The HSE is recruiting Health Care Assistants (Band 1) for Kerry Mental Health Services, HSE South West (Seirbhís Meabhairshláinte, Chiarraí, FSS an Iardheiscirt). There are currently two permanent whole-time vacancies: one at Deer Lodge, Killarney, Co. Kerry, and one at Writer’s Grove, Listowel, Co. Kerry. A panel may be formed from this campaign to fill current and future permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration. Reference: SWPCC00290.
Role Overview
The Health Care Assistant (Band 1) works as part of the multidisciplinary mental health team, supporting nursing staff in the delivery of direct care to service users in residential mental health settings. The role involves assisting service users with activities of daily living and contributing to a safe, supportive and recovery-focused environment. (Editorial note: overview drafted from grade-level context — verify against the Job Specification on Rezoomo.)
Key Responsibilities
Typical duties for this grade include: assisting service users with personal care, mobility, nutrition and daily living activities; supporting therapeutic and social activities as part of individual care plans; observing and reporting changes in service users’ condition to nursing staff; maintaining a clean and safe care environment in line with infection prevention and control standards; and completing documentation as required. (Editorial note: responsibilities drafted from grade-level context — verify against the Job Specification on Rezoomo.)
Requirements
Candidates are typically required to hold a relevant QQI Level 5 qualification in Health Service Skills or Healthcare Support (or equivalent), or to be willing to undertake such training, together with the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role. Experience in a mental health or care setting may be desirable. (Editorial note: requirements drafted from grade-level context — the definitive eligibility criteria are set out in the Job Specification on Rezoomo and must be verified before publishing.)
Salary
The salary scale for Health Care Assistant (Band 1), grade code 6012, is €42,033 – €49,050 per annum (7 points), effective from 1 June 2026 in line with Department of Health Circular 2/2026. New entrants will normally start at the first point of the scale.
Location
The initial vacancies are at Deer Lodge, Killarney, Co. Kerry and Writer’s Grove, Listowel, Co. Kerry. A panel may be formed for Kerry Mental Health Services, HSE South West, from which future vacancies may be filled.
Contract Type
Permanent, whole-time. Future panel vacancies may be permanent or specified purpose, of full or part-time duration.
Application Details
Applications are made online via Rezoomo. Before applying, download, save and read the Job Specification and Applicant Information Document available at the bottom of the advertisement. The closing date is Monday, 20 July 2026 at 12:00 noon. Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks’ notice of interview; this timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances. This competition is open to both HSE and non-HSE applicants. For technical issues with the application form, contact Eleanor Crowley at eleanor.crowley@hse.ie.
Informal Enquiries
Enquiries about the role are welcome. Contact Ms Juliette Brosnan, Assistant Director of Nursing, Kerry Mental Health Services — email Juliette.Brosnan@hse.ie or telephone 087 194 0523. For enquiries about the recruitment process, contact Eleanor.Crowley@hse.ie.
