To engage in specific duties assigned by the management team
• To attend all team meetings.
• To attend trainings required to support you in your role.
• To foster good working relationships with professionals from other disciplines and agencies.
• To engage in any inspections taking place in the Centre

Professional Development

• To maintain effective self-care practices
• To engage in training appropriate to your role as provided by the Organisation.
• To undertake any additional training and development programmes the Centre may consider appropriate to enhance your contribution to the work.
• Be responsible for your own personal training and development plan.

Safeguarding

• To report any child protection and welfare concerns to the DLP immediately.
• To ensure solid knowledge of the Organisation's Child Safeguarding Statement in regard to potential risks of harm and the risk management plan in response to the potential risks.
• To engage in risk management assessments for any identified safeguarding concern relating to young people in your care.
• Raise any issue that amounts to a protected disclosure in line with the relevant policy and procedures within the Organisation.

Other Responsibilities

• To carry out general housework and preparation of meals, involving the children as appropriate.
• To ensure that petty cash is reconciled at the commencement and conclusion of every shift.
• To keep accurate and up to date records and reports in respect of individual children and the daily activities of the home.
• To ensure that recording systems are fully completed on a daily basis and that handover follows the correct procedure to ensure effective communication.
• To agree a supervision contract with your supervisor and adhere to the conditions agreed.
• To maintain and develop a good understanding of current research and theory in order to keep abreast of ongoing developments in Social Care.
• To professionally represent Harmony Care in all capacities.

What We’re Looking For:

• Previous experience in a care or support worker role (experience with children is an advantage).
• A genuine passion for supporting and caring for young people.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Relevant qualifications in health care assistant or other relevant qualifications
• Fluency in additional languages is an asset.
• A clean and valid driving license is desirable but not mandatory.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

  Team Member Benefits

• Two and a half day induction which is further supported by a 6-month employee development programme.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) available to team members and their family/ partners (over 16 years)
• 192 hours of annual leave per annum plus bank holiday entitlements
• Structured Supervision
• Professional Development Opportunities to support career progression.
• Complimentary paid core professional training provided.
• Full rate of pay for sleeping hours and sleeping hours may be included in employees working week.
• Designated Mental Health Officers in place in each Centre and a strong focus on Employee Wellbeing.
• Social Days (twice per annum per team) and these events are planned by Centre Teams.

Required Criteria

• FETAC Level 5 in Health Care Support or other relevant FETAC level 5 qualification
• The right to live and Work in Ireland

Desired Criteria

• Full clean Drivers Licence

Skills Needed

Mentoring & Coaching, Building Relationships

About The Company

Our mission is to provide whatever supports are required to assist individuals in reaching their potential and becoming integrated into their community.

Company Culture

Harmony Residential Care’s team of fully qualified professionals work alongside individuals, their family, the HSE and any other clinical professionals with a legitimate interest in the individual’s progression and development.

Company Benefits

Vacation, Paid time off, Paid sick days, Employee development programs, Referral bonus, Competitive salary, Employee Assistance Scheme, Wellbeing Scheme, Social Opportunities, Annual performance review, Culture of recognition, On the job learning, Progression opportunities, Access to Health & Wellbeing app, Bereavement leave, Staff celebration events

Salary

Not disclosed