Programme Assistant Driver

Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA); Carlow; On-site; EUR 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave pro rata

Pension scheme available

Employee Assistance Service

Job summary

The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) invites applications for a Programme Assistant Driver at our Carlow Community Centre. You will lead the delivery of personal and activation programmes and ensure the safe transportation of members to and from the Centre.

Liaise with staff, volunteers and families; support fundraising and administrative duties; maintain vehicles and uphold health, safety and safeguarding policies.

Qualifications

• Full QQI level 5 in HealthCare Support or similar qualification.
• Experience working with people with disabilities is preferred.
• Knowledge of transport safety and safeguarding policies is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of programme activities within the centre and during events.
• Transport participants to and from the Centre and related activities daily.
• Provide administrative support and assist with fundraising initiatives.

Skills

QQI HealthCare Support

Category B license

Disability sector experience

Transport safety

Education

QQI Level 5 HealthCare Support

Job description

Programme Assistant Driver

Carroll

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

As a Programme Assistant you will be expected to lead with the delivery of services to members engaging in personal and activation programmes in the Centre. You will also be responsible for the safe transportation of the members to and from the Community Centre. The essential nature of the Centre is to provide a pathway for people with physical disabilities to full participation with the community

Liaison

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 service user’s choice, Complete all report writing on programme designs. Liaise and network with local resources i.e. colleges for implementing creative new programmes
• Support the Service Coordinator 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
• 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 buses
• 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

Training, Experience And Qualifications

• Full QQI level 5 in HealthCare 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)
• Full category B driving license and a willingness to drive the IWA buses is essential
• Category D Driver’s License is desirable

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 Safety Health and Welfare regulations, as well as transport safety and standards of use is essential

Competencies

• Communicating and Influencing
• Motivating and Empowering
• Innovation and Creativity
• Planning and Organising
• Quality and Customer Focus

Behaviours

• The ability to 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

Remuneration Benefits

• Salary is from €20,689.58- €23,030.92 DOE
• Excellent working conditions
• Training Development opportunities
• 25 days annual leave pro rata
• Pension scheme available
• Employee Assistance Service

The closing date for all applications is 15th September 2026

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

INDHP