DFC Work Experience - Healthcare Assistant

Department for Communities (Work Experience Opportunities); Antrim; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A public sector organization is offering a volunteer work experience opportunity as a Healthcare Assistant in Antrim. This role focuses on providing essential personal care to residents, ensuring their dignity and respect. Successful applicants will receive training, mentorship, and may lead to permanent roles, with a small daily incentive for participation in the program.

Benefits

Free 4-day training course

Incentive payment of £10/day

Potential reimbursement for travel and childcare costs

Qualifications

• Must be willing to undertake mandatory healthcare training.
• Previous experience in a care setting is helpful but not essential.
• Must submit to an enhanced level AccessNI disclosure check.

Responsibilities

• Observe and assist with personal care for residents.
• Support residents’ independence and rights.
• Report any unusual incidents to staff.

Skills

Good written and verbal communication skills

Ability to assist with care services

Capacity to observe and report

Education

Registration with Northern Ireland Social Care Council

Job description

DFC Work Experience - Healthcare Assistant

The principle aim of the Healthcare Assistant role is to ensure residents privacy, dignity, respect and choice are maintained by providing the highest possible standards of personal care to residents. Work Experience participants will get the opportunity to observe and assist the nurse in charge to achieve this. Members of Staff Nursing will be required to promote and support the mission and vision of the Agency.At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with health and safety policy and statutory regulations, and in a manner that assures resident and client safety.Adhere to equal opportunities policy throughout the course of their Agency membership.Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in service provision.

Responsibilities

• Participants will observe and assist with the provision of support and personal care to adults who require assistance due to ill health, old age, or disability.
• Provision of care in accordance with agreed care plans, to include personal care, assistance with nutritional needs, mobility, continence needs etc.
• Assistance with repositioning of residents and pressure area care.
• Support and promote residents’ independence, identity and rights.
• Assist and encourage residents with activities and diversional therapies both with the home and outside the home.
• Observing any unusual behaviour/incidents involving residents and reporting to a senior member of staff.
• Contribute to the assessment of the resident’s response to nursing care and participating in any divisional/therapeutic activities involving the residents.
• Reporting any accidents/untoward incidents immediately to the nurse in charge.
• Assist as necessary in distributing resident’s laundry and ensuring clothing is well maintained.
• Ensure confidentiality and exercise discretion in all matters relating to the patient.
• Attend staff meetings and mandatory training.
• Adherence to Agency Policies and Procedures and NISCC standards and conduct of practice.
• Work as a team member to meet agreed objectives.
• Any other duties that may be considered relevant.

Skills and Qualifications

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Applicants must be registered or be willing to apply for registration with Northern Ireland Social Care Council.
• Be willing to undertake mandatory healthcare training, provide details of 2 suitable referees, and submit to an enhanced level AccessNI disclosure check.
• Previous experience working in a care setting (even on a personal level) is helpful but not essential as full training and work experience will be provided

Further Information

Successful applicants will undergo a free 4 day training course delivered by Staff Nursing prior to starting their placement. (Dates and times of attendance to be agreed with Staff Nursing). This work experience opportunity is expected to last for 2 weeks and will require attendance of 16 - 25 hours per week. A Mentor will be assigned on each shift (this will be a qualified and experienced worker selected by Staff Nursing).It is anticipated that successful completion of the training and work experience opportunity may lead to permanent employment.While on Work Experience, participants will retain their entitlement to benefit. Those who are not receiving benefit are also welcome to participate. Travel and childcare costs may be reimbursed. Participants will also receive an incentive payment equivalent to £10/day to a maximum of £50/week. Contact your local Jobs and Benefits office for further information.

Application Information

If you are in receipt of benefit contact your local Jobs and Benefits Office. If you are not in receipt of benefit contact the WEP team via [e-mail]

Vacancy ID 1735362 Job Sector Carers and Support Workers Area Co Antrim Location Antrim Salary Please see Further Information No. vacancies 3 Contract Type Temporary Weekly hours 25 Published date 16/09/2025 Closing date 26/10/2025 Worktime Business hours 8am - 8pm (placement hours will be available 8am - 2pm and 12pm - 8pm)

Please note – this is a work experience/ volunteer opportunity