Cork North, City & County - Qualified Health Care Assistant

Dovida Caregivers provide a range of home care services designed to support, empower, and enhance the lives of people living with disabilities, enabling them to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. As a caregiver, you will deliver essential, person-centred support tailored to each client's individual abilities, preferences, and goals, promoting independence, inclusion, and quality of life.

Care services fall into four main categories:

1. Companionship

Companionship services focus on emotional wellbeing, social inclusion, and meaningful engagement for individuals living with disabilities.

Key responsibilities:

• Providing companionship and engaging in meaningful conversation
• Encouraging participation in daily activities and hobbies
• Assisting with mobility and safe walking
• Preparing meals and supporting independence with eating routines
• Providing medication and appointment reminders

2. Home Help

Home Help services support individuals in maintaining a safe, accessible, and comfortable home environment that promotes independence.

Key responsibilities:

• Performing light housekeeping (dusting, vacuuming, bed-making, changing linens, cleaning kitchens and bathrooms)
• Supporting clients to participate in household tasks where appropriate
• Laundry care (washing and ironing; note: ironing may not be permitted under HSE guidelines)
• Running errands
• Accompanying clients to appointments and community activities

3. Personal Care

Personal Care services provide respectful, dignity-focused assistance with daily living activities, tailored to each individual's needs and abilities.

Key responsibilities:

• Assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Supporting personal hygiene, toileting, and continence care
• Assisting with moving and handling, using appropriate techniques and equipment
• Promoting independence by encouraging clients to do as much as possible for themselves

4. Home Healthcare Assistant Duties

These duties are based on individual care plans and specific needs related to disability, and may require additional training provided by Dovida.

Key responsibilities:

• Catheter care
• Monitoring pressure areas and supporting repositioning
• Medication administration (as trained and permitted)
• Maintaining detailed, accurate, and person-centred care records

Additional Responsibilities

• Uphold and reflect Dovida's core values, with a strong focus on inclusion and respect for individuals with disabilities
• Promote independence, choice, and control in all aspects of care
• Contribute to a positive and empowering home environment
• Communicate regularly with supervisors and office staff
• Use equipment safely in line with policies and procedures
• Accurately report working hours
• Carry out other reasonable duties as required

Essential Experience, Skills, and Qualifications

• Full QQI Level 5 Major Award in a healthcare-related field
• Experience or strong interest in supporting people living with disabilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to support clients with dignity, respect, and empathy
• Friendly and professional manner with clients and families
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Willingness to assist with errands and provide incidental transportation
• High level of motivation and enthusiasm
• Physical fitness and ability to perform manual tasks
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including overnight care
• Excellent punctuality and attendance

The caregiver will work under the guidance and supervision of a registered nurse and will receive full training to implement individualised, person-centred care plans.