The HSE is recruiting for two permanent whole-time Health Care Assistant (Band 1) posts in Mental Health Services, Cork, HSE South West (Seirbhís Meabhairshláinte, Corcaigh, FSS an Iardheiscirt). The initial vacancies are based at St. Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire, Cork. This is an open competition — applications are welcome from both HSE and non-HSE candidates. Reference: SWPCC00291.
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 patient care to service users in an approved mental health setting. The role focuses on assisting service users with activities of daily living, promoting recovery, dignity and independence, and contributing to a safe, therapeutic care environment. [Drafted from grade-level context — verify against the Job Specification downloaded from Rezoomo.]
A supplementary panel may be formed from this campaign for Health Care Assistant (Band 1), Mental Health Services, Cork, HSE South West, from which current and future permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled. Please note: an existing panel is already in place for this post, and that panel will take precedence over the supplementary panel created through this campaign for any future posts that arise.
Key Responsibilities
Typical duties include assisting service users with personal care, nutrition and mobility; supporting therapeutic and social activities as part of the recovery model; 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 supporting the wider team in the day-to-day running of the service. [Drafted from grade-level context — verify against the Job Specification before publishing.]
Requirements
Candidates will typically be required to hold a relevant QQI Level 5 qualification in Health Service Skills or Healthcare Support (or equivalent), or have relevant experience in a healthcare setting, together with the personal qualities and competencies set out in the Job Specification. Full eligibility criteria, including any Garda vetting and health requirements, are detailed in the Job Specification and Applicant Information Document available at the bottom of the official advertisement. [Drafted from grade-level context — verify against the Job Specification 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 Consolidated Pay Scales. New entrants normally start at the first point of the scale.
Location
St. Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire, Cork — Mental Health Services, Cork, HSE South West. Future panel vacancies may arise across Mental Health Services, Cork.
Contract Type
Permanent, whole-time. Two initial vacancies. The supplementary panel may also be used to fill permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration.
Application Details
The closing date for applications is Monday, 20 July 2026 at 12:00 noon. Apply via the official listing on Rezoomo. Before applying, download, save and read the Job Specification and Applicant Information Document located at the bottom of the advertisement. Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks’ notice of interview, though this may be reduced in exceptional circumstances. For technical issues with submitting the application form, contact Eleanor Crowley at eleanor.crowley@hse.ie.
Informal Enquiries
Enquiries about the role are welcome. Contact Ms Flo Dupas, Assistant Director of Nursing, Mental Health Services, Cork — email flo.dupas@hse.ie or phone 086 787 1129. For enquiries relating to the recruitment process, contact eleanor.crowley@hse.ie.
