Social Care Worker - Day Services at St. Aidan's Services

About St. Aidan's Services

St. Aidan's Services is dedicated to delivering high-quality, safe, and person-centered care to adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization emphasizes the importance of both professional and personal values to surpass standard services and aims to maintain quality as a fundamental part of its operations.

Mission, Vision and Values

• Mission: Embracing Ability, Enriching Lives
• Vision: Empowered Individuals, Enhanced Supports, Engaged Stakeholders
• Core Values: Rights, Respect, Care, Community, Trust

Job Summary

We are looking for a Social Care Worker to join our team on a full-time, permanent basis to provide support under the New Directions model, which focuses on individualized, outcomes-based services for persons with intellectual disabilities. The role involves enabling service users to participate in community activities that align with their personal interests and needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate delivery, evaluation, and strategic aspects of training programs to achieve desired outcomes.
• Deliver person-centered, outcome-focused support to empower adults with disabilities to live according to their preferences.
• Act as liaison between schools, other services, and St. Aidan's regarding school leavers interested in services.
• Develop and implement transition plans for individuals moving from children's to adult services.
• Design and manage training workshops ensuring effective, relevant service delivery.
• Support individuals in achieving employment goals.
• Provide one-to-one and group support covering travel, education, health, social roles, recreational activities, volunteering, and financial management.
• Conduct needs assessments and develop educational materials tailored to diverse learning requirements.
• Evaluate the impact of sport, leisure, and creative arts activities on social inclusion and well-being.
• Critically analyze social and environmental factors affecting individuals with disabilities.
• Collect and submit accurate statistical and program reports as required.
• Engage with the local community to promote inclusion aligned with New Directions principles.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the New Directions framework.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Extensive knowledge of intellectual disability services.
• Experience in care planning and person-centered planning approaches.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, including active listening.
• Proven capability in relationship-building, networking, and fostering inclusion.
• Adaptability and responsiveness to changing needs.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Capacity to work independently with initiative as well as collaboratively within a team.
• High motivation and proactive attitude.
• Proficient information technology and administrative skills.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma in Social Care, Applied Social Studies, or equivalent foreign qualification recognized by QQI.
• 1–3 years post-qualification experience in disability services.
• Minimum one year post-qualification experience supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and knowledge of autism.
• Possession of a full, clean driving license and willingness to operate a company vehicle.
• NFQ Level 8 qualification in Facilitating Inclusion (Disability Studies) is advantageous.
• Legal right to work in Ireland with valid work authorization.
• Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English.

Benefits

• Competitive salary rates.
• Free Garda Vetting process.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development.
• Generous annual leave entitlement on a pro-rata basis.
• Defined contribution pension scheme participation.
• Sick leave pay.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Employee discounts at St. Aidan's Garden Centre.
• Note: Benefits are subject to eligibility and conditions and are not exhaustive.

Recruitment Process

Applicants will be shortlisted for interview based on information provided in their application and CV.

Equal Opportunities

St. Aidan's Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates.