Health Care Assistant (HCA)

*Applications are now invited for the following positions:*

Health Care Assistant (HCA)

1\.0WTE, Permanent Contract x 2\- 77 hours/fortnight

1\.0WTE, Specified Purpose Contract\- 4\-5 months duration\- 77 hours/fortnight

The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) role is a non\-traditional position involving both individual and group interaction with service users. HCAs are primarily responsible for cleaning clinical equipment and for delivering and supporting group activities as part of the organisation’s Recreational Activity Programme.

These recreational activities form a component of service provision and are required by the Mental Health Commission to promote service users’ wellbeing, engagement, and recovery.

The role also includes accompanying service users, facilitating group sessions, and assisting with service user\-focused events within SPMHS, as detailed in the job description. As part of the role requirements, one of the two positions will be rostered to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Given the significant group facilitation component of this role, candidates invited for interview will be required to deliver a 7\-minute group activity of their choosing with the interview panel.

Applications are welcome from anyone who holds requisite qualifications. The successful applicant must:

• Hold a minimum FETAC Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in a healthcare\-related discipline, with proof of certification required


• Possess a full, clean Category B driving licence and demonstrate willingness to drive a hospital vehicle as part of the role


• Be aged 23–69 years to meet insurance eligibility criteria


• Demonstrate the ability to facilitate a variety of group activities, including but not limited to task\-based and meditation\-focused groups, delivered both in person and via virtual platforms


• Be competent in the Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Teams and Outlook


• Have experience working within an inpatient mental health setting and collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team *(highly desirable)*

Informal enquiries only to:

Sherrie Buckley, Occupational Therapy Manager

Tel: 01 249 3426

Email: sebuckley@stpatricks.ie

(APPLICATIONS SHOULD NOT BE MADE TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS)

Please note that if you are viewing this advert via Irishjobs, the contact details for informal enquires above are not visible as irishjobs do not allow telephone numbers or emails to be present in adverts. However, these details are visible in the advert on the St Patrick’s website in the career vacancies section.

Applications in the form of covering letter and Curriculum Vitae, clearly stating the post being applied for should be uploaded as one document by Monday, 29th June 2026\.

Panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled

St Patrick's Mental Health Services is an equal opportunities employee

*Please note that while we seldom work with recruitment agencies, on the rare occasions we specify that we will accept CVs from recruitment agencies, it is only from those who engage in ethical practice. We do not expect recruitment agencies to charge candidates for placements, and do not condone this behaviour as it is not accepted practice.*

Job Description

About the organisation

St Patrick's Mental Health Services (SPMHS) is Ireland's largest independent, not\-for\-profit mental health service. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality mental healthcare, to promoting mental health awareness, and to advocating for the rights of those experiencing mental health difficulties.

We employ over 700 staff across our services. We hold our staff in high esteem and regard them as our most important asset, enabling us to fulfil our mission. We strive to create and maintain a forward\-looking environment where our staff can be innovative and experience satisfaction in their work. We are committed to ensuring the ongoing development of our staff.

SPMHS core values* Human Rights – supporting dignity, choice and voice

• Quality Care – excellence in service delivery and collaboration


• Innovation – encouraging improvement and new ideas

The benefits

By joining us, you become part of Ireland’s largest independent, not\-for\-profit mental health service provider, bringing you many strong career opportunities. We offer you many employee benefits, including:* A competitive salary range: €37,386 \- €42,926

• 19 days annual leave


• Pension scheme


• Ongoing training


• Paid study leave and funding for further education


• Support for career advancement and professional development


• A subsidised canteen and onsite gym


• Bike to Work and TaxSaver Commuter Ticket schemes

Location

St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, James’s Street, Dublin 8, incorporating St Patrick’s Lucan, Willow Grove Adolescent Unit, the Dean Clinics, and other services operated by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services.

