Residential Support Worker 
(HCA - Fulltime Day – 39 hour working week)

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 Residential Support Workers (Health Care Assistants) to assist residents with many activities of daily living.

Scope of Responsibility

The Residential Support Worker is responsible for providing day-to-day care to the Residents of the Anne Sullivan Centre (ASC).

Reporting Relationships

The position reports to the Team Leader.

Overview of Role

In this role based in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, 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. Rate of pay = €31,400 per annum excluding premiums.

Key Responsibilities

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 policies, including (but not limited to) HIQA Standards, HSE Policies, including any safeguarding requirements.

Health, Safety and Hygiene

• Adhere to the procedures and policies as outlined, to maintain operation of each house to the appropriate standards.
• Adhere to Health & Safety standards and ensure that the health and safety of each Resident is central to day-to-day activities.
• Maintain a high level of infection prevention and control within the houses at all times.
• Report any health and safety issues to the Health and Safety officer.

Communication and Teamwork

• Ask questions to check when unsure of protocols.
• Share information with the team that has a direct impact on Residents.
• Be clear and factual in communications.
• Attend Team Meetings.
• Complete daily logs in the EPIC system, using clear language that others can interpret and understand.
• Show consideration and respect to other team members and colleagues.

Professional Development

Reach out to more experienced RSWs and learn from them. Demonstrate a desire to improve and learn. Accept feedback from the team and learn from experiences. Participate in staff training and development programmes and Continuous Professional Development.

Liaison with Other Professionals

Work collaboratively and supportively with the multidisciplinary team, to ensure the highest-level quality of care, to address the specific needs of each Resident. Manage all such relationships with the highest level of professionalism to ensure that the needs of each Resident are met.

Other Duties

Undertake duties as may be assigned by the Manager or Team Leader to support the care of Residents.

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

How to apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter via email to recruitment@annesullivancentre.ie

The Anne Sullivan Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.