SHSCT_Home Care Assistant_Band 2 and Band 3

Advertised role location: Southern HSC Trust area (SHSCT)
Official document: SHSCT Homecare Assistant Info Pack March 26 (docx)
HOMECARE ASSISTANT
INFORMATION PACK
HOMECARE ASSISTANT
INFORMATION PACK

ABOUT OUR TRUST
ABOUT OUR TRUST

The Homecare Service of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust is divided into three localities: Armagh and Dungannon, Craigavon and Banbridge, Newry and Mourne. It is regulated and inspected by RQIA. It provides service to over 2200 service users on a day to day basis. The number of episodes of care provided per week is just over 50,000 and we have over 1200 Homecare Assistants delivering this care. The services are commissioned from the three Community Directorates, namely: Adult Community Services, Mental Health and Disability and Children and Young People. Within these directorates, services are specifically requested from Programmes of Care, including Older People (inclusive of requests by District Nursing), Physical Disability, Learning Disability, Mental Health, and Family and Child Care.

The Homecare Service of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust is divided into three localities: Armagh and Dungannon, Craigavon and Banbridge, Newry and Mourne. It is regulated and inspected by RQIA. It provides service to over 2200 service users on a day to day basis. The number of episodes of care provided per week is just over 50,000 and we have over 1200 Homecare Assistants delivering this care. The services are commissioned from the three Community Directorates, namely: Adult Community Services, Mental Health and Disability and Children and Young People. Within these directorates, services are specifically requested from Programmes of Care, including Older People (inclusive of requests by District Nursing), Physical Disability, Learning Disability, Mental Health, and Family and Child Care.



THE ROLE OF A HOMECARE ASSISTANT
THE ROLE OF A HOMECARE ASSISTANT

Southern Health and Social Care Trust recruit on a monthly basis for Homecare Assistants across all three localities: Armagh & Dungannon, Newry & Mourne and Craigavon & Banbridge.

Our Homecare Assistants play a crucial role across our region. They provide personal care, help and support to a variety of service users in our local communities, including older people, those living with mental health issues, children, adults with learning and physical disabilities and those in need of palliative care. Our Homecare service allows our users to remain safely and comfortably in their own home, or to return home following hospital discharge, which could not happen without our fantastic care staff.

Are you a caring, considerate and compassionate person will some level of caring experience, and think you can make a difference in the life of our service users? Then we want to hear from you!

We have roles available for both those seeking a new challenge and career with our training roles as well as experienced professionals. Training roles start at Band 2 salary, progressing to Band 3 level after a period of training and achievement of competencies. Our contracts are all-permanent and can be suited to fit around your home life, with both as and when contracts or set contracted hours available, depending on your needs.

The duties for these roles will vary with each service user, depending on their individual requirements. Generally, our homecare assistants provide assistant with personal care, prepare and serve meals, ensure that any required medication has been administered correctly and in line with the direction from the service users’ medical team and assist service users in and out of bed. Our homecare assistants work alongside a variety of other community practitioners to ensure all our service users’ needs are met. We provide our workers with all mandatory practical and eLearning training to allow them to carry out their duties in full; safely and sufficiently. Uniforms and personal protective equipment will be supplied, and our staff are reimbursed for their business mileage.

This role is not for the faint hearted – it is challenging, upsetting and demanding, but also incredibly rewarding; it will give you a sense of personal and professional achievement. Working in our teams with provide you with a unique opportunity to play a vital role in the life of our service users, some of whom may be isolated or lonely. You will bring peace of mind to families knowing that their loved ones are properly cared for when they can’t be there, relief and some down time for full time carers, and you can bring company and friendship to someone who may have no other visitors throughout the day or week.

BENEFITS
BENEFITS

SALARY
Below is an overview of the hourly rate(s) when you commence in post. These increase in line with the agenda for change scheme as you work up your increments and length of service.

Band 2
Band 3

Basic (Monday to Friday, before 8pm)
£12.71
£12.75

Evenings/Saturday (8pm – 6am Monday to Friday, All day Saturday (Midnight – Midnight)
£17.92 (Time plus 41%)
£17.21 (Time plus 35%)

Sunday / Bank Hols (Midnight to Midnight)
£23.26 (Time plus 83%)
£21.55 (Time plus 69%)

FULL TRAINING AND INDUCTION

Full training is provided for the role, through both face to face and online learning, much of which is completed whilst you go through pre-employment checks, therefore allowing you to start in post much faster. You will be given a full induction and when you commence in post you will shadow with a colleague to help build your knowledge and confidence. Support is always available from your colleagues, supervisor and locality manager, both during and out of office hours.

