Care Assistants - Full Time (Residential & Community Settings)

Horizons Cork; Cork; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary aligned with HSE scales

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work environment

Premium payments

Paid maternity leave

Pension

Training and development

Employee assistance programme

23 days annual leave

Job summary

Horizons Cork seeks Care Assistants to support people with intellectual disability and autism. Roles span residential and day services across Cork City & County, with 78-hour fortnights and both day and night shifts.

Your work will empower individuals to pursue their dreams while adhering to person-centred, community-based support models. Starting at the minimum salary point with incremental progression based on service, experience, and relevant qualifications, you will work within a friendly

Qualifications

• Minimum QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare/Intellectual Disability completed.
• Understanding of current health service legislation (ADMA, UNCRPD).
• Excellent teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in verbal and written English is essential.
• Valid work permission to reside in Ireland at time of application.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with intellectual disability and/or autism to live as they choose.
• Work in Horizons residential or day service locations as part of a team.
• Collaborate with circles of support and local communities for opportunities.
• Maintain person-centred, citizen-based, social model of support.

Skills

Excellent teamwork

Fluent English

Communication skills

IT skills

Report writing

Initiative

Flexibility

Education

QQI Level 5 Healthcare/ID

Job description

Care Assistants

Aligned to the Care Assistant(Disability Services) pay scale.

Salary

Salary: The 13-point salary scale for the post as of 01/06/2026.

€34,881, €36,034, €37,602, €38,122, €38,965, €40,603, €42,362, €42,976, €44,504, €45,647, €46,578, €47,624, €48,434 LSI

Pease note that successful candidates will commence on point 1 of the Care Assistant scale unless they have previous service directly with the HSE or a Section 38 agency in which case relevant service may be taken into account for salary placement.

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Locations

We have roles in various locations across Cork City & County.

Shift Work position

78-hour fortnight (Day Shift and Night Shift)

In line with our growing services Horizons is looking to recruit Care Assistants to support people with an intellectual disability and/or autism to flourish and lead a life of their choosing. This is a real opportunity to support people to reach their dreams, hopes, and wishes every day.

The successful applicants may be required to work in existing Horizons residential or day service/hub locations, as part of a team or in new community-based settings.

The positions require a high degree of flexibility and motivation.

The team members will work closely with individuals’ circles of support and their local community in order to develop and progress opportunities for them. A commitment to a person centred, citizen based, and social model of support is required.

Applicants must possess the competencies and skills appropriate to working with persons with an intellectual disability.

Note: Shortlisting will be based on the information provided on the application form.

Essential Criteria for Applicants

• A relevant qualification: minimum QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare/Intellectual Disability (all 8 modules completed as per QQI requirements).
• Have a general understanding of current legislation (ADMA, UNCRPD).
• Excellent team working skills.
• Initiative, flexibility, and enthusiasm.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in verbal and written English is an essential requirement of this post.
• A track record of thinking creatively, being person centred and adaptable.
• IT Skills and experience in report writing.
• Valid work permission and eligibility to work and reside in Ireland at the time of application.

Desirable Criteria for Applicants

• Experience working with individuals with an intellectual disability and additional needs such as autism or physical and medical condition is desirable.
• A full clean driving license is desirable.

What we offer

A flexible and supportive work environment.

• Salary in line with the HSE consolidated pay scales.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• An opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives.
• Premium Payments.
• Paid Maternity Leave.
• Pension.
• Training and Development.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• 23 days Annual Leave.

Completed applications must be submitted no later than Friday 2nd October 2026.

The Department of Health & Children Consolidated Scales apply.