Health Care Assistant (Home Support)
Galway Roscommon – HSE West and Northwest
Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Job Title, Grade Code
Health Care Assistant (Home Support), Galway Roscommon – HSE West and Northwest
Grade Code : 6494)
Remuneration
The salary scale for the post is (01 / 03 / 2025) :
35,434 - €36,883 - €38,410 - €38,816 - €39,813 - €40,675 - €41,917 - €43,204 - €44,539
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2 / 2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.
Campaign Reference
CHW61HCA25
Closing Date
Thursday 17th July 2025 at 12 noon
Proposed Interview Date (s)
To be confirmed
Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks' notice of interview. The timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.
Taking up Appointment
A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Location of Post
There are currently a number of permanent, part time (0.8 WTE) vacancies available throughout Galway and Roscommon in the following areas :
Galway
Mervue
Killimor
Craughwell
Gort 0.5wte
Roscommon
Elphin
Ballaghadereen,
Boyle
Castlerea
A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Health Care Assistant - Home Support, Galway Roscommon, HSE West and Northwest from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.
Informal Enquiries
Rosaleen Flanagan, Home Support Manager, Mayo & Roscommon
Phone : 087 9077663 Email : rosaleen.flanagan@hse.ie
Regina Redmond, Home Support Manager Galway
Phone : 087 2159608 Email : regina.redmond1@hse.ie
Details of Service
The HSE Home Support Service for Older People works in partnership with service users and their families to support them to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. The Home Support Service is a 7-day service which may include evening, night-time and weekend cover and provides essential support to family carers. The purpose, level and range of care and supports are designed in a personalised way and will change according to the changing assessed needs of the person.
Reporting Relationship
Home Support Resource Manager or Designated Officer.
Key Working Relationships
The Health Care Assistant (Home Support) is a key member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team responsible for the provision of a quality service to support people in the community to remain in their own home for as long as possible.
Works as part of a team to include Home Support Resource Manager, Home Support Resource Officer, Clerical Admin, other Health Care Staff – Home Support, Public Health Nursing service and clients in receipt of home support.
Purpose of the Post
To enhance quality of life and wellbeing for primarily older people by providing access to integrated care and support that is planned around their needs and choices, supporting them to live well in their own homes and communities.
The Health Care Assistant – Home Support provides the assistance, support and direct personal care required to maximise the independence and wellbeing of service users. They work under delegation, direction and supervision, of health care professionals : -
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Service users may require assistance in some or all activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) as identified by an individualised care needs assessment. The primary role of the Health Care Assistant – Home Support is to assist in the implementation of the service user’s individual care plan.
Duties will vary depending on the assessed needs of the service user and may include the following functions :
Care Provision
General
Recording and Reporting
Communication and Team Work :
Risk Management, Infection Control and Hygiene Services
The management of Risk, Infection Control, and Hygiene Services is the responsibility
of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.
Workplace Health and Safety
In accordance with the Health and Safety at work policy, it is each staff member’s responsibility to observe all rules relating to health and safety and conduct at work and to use any equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner.
Confidentiality
Continued Professional Development
This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is subject to review and amendment in light of changing circumstances and may include other duties and responsibilities as may be determined from time to time by the designated Line Manager.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and / or experience
Candidates must, on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office possess :
1. Qualification
i) Certificate in Healthcare Support at QQI Level 5
ii) Certificate in Health Service Skills, QQI Level 5
iii) Certificate in Community Care, QQI Level 5
iv) Certificate in Nursing Studies, QQI Level 5
v) An equivalent qualification from another jurisdiction.
The requisite knowledge and ability to enable him / her to discharge the duties of the post satisfactorily.
2. Health
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
3. Character
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Post Specific Requirements
Additional eligibility requirements :
Citizenship Requirements
Eligible candidates must be :
i) EEA, Swiss, or British citizens
ii) Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State
Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.
To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.
Skills, competencies and / or knowledge
Knowledge & Experience
Demonstrates :
Teamwork Skills
Demonstrates :
Commitment to providing a Quality Service
Demonstrates :
Planning and Organising Skills
Demonstrates :
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Demonstrates :
The ability to understand and communicate effectively with clients who may have communication difficulties
Campaign Specific Selection Process
Ranking / Shortlisting / Interview
A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and / or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not progressing to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process, where applied, will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.
Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.
The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.
The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long-term health condition.
Read more about the HSE’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
Code of Practice
The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).
The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles to be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards to be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.
Read the CPSA Code of Practice .
The reform programme outlined for the health services may impact on this role, and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.
This Job Specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
Health Care Assistant (Home Support)
Galway Roscommon, HSE West and Northwest
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Tenure
The current vacancies available are permanent and part-time.
The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.
Working Week
The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 39 hours per week. Your normal weekly working hours are 39 hours. Contracted hours that are less than the standard weekly working hours for your grade will be paid pro rata to the full time equivalent.
You are required to work agreed roster / on-call arrangements advised by your Reporting Manager. Your contracted hours are liable to change between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of collective agreements and HSE Circulars.
Annual Leave
The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.
Superannuation
This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004
The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018
Public Servants not affected by this legislation :
Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.
Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.
Probation
Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10 / 71.
Protection of Children Guidance and Legislation
The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff. You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.
Some staff have additional responsibilities such as Line Managers, Designated Officers and Mandated Persons. You should check if you are a Designated Officer and / or a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.
Visit HSE Children First for further information, guidance and resources.
Infection Control
Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
Health & Safety
It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).
Key responsibilities include :
Note : Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.
1]A template SSSS and guidelines are available on writing your site or service safety statement .
2 Structures and processes for effective incident management and review of incidents.
Health Care Assistant • Galway, County Galway, IE