CAREER PROGRESSION

Homecare within the Southern Trust has been a stepping stone on the pathway to other fulfilling careers for many of our workers, such as nursing and social work. Others have went on to fill our Homecare Supervisor roles, and worked their way up into senior management positions. Whilst working for the Trust, you would be eligible to apply for courses through the Open University, and get paid as you study!

MILEAGE

Business mileage is reimbursed at the public sector rate.

ANNUAL LEAVE

Annual leave is calculated on the basis of being a 5 day worker. On commencement with the Trust, you will be entitled to 27 days’ annual leave, with 10 additional public holidays. After the completion of 5 years’ service, this will increase to 29 days. After 10 years’ service, this will increase to 33 days. Should you be scheduled/required to work on a public holiday, you will receive an alternative day off in lieu.

SPECIAL LEAVE

The Trust offers special leave for maternity, paternity, parental, adoption, marriage/civil partnership, bereavement, unpaid leave and public duties such as jury service.

PENSION

As an employee of the Trust and HSC, you will be automatically enrolled in the HSC Pension scheme, said to be one of the best in Northern Ireland. The scheme is an important and valuable benefit for people working in the health service, allowing staff to prepare financially for retirement. As a scheme member, you receive an excellent package of pension benefits, index linked and guaranteed by the Government. Membership of the scheme is voluntary, so if you decide that it isn’t for you, opting out is easy.
Further information on the pension scheme may be obtained from the HSC Pension Service Website at:
www.hscpensions.hscni.net.

HOW TO APPLY
HOW TO APPLY

We recruit and interview for our Homecare Assistants on a monthly basis, as well as hold recruitment drives throughout the year. Our rolling advert will be advertised on the HSC Jobs website; https://jobs.hscni.net.
To apply for our roles, you can create an online profile on the HSC Jobs website or submit a manual application form via post.
Manual applications are available at:
Banbridge Health and Care Centre, 10 Old Hospital Road, Banbridge, BT32 2GN
Mullinure Health and Wellbeing Centre, St Luke’s Hospital Site, Loughgall Road, Armagh, BT61 7NQ
Dromalane House, Dromalane Road, Newry, BT35 8AP

Alternatively, these can be downloaded from the HSC Jobs website or by contacting our Homecare Recruitment Liaison Officer by phone on 028 375 65077 or email – domiciliarycare.recruitment@southerntrust.hscni.net
BSO Recruitment and Selection Shared Services manage the application process, and so manual applications should be posted back to the below address before the closing date/time of the advert.
BSO Recruitment and Selection Shared Services Centre, Rosewood Villa, St Luke’s Hospital Site, 73 Loughgall Road, Armagh, BT61 7PR.
Should you be successful at interview, BSO Recruitment Shared Services will take forward your pre-employment checks on our behalf. BSO will make contact with you directly to issue you with a conditional offer letter, which will explain the pre-employment check process in full. Your placement within the trust is dependent on your home address and we strive to place you in the patch area that is as close to this as possible. Please note however that this is dependent on service need at the time of your commencement and this cannot always be guaranteed. Don’t panic, if you can’t be placed close to home, you’ll be offered the next closest patch area; we won’t place you in a patch area that isn’t within your locality.
When your pre-employment checks are complete, one of our Homecare Supervisors will be in contact to arrange your Induction and agree a start date with you. Once you are in post you will be required to register with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) if you are not already registered; your supervisor will take you through this process once you have commenced. You will also need to ensure that you maintain your registration on a yearly basis by paying your annual fee on time.
In addition to your pre-employment checks, there are specific training sessions to be completed, to allow you to carry out the role safely whilst meeting the needs of our
service users. These sessions are both face to face and online via our eLearning platform. All eLearning must be completed before you can start in post with us.

