Essential Homecare Services aim is to provide support for dependent elderly and people with a learning disability and their carers in their own homes, as an alternative to long-term Residential, Private Nursing Home or Hospital care.

The type of care provided is specific to the assessed needs of the individual.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title of post:                      Social Care Worker.

Accountable to:                 Essential Homecare Services Directors.

Summary of Position  

The Home Care Worker will provide the necessary care for dependent elderly and people with a learning disability and their carers living in their own homes. It is expected that the Home Care Worker will be flexible e.g. work unsociable hours, to work unsupervised, taking initiative and contacting relevant professionals. The Home Care Worker must be able to work in a team and be committed to achieving the aim of the scheme.

The Main Areas of Work Include: (See Task List)

• Personal Care
• Domestic Care
• Social Care

PERSONAL CARE

• Bathing/in bed/chair includes essential aspects of personal hygiene
• Promotion of continence and management of incontinence
• Assist with dressing/undressing/personal grooming
• Assist with mobility/rehabilitation
• Transferring clients using specialised equipment provided, within safe handling procedures

DOMESTIC CARE

• Overall to create a homely atmosphere
• Essential Laundering
• Emptying/cleaning commodes, lighting fires

SOCIAL CARE

Display sensitivity and an ability to listen to provide support to individual clients and carers, which may include the following:

• Providing carers relief
• Providing social stimulation for clients and carers
• Planning activities

TRAINING

To participate in induction programmes and regular in service training.

Special attention to child protection policy.

ADMINISTRATION

Completion of relevant documentation, time sheets/ diary etc.

Completion of report forms /accident /untoward incidents forms.

COMMUNICATION

To observe and report back to Essential Homecare’s Directors.

Attend team meetings.

Attend staff meetings.

Attend reviews.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES

To familiarise oneself with all relevant policies in relation to Health and Safety.

Confidentiality of the client and carer must be respected at all times.

TRAVEL

Drive self and colleague(s) and be driven where appropriate, to and from: pick up points, client homes, employer premises, any other destinations as required.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

The successful applicant will require the following experience and personal skills:

ESSENTIAL:

• Good standard of health and fitness
• Good communicator
• Positive attitude
• Courteous approach
• An understanding of the need of the client
• Respect confidentiality
• Prepared to work shift system
• Good personal hygiene

DESIRABLE:

• Ability to be flexible
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to use own initiative
• Be motivated to learn new skills

TASKLIST                                                                                                                                                                                             

PERSONAL CARE:

• Getting up and / putting back to bed
• Moving and handling with or without a mechanical hoist
• Washing, bathing, showering, and washing of hair, teeth, and nails
• Application of creams as prescribed in the care plan
• Dressing and undressing
• Assisting clients to empty catheter bags
• Assisting clients with toileting or incontinence pads
• To carry out specific tasks for a client as determined and supervised by District Nurse
• Administration of medicines as prescribed in care plan
• Record and report any changes in client’s physical or mental state
• Recognise needs for contacting GP / Nurse and act upon same.
• Co- operates with all people involved in client care
• Take appropriate action if client is ill, missing or suspected to be dead

FOOD AND NUTRITION:

• Preparation of food, ensuring hygienic standards
• Dealing with dietary needs including special diets
• Help with feeding or drinking
• Advance preparation of snacks or drinks e.g. flasks
• Management of food stores / fridge
• Supervision at meal times

FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

Maintaining receipts and records of all transactions regarding clients, incapable of managing their affairs.

Explaining financial transactions and accounting how money has been spent to the client.

DOMESTIC SERVICES:

• Lighting of fires, managing heating systems
• Bed making including beds following incontinence
• Emptying and cleaning commodes
• General cleaning/tiding
• Laundry
• Dealing with household refuse

This list is not exhaustible and can be updated at any time to suit the needs of the client.