So, you’re pursuing your passion and eager to embark on your career as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) or Support Worker. But what qualifications are necessary, and what prerequisites must be met to ensure a successful start?
Jamie Fenton is a Senior Recruitment Consultant with PE Global Healthcare, and a significant aspect of her role involves the initial assessment of candidates interested in applying for Health Care Assistant and Support Worker positions. Ensuring candidates fulfil all essential requirements is paramount. Below are some fundamental criteria you need to satisfy at this stage of your journey…
As a Healthcare Assistant, your duties involve providing support, assistance, and personal care to patients and residents across various settings, including HSE hospitals and clinics.
First – Understand the Role Clearly
It may seem obvious, but it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the specific role you are pursuing: distinguishing between a Healthcare Assistant and a Support Worker. Both roles are immensely fulfilling and esteemed.
As a Healthcare Assistant, your duties involve providing support, assistance, and personal care to patients and residents across various settings, including HSE hospitals and clinics. You would collaborate with healthcare professionals such as Doctors, Consultants, and Midwives. Your responsibilities encompass preparing patients for procedures, aiding in personal care, and assisting with mobility. Additionally, you might opt to work in a private nursing home or voluntary organisation.
As a Support Worker, your primary objective is to assist vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with physical disabilities or mental health needs, in their daily lives. This could entail working within an intellectual disability service, supported living service, or a residential facility providing full-time care. Support Workers also contribute to Outreach and Day Services.
Secondly, Ensure You Possess the Right Qualifications
Before your initial screening with PE Global Healthcare, ensure that you meet the qualifications necessary for the role you are pursuing. As a Healthcare Assistant, a minimum requirement is a QQI/FETAC Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support or Pre-nursing Studies, with completion of 8 modules and availability of final results (provisional results are not accepted). Additionally, you will need:
• Legal authorisation to work in Ireland.
• At least 3 months of recent experience in a caregiving/support capacity.
• A complete vaccination record, including Hep B (3 shots & titre), MMR, TB, and Varicella.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
If you are applying for a Support Worker position, you should hold a minimum of Level 5 or 6 qualification in Healthcare, or Level 7 or 8 in Social Care. Eligibility to work in Ireland and some relevant experience are also prerequisites.
Thirdly, Obtain Garda Vetting
To progress in your initial screening for Healthcare Assistant and Support Worker roles, Garda Vetting is essential. This is a legal requirement for individuals working with children and vulnerable adults.
To initiate Garda Vetting through PE Global Healthcare, you must complete an Application Form provided by the organisation for submission to the National Vetting Bureau. All applicants must disclose any convictions, including driving offences, and public order offences.
Ensure that the Application Form is completed accurately and comprehensively, indicating the job title for which you are applying, and provide a handwritten signature granting permission for Garda Vetting. For further details please get in touch with the team or visit Garda.ie.
Lastly, Consider International Police Clearance If Necessary
If you have resided in a country other than Ireland for six months or more since the age of 18, you will need to obtain a Police Clearance Document from each country. This document verifies your legal status in a foreign country, confirming the absence of any convictions against you. Similar to Garda Vetting, this clearance is mandatory for all healthcare professionals, and you must provide security clearance for each jurisdiction in which you have lived.
International Police Clearance Documents are issued by the respective country’s police or law enforcement agency, and it is the candidate’s responsibility to obtain the required documentation. You may also contact the relevant embassies for assistance.
Please note:
• The Document/s must be dated to reflect your most recent residency in another country.
• A certified translation in English is required.
• Along with the application form, you will likely need to provide a passport photo, proof of identification, proof of address, and contact information.
Finally, if you’re interested in working as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) or Support Worker with PE Global Healthcare. Please get in touch today with me via email at jamie.fenton@peglobal.net or health@peglobal.net.