Please note, training completed prior to completion of your pre-employment checks is undertaken at your own risk- you will only receive reimbursement for training time and mileage once you have commenced in post and have been allocated a staff number.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS
JOB DESCRIPTIONS





JOB TITLE Homecare Assistant



BAND 2/3

DIRECTORATE Adult Community Services

INITIAL LOCATION Trust Wide (Localities include Craigavon & Banbridge,
Armagh & Dungannon, Newry & Mourne)





REPORTS TO Homecare Supervisor



ACCOUNTABLE TO Homecare Locality Manager

FLEXIBLE WORKING PROVISIONS AVAILABLE
Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working,







SUMMARY

BAND 2 only
This is a training role; you will be supported to develop your underpinning knowledge and skills through on the job and formal training. This will enable you to provide appropriate care in various situations. It is anticipated that the training period will take no longer than 6 months. Upon successful completion you will then progress into the Band 3 payscale.

BAND 3
The post holder will be required to provide person centered care within the individuals own home, undertake social outings or a sitting service while promoting independence. The role of the homecare assistant is to provide the necessary personal care and support to vulnerable service users to enable them to remain safely in their own home or return there following hospital discharge. The vulnerable service users will include adults and children with health and/or social care needs, e.g. people with physical / learning /mental health/end of life/palliative care needs.

The duties to be undertaken will be clearly specified in the individuals Service User Agreement and will reflect their assessed need. The post holder will be required to enable the service user to maintain as much independence as possible and make their own decisions. In order to meet the needs of our service users, the postholder must be prepared to work various shift patterns.

We are able to offer a range of minimum guaranteed hours contracts. Under these contracts we can offer a minimum average number of hours per week if you are able to work across different shift patterns between 7.00am to 10.30pm on any day of the week. The minimum guaranteed hours contract we offer will be for either an average of 20 hours, 25 hours, 30 hours, 35 hours and fulltime 37.5hrs. All other relevant conditions relating to these contracts will be explained at interview.

The postholder must be flexible and available to work across a range of days, evenings and weekend shift patterns on a rotational basis to meet the need of the service.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending on the assessed need of the individual service user, the main duties which the post holder may be required to perform are: -

The provision of personal care. This could include assistance with toileting and helping the service user with their stoma or catheter care, bathing/washing, care of hair, nails, skin and mouth, dressing and undressing, feeding and drinking.

The provision of practical household support. This could include bed making, fire lighting, preparation of drinks/meals, helping with the care of children and the collection of prescriptions and pensions.

Assisting and encouraging the promotion of independence e.g. enabling individuals to participate in their own personal and practical care, encouraging the use of aids or prescribed exercises in accordance with professional direction.

The provision of assistance with general care and rehabilitation e.g. application of creams/observation of dressings, assisting the service user to take prescribed medications/oxygen in accordance with written instructions. As also required, administer prescribed medications/oxygen in accordance with written instructions.

Assisting the service user in getting up/back to bed, helping with planned rehabilitation e.g. continence and walking.

The provision of the necessary advice/instructions to carers as appropriate.

Reports timely any changes in a service user’s circumstances or condition, as well as all untoward incidents/accidents to an appropriate senior member of staff in accordance with Trust procedures.

Accurately record details of visits to homes of service users and the tasks undertaken/not undertaken in accordance with Trust Homecare procedures.

Attend scheduled meetings.

To treat all service users with the appropriate respect and courtesy and regard all matters relating to the individual and his/her circumstances as strictly confidential.

To maintain effective relationships with the service user and all members of staff involved with the individual’s care.

Must attend and complete all in-service training as required.

To adhere to all the Trust’s policies and procedures.

RAISING CONCERNS - RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency.

The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The post holder will be required to:

Assist the organisation in fulfilling its statutory duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to promote equality of opportunity and good relations and under the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Staff are also required to support the organisation in complying with its obligations under Human Rights Legislation.

Ensure the Organisation’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

Co-operate fully with the implementation of The Organisation's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.

Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example:
Smoke Free policy
IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct
standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour

Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.

Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.

Take responsibility to minimise the Trust’s environmental impact wherever possible. This will include recycling, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use. Helping to reduce paper waste by minimising printing/copying and reducing water usage, reporting faults and heating/cooling concerns promptly and minimising travel.

All employees of the Organisation are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the [org name] including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the [org name] policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.

Represent The Organisation’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within The Organisation's area, as needs of the service demand.

