How do I become a Health Care Assistant - Home Support?

Health Care Assistant – Home Support provide essential care by focusing on the individual needs of those they support. Their work enables people to maintain their independence and quality of life within their own homes contributing to effective and person centred care delivery.

Guided by compassion, empathy, and respect, a Health Care Assistant in Home Support provides and contributes significantly to the wider health and social care system by delivering high-quality support where it matters most. As valued members of multidisciplinary teams, they ensure people receive the right care in the right place, making this a fulfilling and impactful career for those driven to make a real difference.

For further information on the eligibility criteria for entry into the role please click here.

Visit our HCA – Home Support Spotlight Feature to see why this could be the perfect first step – or next step – in your career.  Additional information on the role of a HCA – Home Support can be found at Irish Association of Healthcare Assistants.

elderly woman with her caregiver

Your role with the HSE

Health Care Assistant – Home Support are essential and highly valued members of the healthcare workforce, with approximately 22,000 employed across the Health Service Executive (HSE). In home support services, HCA’s work directly in individuals’ homes, playing a vital role in delivering care within the community where it matters most.

Their work significantly contributes to supporting people to live independently and with dignity—aligned with the core objectives of Sláintecare, which aims to deliver care closer to home. HCA’s follow personalised care plans tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each person, assisting with daily living activities and enhancing quality of life in a safe, familiar setting.

Working under the direction of their Manager and supervision of a Nurse, Health Care Assistants in Home Support form an integral part of multidisciplinary care teams. They ensure that individuals receive appropriate, compassionate, and consistent care in line with best practice and person-centred values.

This people-focused, community-based role offers a rewarding career pathway for individuals who are compassionate, purpose-driven, and motivated to make a real difference. Becoming a Health Care Assistant is not only a meaningful job but also a respected role that contributes significantly to the broader health and social care system.

female caregiver giving a man a cup of tea

Career Progression

A career as a Health Care Assistant in Home Support offers a meaningful entry point into the health service. Working at the heart of the community, HCA’s support individuals to live independently and with dignity in their own homes through compassionate, person-centred care. This vital role also offers possibilities to work across a variety of health and social care settings such as Primary Care, Older Persons etc.

Additionally HCA’s may consider taking on roles as therapy assistants, which may serve as a tertiary pathway into a Health and Social Care Professions (HSCPs) through the NTO framework. HCA’s can also apply to train in nursing or midwifery through the HSE sponsorship programme – Please click here for more information. As career pathways continue to evolve and expand, HCA’s are well-positioned to upskill and grow, allowing one an opportunity to continue to build upon an already existing rewarding career.

male carer talking to a gentleman in a wheelchair

Further training and development

 

HSELAND is the HSE portal which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting www.hseland.ie

The programmes on this learning platform include manditory training in addition to other programmes that assist with professional and self development.

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, supervision, career support, development opportunities promoting a better work life balance.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff are also entitled to reimbursement for travel they undertake when visiting clients.  Travel time will also be built into your roster.

Please click on the below link to find out about one of colleague’s experience:

Tim Moynihan, Home Support Services, South West

carer assisting an elderly couple in the garden