Health Care Assistant (HCA)

Applications

• 1.0 WTE, Permanent Contract x 2 - 77 hours per fortnight
• 1.0 WTE, Specified Purpose Contract - 4 5 months duration, 77 hours per fortnight

The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) role is a non traditional position involving individual and group interaction with service users. HCAs are primarily responsible for cleaning clinical equipment and supporting group activities as part of the organisation's Recreational Activity Programme. These activities support service users' wellbeing, engagement and recovery. The role also includes accompanying service users, facilitating group sessions and assisting with service user focused events within SPMHS. One of the two positions will be rostered to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Candidates invited for interview will be required to deliver a 7 minute group activity of their choosing with the interview panel.

About the Organisation

St Patrick's Mental Health Services (SPMHS) is Ireland's largest independent, not for profit mental health service. We employ over 700 staff and provide high quality mental healthcare, promote mental health awareness and advocate for those experiencing mental health difficulties.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: €37,386 - €42,926
• 19 days annual leave
• Pension scheme (defined contribution, 4% deduction)
• Ongoing training and paid study leave for further education
• Career advancement and professional development support
• Subsidised canteen and onsite gym
• Bike to Work and TaxSaver commuter ticket schemes

Contact

Sherrie Buckley, Occupational Therapy Manager
Tel:
Email:

Responsibilities Front of House Duties

• Welcome Service Users in Admissions
• Offer refreshments during admission
• Orient Service Users to key facilities
• Accompany Service Users to consultants' offices, group sessions and activity rooms
• Accompany Service Users on therapeutic garden walks as per care plans
• Support Service User visits to ensure a positive experience

Events Duties

• Support Service user focused events in collaboration with OT, Communications, Social Work and other departments
• Assist with preparation, support and delivery of hospital art exhibitions, including the Service User art exhibition
• Contribute to organisational events (Tree Decorating Party, First Fortnight, Family Day)

Orientation Duties

• Facilitate hospital orientation tours (SPUH/SPL)
• Provide information sessions on the Service User Information Booklet and supports available
• Assist Service Users with completing forms, accessing information booklets, navigation within the hospital and practical queries (e.g. phone credit)

Exercise Facilitation

• Lead and support daily structured group walks (up to three per day) within hospital grounds and the community, aligned with therapeutic goals

Service User Transfer Duties

• Participate in rota for transferring Service Users to/from St Patrick's Hospital, Lucan
• Drive hospital van in line with road safety, health & safety, and organisational policies

Occupational Therapy & Activity Duties

• Support & facilitate Service Users in Day programmes (e.g. Pathways, Eating Disorder Programme)
• Facilitate/co facilitate relaxation and meditation sessions (in person and virtual)
• Maintain therapy spaces (Music Room, Library, OT Kitchen, Garden); report issues promptly
• Manage OT supplies, equipment and inventory (including garden/Shomera)
• Orient Service Users to the Music Room and maintain referral records
• Maintain and oversee the Service User Garden, including activities, gardening groups and pet visits
• Supervise designated areas (Garden, Pool Room) for safe use in line with policy and procedures
• Maintain Service User Library and manage book donations
• Assist in OT, art, craft, kitchen and pottery sessions as required
• Support development of new initiatives
• Facilitate evening and virtual activities (Microsoft Teams)
• Provide activities across wards as required (Vanessa Ward, Dean Swift Ward/Special Care)
• Facilitate a range of recreational activity groups (arts, games, baking, mindfulness, etc.)
• Set up/support sessions with external facilitators (in person/virtual)
• Complete clear shift handovers (verbal/written)
• Set up and restore activities rooms, including equipment and materials
• Any other duties as operationally required and directed by the Head of Occupational Therapy

Cleaning of Clinical Equipment

• Clean clinical equipment in line with SOPs, infection control and local policies
• Report faulty, missing or defective equipment to OT Manager or CNM

Person Specification

• Hold a minimum FETAC Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in a healthcare related discipline; proof of certification required
• Possess a full, clean Category B driving licence and be willing to drive a hospital vehicle as part of the role
• Be aged 23-69 years to meet insurance eligibility criteria
• Demonstrate facilitation skills for a variety of group activities, including task based and meditation focused groups, delivered both in person and virtually
• Have experience working within an inpatient mental health setting and collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team (highly desirable)
• Be competent in the Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Teams and Outlook

Professional Knowledge, Competencies, and Skills

• Facilitate group sessions using structured activities and interventions to achieve shared goals
• Provide clear end of shift handovers (verbal/written) to ensure continuity of care
• Demonstrate knowledge of hospital departments, roles, and functions
• Show awareness of the Mental Health Commission and relevant inspection frameworks
• Align with hospital strategy and values
• Engage effectively with diverse Service Users, both individually and in groups
• Communicate with empathy, professionalism and boundaries
• Demonstrate kindness, patience and a non judgemental approach
• Maintain strong verbal and written communication skills and excellent organisational, administrative and IT skills
• Report and document incidents in line with policies
• Demonstrate problem solving, initiative and decision making skills
• Work effectively under pressure, prioritising tasks and maintaining resilience
• Collaborate positively within a multidisciplinary team
• Follow direction and work independently when required in line with organisational policy and frameworks

Terms and Conditions

• Tenure: 1.0 WTE, Permanent Contracts; 1.0 WTE, Specified Purpose Contract (4 5 months duration)
• Working Week: 77 hours fortnightly
• Salary: €37,386 - €42,926 (2026 pay scale)
• Annual Leave: 19 days
• Pension: defined contribution scheme, 4% salary deduction; existing arrangements continue for internal appointments
• Probation: first six months with ongoing review; extensions or suspensions in line with EU Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions 2022
• Health: appointee must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties and be in a state of health indicating a reasonable prospect of regular and efficient service
• Character: appointee must be of good character
• Retirement Age: normal retirement age for employees is 66 years, which is also the normal pension age

St Patrick's Mental Health Services is an equal opportunities employer.