Support Worker - Children'S Services And Home Support - Ref C078

CoAction West Cork provides quality services to support children and adults with an intellectual disability, and children with autism.

This is achieved by helping each service user reach their full potential, working in partnership with their families and carers, within the community.

Support Worker

Children's Services and Home Support

Permanent - 39 hours per week

Base : Children's Home, Community, Dunmanway

Waking Night, Saturday Premium and Sunday Allowances

Closing date for applications : Friday, 10th October 2025

Please note that a 12 month panel may be formed from these interviews from which future positions may be filled.

For full position details and job description or for details on submitting an application please visit our website or you can email

The following description is intended to give a broad outline of the post only.

It is neither inclusive nor definitive.

Duties may be altered or amended by the Organisation to suit the changing needs of the organisation.

Staff will be consulted regarding any such changes.

It is our policy to review job descriptions on an on-going basis.

Overall Purpose of Position

The aim of the children's services training and employment programmes within the Centre is to develop a range of practical and training skills with a view towards increasing innovation, independence and a sense of achievement for the people that use our services.

The programmes contain vocational training and social and recreational activities.

The role of the Support Worker is to assist the Instructor and / or The Social Care Leader in the planning, developing, implementing and reviewing specified programmes in line with the ethos of the organisation.

The Support Worker also has responsibility for supporting the person that avail of our services with their personal care (clothing, feeding, toileting and general hygiene).

Main Responsibilities

To be aware of the individuality of each person i.e. their interests, likes / dislikes, abilities, and their means of communication.

To at all times treat the person that use our service with dignity and respect.

To promote a friendly and supportive environment in the training and employment centre / group home.

To be aware of the ability level of each person and actively encourage greater independence.

To provide the highest possible standard of care at all areas and develop a caring relationship with each person that use our service.

In as far as possible to incorporate that person's interests into the daily programme.

To assist in the personal care of people using our services where appropriate.

(i.e. clothing, feeding, toileting and general hygiene)

To report all accidents, incidents and complaints in the appropriate manner.

To be an active advocate for the people using our service.

To be involved in recreational activities and hobbies.

To ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times.

To assist with recreational activities i.e. outings, Special Olympics, etc.

To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team within the ethos of the organisation.

To liaise with other relevant staff.

To assist in the maintenance of the children's services centre / group home.

To be familiar with CoAction's policies and procedures.

To be familiar with Health and Safety regulations and policies and to carry out any tasks or safety measures that may be laid down.

To ensure safety and safe working conditions in the workplace.

To ensure the group wear protective clothing and use protective machinery where required.

To ensure the group are trained fully in the use of any relevant machinery or tools and to ensure the group have health and safety awareness.

To report any defective / faulty equipment.

To contribute in a positive and energetic manner to the overall development of CoAction and the services it provides.

To attend to parents and other visitors to the Adult Services centre with courtesy, tact and consideration.

To follow cash handling procedures as determined by the area manager and / or the accounts department

To supervise meals together with other staff and to assist in recreational activities as required.

To carry out escort duties as required.

To drive Company vehicles as required.

To develop relevant skills and abilities by taking part in training courses

Essential Qualifications

QQI level 5 in Healthcare or Equivalent

Full Irish Driving Licence

A qualification in Child Care, Social Studies, or Disability Studies is desirable.

Essential Skills

Initiative

Excellent communication skills

Caring skills

Organisation skills

Patience

Team Worker

Art and Craft skills

Essential Experience

Previous caring experience is required.

This can include working with children, working with children / adults with special needs / intellectual disabilities or working with the elderly.

Previous experience of working with children and families in the area of Intellectual Disability and / or special needs would be a distinct advantage.

Key Competencies (i.e. what are the key skills that are required to do this job)

Caring nature

Good communication skills

Reliability

Use of Initiative

Team Worker

This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is subject to review and amendment in light of changing circumstances and may include other duties and responsibilities as may be determined from time to time by the Director of Services / CEO or designated Line Manager.

You will be given as much notice of such changes as possible.

It is CoAction's policy to review job descriptions on a regular basis.

CoAction West Cork is an equal opportunity employer

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