Programme Assistant Driver

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

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent working conditions

Training & Development opportunities

25 days annual leave pro rata

Pension scheme available

Employee Assistance Service

Job summary

Irish Wheelchair Association invites applications for a Permanent Contract Programme Assistant Driver role in Carlow. You will lead the delivery of programmes and ensure safe transport of members to and from the Community Centre.

Requires QQI Level 5 Health Care Support, category B driving licence (D desirable), and a strong commitment to health and safety in line with safeguarding policies for people with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Full QQI Level 5 in HealthCare Support or equivalent
• Category B driving licence; willingness to drive IWA buses
• Category D Licence desirable
• Experience developing/delivering projects or programmes with people with disabilities
• Knowledge of Safety Health and Welfare regulations and transport safety

Responsibilities

• Lead on the implementation of programme activities within the community centre.
• Liaise and network with local resources (colleges) for new programmes.
• Support in fundraising initiatives.
• Administrative duties.
• Encourage active involvement in development and activation programmes.
• Accompany and support participants on holidays, outings, and day trips.
• Move and handle patients; assist with personal care as required.
• Ensure health and safety standards and safeguarding policies are followed.
• Record and report hazards/accidents to supervisors.
• Transport participants to and from the Centre and related activities.
• Maintain vehicles in roadworthy condition and arrange maintenance as needed.
• Mentor staff and volunteers in programme activities and transport safety.
• Maintenance of buses; flexible for evening/weekend work.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communicating

Planning

Organising

Customer service

Safety awareness

Education

QQI Level 5 HealthCare

Category B driving licence

Category D driving licence desirable

Job description

We would like to invite applications for the following 24 hours, Permanent Contract Position.

Programme Assistant Driver

Carlow

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

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Training, Experience and Qualifications

Full QQI level 5in 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