Programme Assistant Driver

Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA); Ballycanew; On-site; EUR 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent working conditions

Training development opportunities

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme available

Employee Assistance Service

Job summary

Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) Ballycanew seeks a Programme Assistant – Driver to transport members safely and lead activity programmes at the Community Centre. The role involves personal and activation programmes, liaising with staff and agencies to ensure smooth delivery.

Essential QQI Level 5 Health Care Support and a category B driving license. Responsibilities include admin tasks, fundraising support, and maintaining safety standards for transport and facilities.

Qualifications

• Full QQI Level 5 in Health Care Support or equivalent is essential.
• QQI Major Awards related to health care and safety are relevant to IWA.
• Driving licence category B is required for the role.

Responsibilities

• Lead programme activities at the Community Centre with daily programmes chosen by participants.
• Support fundraising initiatives and perform administrative duties.
• Facilitate participation in developmental and activation programmes for members.
• Transport participants to/from the Centre and other activities; assist with mobility as needed.
• Ensure health, safety and safeguarding policies are observed and vehicles are maintained.

Skills

Project development

Disability awareness

Health and safety knowledge

Transport safety

Team leadership

Education

QQI Level 5 Health Care Support

QQI Major Awards in Health Service Skills

Tools

Category B driving license

Job description

We would like to invite applications for the following 39-hour, permanent contract role.

Programme Assistant – Driver

Ballycanew

IWA is committed to promoting, maintaining and adding to our diverse and inclusive work environment.

As a Programme Assistant/ Driver you will be responsible for the safe transportation of the members to and from the Community Centre. As a Programme Assistant/Driver you will also be expected to lead with the delivery of services to members engaging in personal and activation programmes in the Centre. The essential nature of the Centre is to provide a pathway for people with physical disabilities to full participation with the community. Close liaison is required with Community Centre staff and members for the successful implementation of this position. Links will also be made with relevant voluntary and statutory agencies, families and friends of members.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead on the implementation of programme activities within the Community Centre, which will involve the following: implementing programmes daily from the participants’ choice, Complete all report writing on programme designs. Liaise and network with local resources i.e. colleges for implementing creative new programmes
• Support Coordinator and Service Support Officer in creating and implementing fundraising initiatives
• Administrative duties
• Encourage members to be actively involved in developmental, personal and activation programmes, that operate from the Centre, and to be actively involved in implementation of same
• Accompany and support participants on annual holidays, outings, socials and day trips as required by Service Coordinator/Service Support Officer
• Patient moving and handling; assist with personal care of participants where required
• Actively ensure that standards and practices regarding health and safety are fully adhered to in all areas of activities
• To comply with IWA's Parent and Ancillary Safety Statements and any legislative duties set out in current Health and Safety and Fire Safety Legislation
• Ensure that your responsibilities to safeguard children and adults from abuse or harm is a core aspect of your role and that IWA’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures are adhered to.
• The use of clamping, hoisting and lifting equipment are an essential part of this role
• Record and report any hazards, accidents or potential incidents to the Service Coordinator/Service Support Officer
• Transport participants to and from the Centre daily, and also to and from other related community activities as required by the Service Coordinator/Service Support Officer
• Ensure that vehicles for which you are responsible are always in a roadworthy condition and make such arrangements as are necessary for the maintenance, cleanliness and repairs of such vehicles in consultation with Service Coordinator/Service Support Officer
• Mentor staff and volunteers in all aspects relating to programme activities and transport safety
• Maintenance of the busses
• Flexibility and availability for out of hours service activities i.e. evenings and weekends
• Carry out any other duties and / or responsibilities which may be assigned to you from time to time

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Training, Experience And Qualifications

Full QQI level 5 in Health Care Support or similar qualification is essential. QQI Major Awards that are deemed relevant to IWA are:

• Community Health Services (to include minor components Safety Health at Work and Care Provision Practice)
• Health Service Skills (to include minor components in Workplace Statutory Policies Procedures and Care Skills and Care Support)
• Health Care Support (to include minor components Safety Health at Work and Care Skills and Care Support)

A Full category B driving licence is a requirement.

Knowledge And Skills

Previous experience of developing and delivering projects or programmes

Previous experience of working with people with disabilities is required

Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety regulations, as well as transport safety and standards of use are essential

Behaviours

The ability to lead a team and work on own initiative

An ability to build strong relationships at all levels and show confidence among the team

Strong customer service focus

Be of good character

Competencies

Communicating and Influencing

Motivating and Empowering

Innovation and Creativity

Planning and Organising

Quality and Customer Focus

Remuneration Benefits

The salary range for this position is €33,621.00 to €37,425.00 DOE

• Excellent working conditions
• Training development opportunities
• 25 days annual leave
• Pension scheme available
• Employee Assistance Service

The closing date for applications is Friday 6th November 2026

Documentary evidence of your relevant qualification(s) will be required in advance of or during the recruitment process.