Young Adult Support Worker

Role overview

Applications are invited for a full-time, 39-hour fixed-term cover position as a Young Adult Support Worker based in Briarhill, Galway. The role sits within Irish Wheelchair Association’s services and focuses on supporting School Leavers Service participants who have physical disabilities.

The purpose of the service is to help people with disabilities take part fully in community life through developmental, personal, and social inclusion programmes. In this position, you will work with young adults to support their personal goals and help deliver activities such as training workshops, personal development sessions, day outings, and social events, while also connecting participants with community services and facilities in their local area.

The organisation values a diverse and inclusive workplace and expects the post holder to contribute to that environment.

Key duties

You will support the Service Manager and Support Officers in running group-based workshops and activities shaped around the needs and preferences of young adults. You will also work one-to-one with individuals using a person-centred approach and assist with Personal Goals work.

The role includes supporting young adults participating in Rehabilitative Training, helping with transport in line with transport handbook requirements, and assisting with all aspects of personal care and daily living as needed by each individual.

You may accompany young adults on outings, social trips, and holidays, and you will be expected to act in ways that strengthen independence, confidence, and self-reliance. The job also involves maintaining both paper and digital records, completing training as directed, and keeping health and safety standards fully in place in the centre and during all activities. Any hazards or accidents must be reported to the Service Manager or Support Officers.

Additional duties may be assigned from time to time, and safeguarding children and adults from abuse or harm is a fundamental part of the role. All safeguarding policies and procedures must be followed at all times.

Working relationships

Close coordination is required with School Leaver Service Support Officers, the Rehabilitative Training team, and Community Centre Coordinators and their teams.

Qualifications and experience

A QQI Level 5 Major Award (8 modules) in Care Support, or an equivalent relevant qualification, is essential. Relevant awards include Community Health Services, Health Service Skills, Health Care Support, and Youth Work, with the noted minor component requirements where applicable.

A full driving licence is required. Previous experience of working with people with disabilities is also required. Experience in developing and delivering projects or programmes is desirable, and prior driving experience with transit vans used for transporting people with disabilities, or a willingness to do so, would be an advantage.

You should also have a solid understanding of health and safety rules, transport safety, and standards for vehicle use.

Skills and personal qualities

The position calls for strong organisational ability, a team-oriented approach, and the confidence to work independently when needed. You should be able to build effective relationships at different levels, demonstrate a strong customer service mindset, and contribute through communication, motivation, creativity, planning, and a focus on quality.

Compensation and benefits

The salary range for this fixed-term full-time role is €32,961 to €36,691, depending on experience. The current pay scale is due to increase by 2% in 2026 in line with the recent WRC interim agreement for Section 39 organisations.

Benefits include excellent working conditions, training and development opportunities, 25 days of annual leave each year, access to pension and health schemes, and an Employee Assistance Service.

Important information

This is a full-time role of 39 hours per week and is being offered as a fixed-term contract covering leave.

Applicants must provide documentary evidence of relevant qualifications during or before the recruitment process.

The closing date for applications is 5:00 pm on Thursday, 2 July 2026.