Social Care Worker - Castletownbere - Permanent Part-Time

About CoAction West Cork

CoAction West Cork is dedicated to delivering exceptional support services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and children with autism. The organization focuses on helping each individual reach their full potential by collaborating closely with their families and carers within the community.

Role Overview

The Social Care Worker role based in Castletownbere offers a permanent part-time position of 28.5 hours per week within the Day Residential Services. This role involves overseeing daily activities in the group home, supporting the Social Care Leader in managing health and safety, program rollout, personal care plans, budget controls, staffing, and family communication.

Core Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a warm, supportive, and welcoming atmosphere in the group home to ensure a high standard of care.
• Always treat residents with dignity and respect, addressing their physical and emotional needs attentively.
• Encourage residents' involvement in household tasks like cleaning, budgeting, cooking, menu planning, shopping, and recreational activities.
• Develop and support engagement in stimulating programs and hobbies tailored to residents' interests.
• Accompany and assist residents during group outings.
• Protect residents from any form of abuse, including bullying or threats.
• Implement agreed-upon service user programs in cooperation with the Social Care Leader.
• Maintain accurate and high-quality records within the residence.
• Perform essential domestic duties to uphold hygiene and keep the house clean and orderly.
• Foster positive relationships with residents’ families and collaborate with other professionals under the guidance of management.
• Participate actively in staff meetings and uphold health and safety standards at all times.
• Report all accidents, incidents, and complaints according to CoAction’s policies and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Keep management informed about residents' welfare through regular reports and communication.
• Identify potential risks related to premises or equipment and notify the Social Care Leader or Area Manager; take immediate action if necessary to minimize injury risks.
• Engage in professional development by attending relevant training programs.
• Deliver induction and training to residential staff as directed by leadership.
• Supervise staff under your responsibility daily.
• Contribute proactively to the growth and development of CoAction and its services.
• Adhere strictly to all organizational policies and maintain confidentiality within the team.
• Undertake additional duties as agreed with management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possession of a recognised qualification with an embedded third-level supervised practice component, such as:
• Youth and Community Degree
• BA Hdip
• NQSW/BSW/MSW
• Nursing qualifications (RGN, RNID, ENMH)
• Diploamas from recognized institutions including HETAC, DIT, UCC in Social Care or Applied Social Studies
• Registered Nurse Intellectual Disability (RNID) or RNMH qualifications considered
• Valid driving licence is essential.

Skill Set

• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Ability to build rapport with people with intellectual disabilities.
• Flexibility and eagerness to learn new skills.
• Capable of working independently and using initiative.
• Understanding and applying advocacy principles practically.
• Competence in report writing and computer literacy.
• Leadership and supervisory skills.
• Experience with intimate/personal care and record keeping.
• Familiarity with Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) standards and regulations.
• Budget management experience.

Desirable Experience

Previous involvement with HIQA inspections and thorough knowledge of HIQA regulations are valued.

Employment Terms and Benefits

• Permanent part-time employment for 28.5 hours weekly.
• Salary aligned with the Health Service Executive (HSE) Social Care Worker pay scale.
• 25 days of annual leave entitlement.
• Sick leave benefits.
• Maternity and parental leave provisions.
• Pension scheme participation.
• Death-in-service benefit.

Additional Information

A twelve-month panel may be established following interviews to fill future vacancies. Duties and responsibilities may be adjusted to meet client needs with staff involvement. The organization upholds equal opportunity employment principles.