Responsibilities

Front of House Duties* Welcome Service Users in Admissions, providing a supportive point of contact

• Offer refreshments (tea/coffee) during admission


• Orient Service Users to key facilities (toilets, water access)


• Accompany Service Users to consultants’ offices, group sessions, and activity rooms


• Accompany Service Users on therapeutic garden walks as per care plans


• Support Service User visits to ensure a positive experience

Events Duties* Support Service User–focused events in collaboration with OT, Communications, Social Work, and other departments

• Assist with preparation, support and delivery of hospital art exhibitions including the Service User art exhibition


• Contribute to organisational events (e.g. Tree Decorating Party, First Fortnight, Family Day)

Orientation Duties* Facilitate hospital orientation tours (SPUH/SPL)

• Provide information sessions on the Service User Information Booklet and supports available


• Assist Service Users with:

+ Completing forms
+ Accessing information booklets
+ Navigation within the hospital
+ Practical queries (e.g. phone credit)

Exercise Facilitation* Lead and support daily structured group walks (up to three per day) within hospital grounds and the community, aligned with therapeutic goals

Service User Transfer Duties* Participate in rota for transferring Service Users to/from St Patrick’s Hospital, Lucan

• Drive hospital van in line with road safety, health \& safety, and organisational policies

Occupational Therapy \& Activity Duties* Support \& Facilitate Service Users in Day programmes (e.g. Pathways, Eating Disorder Programme)

• Facilitate/co\-facilitate relaxation and meditation sessions (in\-person and virtual)


• Maintain therapy spaces (Music Room, Library, OT Kitchen, Garden); report issues promptly


• Manage OT supplies, equipment, and inventory (including garden/Shomera)


• Orient Service Users to the Music Room and maintain referral records


• Maintain and oversee the Service User Garden, including activities, facilitating and supporting gardening groups and pet visits


• Supervise designated areas (e.g. Garden, Pool Room) for safe use and in line with organization policy/procedures


• Maintain Service User Library and manage book donations


• Assist in OT, art, craft, kitchen, and pottery sessions as required


• Support development of new initiatives


• Facilitate evening and virtual activities (Microsoft Teams)


• Provide activities across wards as required (e.g. Vanessa Ward, Dean Swift Ward/Special Care)


• Facilitate a range of recreational activity groups (arts, games, baking, mindfulness, etc.)


• Set up/support sessions with external facilitators (in\-person/virtual)


• Complete clear shift handovers (verbal/written)


• Set up and restore activities rooms, including equipment and materials. This may include stacking chairs, moving podium and hybrid screen


• Any other duties as operationally required and directed by the Head of Occupational therapy

Cleaning of Clinical Equipment* Clean clinical equipment in line with SOPs, infection control, and local policies

• Report faulty, missing, or defective equipment to OT Manager or CNM

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. The person appointed may be required to perform other duties as appropriate which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the position. The person appointed will be assigned specific targets in terms of tasks and productivity.

Person specification

Qualifications and/or experience

*Candidates must have:** Hold a minimum FETAC Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in a healthcare\-related discipline, with proof of certification required

• Possess a full, clean Category B driving licence and demonstrate willingness to drive a hospital vehicle as part of the role


• Be aged 23–69 years to meet insurance eligibility criteria


• Demonstrate the ability to facilitate a variety of group activities, including but not limited to task\-based and meditation\-focused groups, delivered both in person and via virtual platforms


• Have experience working within an inpatient mental health setting and collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team *(highly desirable)*


• Be competent in the Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Teams and Outlook

Professional knowledge, competencies, and skills

*Skills, competencies and/or knowledge** Facilitate group sessions using structured activities and interventions to achieve shared goals

• Provide clear end\-of\-shift handovers (verbal/written) to ensure continuity of care


• Demonstrate knowledge of hospital departments, roles, and functions


• Show awareness of the Mental Health Commission and relevant inspection frameworks


• Align with hospital strategy and values


• Engage effectively with diverse Service Users, both

This listing is from indeed. View original listing ↗