Social Care Worker / Residential Care Worker

Overview

Orchard Care Group Ireland is expanding its Orchard Community Care division in Waterford City and invites applications for full-time and part-time Social Care Workers and Residential Care Workers. The roles involve providing residential and day services to children and adults with moderate to profound disabilities, including those with life-limiting conditions. Staff work within multidisciplinary teams that include psychologists, behavioural therapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the smooth daily operation of the service by delivering person-centered care and support.
• Complete residents' personal plans in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Actively support service users in their daily routines and personal choices.
• Collaborate with families, clinicians, and local communities to enhance support.
• Implement positive behaviour support programmes.
• Promote independence and integration into the community.
• Stay informed on social care policies and developments related to disability services.
• Motivate and assist service users to participate in planned activities and meaningful engagement.
• Provide personal care and oversee the general well-being of those supported.
• Work collaboratively with team members, support colleagues, and participate in meetings and supervisions.
• Conduct health and safety checks, carry out risk assessments, and maintain accurate records.
• Manage and administer medication following organisational policies.
• Engage with multidisciplinary teams, families, and other relevant parties regarding service users.
• Work flexible rolling shifts, including day and night shifts, to meet service needs.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as required within the role's scope.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Applicants for Social Care Worker positions must hold a Level 7 or higher qualification in a relevant field and be registered—or in the process of registering—with CORU as Social Care Workers. A valid full manual driving licence eligible for driving in Ireland is mandatory. Applicants must also be fully eligible and available to work.

Residential Care Worker applicants should hold a Level 7 or higher qualification in applicable health or social disciplines such as Social Care, Psychology, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, Youth and Community, Social Science, Family Support, Teaching (excluding TEFL), Nursing Studies, Disability Studies, Applied Behavioural Analysis, Early Years Care (for services catering to children under 12), Social Pedagogy, Sports Science, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, or Paramedic Studies. Registration process status with CORU is considered where applicable. A valid full manual driving licence and full eligibility to work are also required.

Desirable Experience

• Minimum of one year recent experience working within the social services sector is preferred.

Benefits

• Structured and thorough induction process.
• Comprehensive training programmes and continuous professional development.
• Mentorship and ongoing support.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Competitive salary with regular increments.
• Premium pay rates for Sundays and Bank Holidays.
• Flexible working schedules accommodating both staff and service user needs.
• Four weeks of annual leave.
• Employee referral incentives.
• Resource-rich workplace with access to multidisciplinary teams.
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their families.

About Orchard Care Group

Orchard Care Group is a fully Irish-owned organisation committed to delivering exceptional care and support to children, young people, and adults across various settings including fostering, disability services, and residential care. The group encompasses three key brands: Orchard Residential, Orchard Community Care, and Orchard Fostering. Their vision is centered on enabling the people they support to live meaningful lives through a high standard of care framed by values of Advocacy, Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, and Human Rights.