At the Gate Lodge we are seeking compassionate and dedicated people to join our expanding team of Support Workers.

The Gate Lodge was established in 2006 as a residential home with four beds and has earned an excellent reputation within the industry and the locality, providing professional care services to those with learning disabilities.

The lodge is a purpose-built refurbished house, situated in seven acres of mature woodland gardens in Castlewellan County Down. Patients have access to have a private garden, paviour area and activities suite.

Our Support Worker sees each resident as an individual and provides personalised, emotionally intelligent care which goes beyond basic assistance to create meaningful connections which focuses on enhancing overall wellbeing through compassionate support.

If you can demonstrate the following values, this maybe the job for you:

• Dignity and respect
• Compassion and empathy
• Integrity and professionalism
• Commitment to high-quality care
• Promote independence and choice

Job Purpose

Our Support Workers provide compassionate, person-centred care and support to residents. The Support Worker will assist residents with daily living tasks, promote independence, uphold dignity and respect, and contribute to a safe, comfortable, and homely environment. The role involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure the highest standards of care are delivered in accordance with Northern Ireland social care regulations and the policies of the care home.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Resident Care

• Support residents with personal care including washing, dressing, toileting, continence management, and grooming.
• Assist with mobility, use of mobility aids, and transfers in line with individual care plans and moving and handling guidelines.
• Support residents with eating and drinking, including meal preparation, assistance, and monitoring nutritional intake.
• Encourage independence, choice, and participation in daily activities wherever possible.
• Provide emotional support, companionship, and meaningful engagement with residents to enhance wellbeing.
• Assist with the administration of prescribed medication (if trained and authorised).

Care Planning & Record Keeping

• Follow individual care plans and contribute to their ongoing monitoring and development.
• Accurately record care delivered, observations, and any changes in a resident’s condition using the home’s reporting systems.
• Report concerns, risks, or safeguarding issues promptly to senior staff.

Health & Safety

• Maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for all residents.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures, including PPE use and hygiene standards.
• Adhere to safe moving and handling practices.
• Comply with all policies relating to health and safety, safeguarding, confidentiality, and GDPR.

Teamwork & Communication

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, healthcare professionals, and family members.
• Attend team meetings, handovers, and training as required.
• Contribute to a positive and supportive team culture.

General Duties

• Assist with household tasks such as tidying, laundry, and cleaning where needed to maintain a homely environment.
• Support residents to participate in social, recreational, and therapeutic activities.
• Uphold the values, ethos, and standards of the care home at all times.

Essential Criteria

• Age: Must be aged 18 years or over due to nature of the role.
• Experience: Previous experience of caring for others in a formal or informal setting (e.g. family member, voluntary role, or employment).
• Skills & Qualities:
• Compassionate, patient, and understanding nature.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Reliable, flexible, and committed to providing high standards of care.
• Knowledge: Awareness of the needs of older people and/or individuals with dementia.
• Other:
• Willingness to undertake training including mandatory courses (e.g. moving and handling, safeguarding, infection control).
• Ability to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Satisfactory AccessNI enhanced disclosure check.

Desirable Criteria

• Qualifications:
• NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care (or working towards).
• Experience:
• Experience working in a residential or nursing home in a LD setting.
• Skills & Knowledge:
• Understanding of person-centred care principles.
• Knowledge of RQIA standards and health & safety regulations.
• Basic IT or record-keeping skills (e.g. use of electronic care plans).
• Other:
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.

Additional Information

• Uniform and training provided.
• Opportunities for career progression within the organisation.
• Supportive working environment promoting teamwork and resident wellbeing.