March 2026

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND
Homecare Assistant Band 2/3

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE
Homecare Service / Adult Community Services

SALARY


HOURS
Minimum Guaranteed Contract (weekly average of 20 hours, 25 hours, 30 hours, 35 hours and fulltime 37.5hrs)


ESSENTIAL CRITERIA


SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Essential Criteria
Number
Criteria

Method of Assessment

Qualifications/ Experience
E1
Band 3: Qualification/Experience
Hold NVQ/QCF/VRQ/RCF Level 2 in Health/Health & Social Care Certificate (or equivalent qualification) plus 1 years paid experience delivering direct care in a care environment, which must include personal care
OR
Have a minimum of 18 months paid experience delivering direct care in a care environment1, which must include personal care and be willing to complete RCF Level 2 Certificate in Health & Social Care within 18 months of appointment.


Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/
Experience
E2
Band 2: Qualification /Experience
Have 6 months paid or unpaid experience in a caring role
OR
Be currently undertaking a third level qualification (HNC/HND) or above in Health & Social Care related subject

Shortlisting by Application Form

Registration

Registered or able to be registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, (unless you hold registration with another Health & Social Care Professional Council).



Other
E3
Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by The Organisation which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.
Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities
E4


E5




E6



E7


E8


E9
Have good verbal and written communication skills to meet the needs of the post.

Have an interest in and sensitive approach to the needs of older people, with learning/physical disabilities and people with mental health problems and their carers/relatives.

Have an ability to undertake a range of personal and practical care tasks in accordance with the established Care Plan.

Have the ability to accept responsibility, to use initiative and to be accountable.

Be willing to undertake training necessary for the role.

Have the ability to work effectively as a team member
Interview / Test






















Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note The Organisation reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for The Organisation to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.

THE ORGANISATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Successful applicants:
may be required to attend for a Health Assessment
can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.
are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.

TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS

Message from
Claudine McComiskey,
Head of Trust Homecare
“Working in Homecare is a really rewarding experience for people who are kind, compassionate and enjoy helping others. It also gives you opportunities to progress and build your career in health and social care.
We are keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in joining our team, whether they are experienced in providing Homecare or wanting to start a new career! We can offer you a range of flexible working hours, including those who want minimum guaranteed hours”.

Message from
Claudine McComiskey,
Head of Trust Homecare
“Working in Homecare is a really rewarding experience for people who are kind, compassionate and enjoy helping others. It also gives you opportunities to progress and build your career in health and social care.
We are keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in joining our team, whether they are experienced in providing Homecare or wanting to start a new career! We can offer you a range of flexible working hours, including those who want minimum guaranteed hours”.


HSC VALUES
HSC VALUES

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times.

Official document: HCA B2 progressing to B3 JD Sept 26 (docx)
SHSCT
Homecare Assistant
Band 2 and Band 3

SHSCT
Homecare Assistant
Band 2 and Band 3


JOB DESCRIPTION


JOB TITLE Homecare Assistant


BAND 2/3

DIRECTORATE Adult Community Services

INITIAL LOCATION Trust Wide (Localities include Craigavon & Banbridge,
Armagh & Dungannon, Newry & Mourne)


REPORTS TO Homecare Supervisor



ACCOUNTABLE TO Homecare Locality Manager

FLEXIBLE WORKING PROVISIONS AVAILABLE
Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working,

JOB SUMMARY

BAND 2 only
This is a training role; you will be supported to develop your underpinning knowledge and skills through on the job and formal training. This will enable you to provide appropriate care in various situations. It is anticipated that the training period will take no longer than 6 months. Upon successful completion you will then progress into the Band 3 payscale.

BAND 3
The post holder will be required to provide person centered care within the individuals own home, undertake social outings or a sitting service while promoting independence. The role of the homecare assistant is to provide the necessary personal care and support to vulnerable service users to enable them to remain safely in their own home or return there following hospital discharge. The vulnerable service users will include adults and children with health and/or social care needs, e.g. people with physical / learning /mental health/end of life/palliative care needs.

The duties to be undertaken will be clearly specified in the individuals Service User Agreement and will reflect their assessed need. The post holder will be required to enable the service user to maintain as much independence as possible and make their own decisions. In order to meet the needs of our service users, the postholder must be prepared to work various shift patterns.

We are able to offer the following minimum guaranteed hours contracts. Under these contracts we can offer a minimum average number of hours per week if you are able to work across different shift patterns between 7.00am to 10.00pm 5 days out of 7 in the week. The minimum guaranteed hours contracts we offer will be for a contract either for 26 hours or 32.5 hours. All other relevant conditions relating to these contracts will be explained at interview.

The postholder must be flexible and available to work across a range of days, evenings and weekend shift patterns on a rotational basis to meet the need of the service.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending on the assessed need of the individual service user, the main duties which the post holder may be required to perform are: -

The provision of personal care. This could include assistance with toileting and helping the service user with their stoma or catheter care, bathing/washing, care of hair, nails, skin and mouth, dressing and undressing, feeding and drinking.

The provision of practical household support. This could include bed making, fire lighting, preparation of drinks/meals, helping with the care of children and the collection of prescriptions and pensions.

Assisting and encouraging the promotion of independence e.g. enabling individuals to participate in their own personal and practical care, encouraging the use of aids or prescribed exercises in accordance with professional direction.

The provision of assistance with general care and rehabilitation e.g. application of creams/observation of dressings, assisting the service user to take prescribed medications/oxygen in accordance with written instructions. As also required, administer prescribed medications/oxygen in accordance with written instructions.

Assisting the service user in getting up/back to bed, helping with planned rehabilitation e.g. continence and walking.

The provision of the necessary advice/instructions to carers as appropriate.

Reports timely any changes in a service user’s circumstances or condition, as well as all untoward incidents/accidents to an appropriate senior member of staff in accordance with Trust procedures.

Accurately record details of visits to homes of service users and the tasks undertaken/not undertaken in accordance with Trust Homecare procedures.

Attend scheduled meetings.

To treat all service users with the appropriate respect and courtesy and regard all matters relating to the individual and his/her circumstances as strictly confidential.

To maintain effective relationships with the service user and all members of staff involved with the individual’s care.

Must attend and complete all in-service training as required.

To adhere to all the Trust’s policies and procedures.

RAISING CONCERNS - RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency.

The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The post holder will be required to:

Assist the organisation in fulfilling its statutory duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to promote equality of opportunity and good relations and under the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Staff are also required to support the organisation in complying with its obligations under Human Rights Legislation.

Ensure the Organisation’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

Co-operate fully with the implementation of The Organisation's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.

Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example:
Smoke Free policy
IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct
standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour

Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.

Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.

Take responsibility to minimise the Trust’s environmental impact wherever possible. This will include recycling, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use. Helping to reduce paper waste by minimising printing/copying and reducing water usage, reporting faults and heating/cooling concerns promptly and minimising travel.

All employees of the Organisation are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the [org name] including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the [org name] policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.

Represent The Organisation’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within The Organisation's area, as needs of the service demand.

March 2026

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND
Homecare Assistant Band 2/3

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE
Homecare Service / Adult Community Services

SALARY


HOURS
Contracted hours available
26 hours, 4 shifts per week
32.5 hours, 5 shifts per week
HCA should be able to work between the hours of 7am-10pm and 5 out of 7 days a week


ESSENTIAL CRITERIA


SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Essential Criteria
Number
Criteria

Method of Assessment

Qualifications/ Experience
E1
Band 3: Qualification/Experience
Hold NVQ/QCF/VRQ/RCF Level 2 in Health/Health & Social Care Certificate (or equivalent qualification) plus 1 years paid experience delivering direct care in a care environment, which must include personal care
OR
Have a minimum of 18 months paid experience delivering direct care in a care environment1, which must include personal care and be willing to complete RCF Level 2 Certificate in Health & Social Care within 18 months of appointment.


Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/
Experience
E2
Band 2: Qualification /Experience
Have 6 months paid or unpaid experience in a caring role
OR
Be currently undertaking a third level qualification (HNC/HND) or above in Health & Social Care related subject

Shortlisting by Application Form

Registration

Registered or able to be registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, (unless you hold registration with another Health & Social Care Professional Council).



Other
E3
Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by The Organisation which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.
Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities
E4


E5




E6



E7


E8


E9
Have good verbal and written communication skills to meet the needs of the post.

Have an interest in and sensitive approach to the needs of older people, with learning/physical disabilities and people with mental health problems and their carers/relatives.

Have an ability to undertake a range of personal and practical care tasks in accordance with the established Care Plan.

Have the ability to accept responsibility, to use initiative and to be accountable.

Be willing to undertake training necessary for the role.

Have the ability to work effectively as a team member
Interview / Test

Ref No: Sept 2026

Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note The Organisation reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for The Organisation to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.

THE ORGANISATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Successful applicants:
may be required to attend for a Health Assessment
can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.
are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times
All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times