Social Care Worker

About Harbour Care

Harbour Care is a newly established, rights-focused organisation looking for dedicated, compassionate and ambitious Social Care Workers to help develop its services, values and culture.

The service is built around four guiding principles:

• Empower: Residents are supported to make informed decisions, grow in independence and lead their own lives.
• Connect: Strong relationships, participation in community life and a sense of belonging are encouraged.
• Trust: Consistency, openness and dependable support help create psychological safety.
• Joy: Everyday life should include creativity, enjoyment and opportunities for personal fulfilment.

The organisation is seeking suitably qualified and experienced applicants who can contribute to the delivery of high-quality, person-centred residential care for people with disabilities and high support needs, helping them live according to their own choices. Because this is a new service, flexibility and adaptability will be important.

Role overview

As a Social Care Worker, you will play a key part in supporting residents’ wellbeing, independence and quality of life while working within a collaborative team environment. You will also contribute to individual support planning, day-to-day care delivery, community participation and the safe running of the service.

Key responsibilities

• Build positive, constructive working relationships with residents and contribute to the planning, delivery and review of personalised support programmes.
• Help residents build important life skills such as self-care, household tasks, kitchen skills, community participation, leisure and social interaction.
• Serve as a key worker, including communication with families, advocates and outside professionals.
• Administer, supervise and accurately document prescribed medication in line with policy and professional standards.
• Work closely with colleagues and provide suitable guidance to Support Workers and Assistant Support Workers as expected in the role.
• Take shared responsibility for residents’ safety, wellbeing and quality of life.
• Encourage positive relationships within the service and with the wider community.
• Promote self-worth, individuality and independence, supporting residents to make meaningful choices.
• Provide respectful, consistent daily support tailored to each person’s needs.
• Deliver personal care where needed, including help with dressing, washing and other daily living activities.
• Complete domestic duties such as cooking, shopping, cleaning and caring for personal items, while encouraging residents to take part independently where possible.
• Support meaningful leisure activities based on individual interests, with strong emphasis on community inclusion.
• Use person-first language in spoken and written communication.
• Communicate effectively with staff at all levels within the centre and across other services, while treating families and visitors with courtesy and respect.
• Carry out driving duties using company vehicles.
• Work rostered shifts, including weekends and night duty as scheduled by management.
• Keep accurate records and reports as requested by the Person in Charge to support effective service operation.
• Maintain the health, safety and welfare of staff and residents by following all required safety measures.
• Comply with HIQA standards and keep current with relevant regulations and guidance.
• Provide cover in other centres when needed to meet organisational requirements.
• Work in accordance with Positive Behaviour Support plans and proactive strategies for behaviours of concern.
• Support residents in expressing their wishes, preferences and goals.
• Protect confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• Show reliability, integrity and a strong commitment to quality care.
• Take part in ongoing learning and development relevant to the post.
• Attend team meetings, supervision sessions and training as required.
• Follow organisational policies and safeguarding procedures.

Working conditions and terms

• This is an on-site role based in Portarlington, Ireland.
• Shift work includes weekends and nights.
• Cover may also be required in other centres.
• The successful candidate must be willing to work flexibly, particularly as the organisation continues to develop.
• Any offer of employment will depend on satisfactory Garda vetting, reference checks and proof of qualifications.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Additional premiums for night shifts, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
• Strong scope for career progression and promotion.
• Modern, refurbished facilities designed to meet residents’ needs.
• 21 days of paid annual leave per year on a pro-rata basis, plus public holidays.
• Automatic enrolment in the State Auto Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme with employer-matched contributions.
• Training and professional development support.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free parking.
• Thorough induction programme.
• Supportive team culture with an emphasis on work-life balance.
• Inclusive environment where ideas and contributions are welcomed and valued.
• Opportunity to join a new organisation at an early stage and help shape its future.

Additional information

This position is suited to candidates who are committed to person-centred care, teamwork, safeguarding and continuous professional development.