Support Worker - Bantry Residential Services (Permanent, 39 hours per week)

About CoAction West Cork

CoAction West Cork is dedicated to providing quality care and support services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, including children with autism. Their mission is to enable service users to achieve their fullest potential through collaborative work with families and caregivers within the community.

Position Overview

The Support Worker plays a key role within the Bantry Residential Services on a permanent basis, working 39 hours weekly. The role is based at the Adult Services Centre and/or the Group Home and reports to the Instructor, Area Manager, and/or Social Care Leader. This position contributes to the development and delivery of vocational training, social, and recreational activities, aiming to enhance independence, skills, and wellbeing of the individuals supported.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow guidance from instructors or Social Care Leaders in delivering structured programmes.
• Understand and respect each service user's unique interests, abilities, and communication methods.
• Maintain dignity and respect towards all service users.
• Foster a supportive and welcoming environment at the training centre or group home.
• Encourage and support service users in developing greater autonomy.
• Provide high-quality personal care, including support with clothing, feeding, toileting, and hygiene.
• Incorporate service user interests and preferences into daily programmes wherever possible.
• Report all accidents, incidents, and complaints promptly according to protocol.
• Actively advocate on behalf of service users.
• Participate in recreational activities and hobbies, including outings and events like the Special Olympics.
• Ensure confidentiality at all times.
• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team in line with organisational values.
• Assist with maintenance tasks in the adult services centre and group home.
• Comply with all CoAction policies, health and safety regulations, and safety measures.
• Promote and ensure safe working conditions, including the use of protective clothing, equipment, and training on machinery safety.
• Report any defective or faulty equipment immediately.
• Engage positively in the ongoing development of CoAction’s services.
• Welcome and assist visitors, including parents and others, courteously.
• Adhere to cash handling procedures as prescribed by management or accounts department.
• Supervise meal times alongside team members and assist with escort duties as needed.
• Operate company vehicles when required.
• Undertake relevant training courses to enhance skills and knowledge.

Qualifications and Experience

• Essential: QQI (FETAC) Level 5 in Healthcare or equivalent qualification in healthcare or social care.
• Essential: Full clean Irish driver’s license for manual vehicles.
• Desirable: Qualifications in healthcare, learning disabilities, social studies, social sciences, or nursing.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism is preferred.
• Experience supporting persons with challenging behaviours.
• Training in MAPA or CPI (Managing Actual or Potential Aggression).
• First Aid certification.
• Experience in arts, crafts, pottery, gardening, and cooking is advantageous.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
• Basic IT capabilities including typing and working with Microsoft Word.
• Strong team collaboration skills and ability to take initiative.
• Advocacy proficiency supporting service users’ needs.
• Competency in providing intimate and personal care.
• Ability to support individuals with positive behaviour support plans and physiotherapy or occupational therapy requirements (desirable).

Benefits and Remuneration

• Competitive salary ranging from €32,543 to €45,163 per annum, depending on experience.
• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 25 days, increasing with continued service.
• Access to pension scheme.
• Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• Sick leave provisions in accordance with CoAction policies.

Additional Information

A 12-month panel may be established from these interviews, and future vacancies could be filled from this panel. Only candidates who hold the legal right to work in Ireland will be considered. The job description may be reviewed and amended as necessary by management with prior notification. CoAction West Cork is an equal opportunity employer committed to a respectful and inclusive workplace.