Care Assistant

Uniting Holding; Kildare; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contribution (7%)

Up to 23 days annual leave

Employee assistance programme

Training & education support

Bike-to-Work scheme

Job summary

Gheel Autism Services CLG invites applications for a Care Assistant / Support Worker (0.70 WTE) to join the Ballycurraghan team, Co. Kildare.

The role operates on a day roster (10am-6pm) across Monday to Sunday, with premium payments. You will support individuals with autism in community-based residential supports, align with HIQA guidelines, and contribute to development of independent living skills and personal development plans.

Qualifications

• FETAC Major Level 5 in Social Care or a health/social science qualification.
• Full, clean manual driving licence is required.
• Understanding of HIQA guidelines and standards or willingness to learn.
• Garda Vetting required before starting employment.

Responsibilities

• Support service users with daily living activities and community participation.
• Develop and implement practical resources to support communication and thinking.
• Maintain accurate assessments, care plans, and service records.
• Promote independence and social engagement while working under HIQA standards.

Skills

Communication

ASD experience

Independence

Time management

Report writing

Education

FETAC Major Level 5 in Social Care

Health or Social Science qualification

Job description

Care Assistant / Support Worker

• Ballycurraghan, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

• Specified Purpose Contract, 0.70 WTE

• Day Roster across Monday to Sunday, with Premium Payments

• The current shift breakdown is Week 1: 4 shifts (currently 10am-6pm) by Week 2: 3 shifts etc.,

• Full, clean manual driving licence required

Premium Payments are also associated with this role!

Why Join Us?

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with autism? Do you have experience in the social care or disability sector and a commitment to person-centred support? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our innovative and dynamic team at Gheel Autism Services!

About the Role

We are currently seeking a Care Assistant / Support Worker, 0.70 WTE, to join our Ballycurraghan Team, Co. Kildare. This role is a day roster (currently 10am-6pm) position covering Monday to Sunday, with associated additional premium payments. Our Service Users attend here for community-based residential supports — these are busy homes, with individuals supported enjoying a mixture of home and community-based activities. As the ideal candidate, you will be proactive and imaginative when it comes to service provision.

You will need the awareness and skillset to support those who experience sensory differences, helping them get the most from their own home and the community, and to promote the wellbeing of everyone supported while working under HIQA guidelines and standards. You'll produce, implement, and evaluate practical resources and strategies to support communication and thinking, alongside assessment documentation for social, healthcare, and personal development, and maintain a thorough understanding of each person's working file and support plan. Working alongside the Practitioners, you'll also help develop independent living skills, education and employment possibilities, and social and leisure activities.

Salary and Placement

The salary scale runs from €36,055 to €45,163 per annum, pro rata. A sector-wide pay agreement will provide for a 2% increase from the 1st of October 2026. Premium payments are also associated with this role.

Essential Qualifications:

• FETAC Major Level 5 Qualification in Social Care, or a qualification in Health or Social Science

• A full, clean manual driving licence

• A thorough understanding of — or willingness to quickly learn — HIQA guidelines and standards

• Full Garda Vetting (required prior to commencing employment)

Essential Experience:

• Excellent communication & engagement skills

• Experience of supporting individuals with a diagnosis of ASD

• Ability to promote independence where applicable

• Ability to work under pressure, use your own initiative, and meet deadlines

• Report writing skills

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of case management

• Experience in developing support plans and carrying out reviews

• Ability to display flexibility in the role

• Willingness to develop professional skills as identified through supervision and managing own CPD

• Information technology skills

• Experience/ability to liaise and network with community services

What You'll Get

• Competitive salary, with annual increments and pension (7% employer contribution)

• Up to 23 days annual leave, plus various leave types such as paid maternity and paternity leave (dependent on service)

• Employee Assistance Programme, reflective practice, and supportive supervision

• Training, career progression, and education support

• Bike-to-Work scheme and employee discount scheme

In Their Own Words

The people we support in this area are looking for someone who can:

• Support them with their activities and routines

• Help them learn new things

• Assist with personal care

• Have fun — and be patient, kind, and caring

• Share an interest in things like music, baking, or crafts, and help find new things to try

Closing date: Wednesday, 23rd September 2026, at 5:00pm, with interviews shortly after. Garda Vetting is required, and late applications will not be accepted.

Gheel Autism Services CLG is proud to be an inclusive employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure a fair and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require any adjustments or support to participate fully in any stage of the process, please contact us at [e-mail].