Programme Assistant Driver

Irish Wheelchair Association; Castlebar; On-site; EUR 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent working conditions

Training & Development opportunities

25 days annual leave pro rata

Pension and health plans

Employee Assistance Service

Job summary

Irish Wheelchair Association seeks a Programme Assistant – Driver in Castlebar to transport members to the Community Centre and deliver personal activation programmes. You will lead daily activities, ensure safety, and support staff and volunteers within a caring, disability-focused setting.

The role requires a Full QQI Level 5 in HealthCare Support, a category B licence (D preferred), and experience with databases and MS Office. Flexibility for Mayo location and hours is needed.

Qualifications

• Full QQI level 5 in HealthCare Support is essential.
• Full B driving licence; a D licence would be advantageous.
• Experience with databases and Microsoft Office desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead programme activities at the Community Centre.
• Transport participants to and from the Centre and events.
• Record and report hazards and incidents; ensure health and safety compliance.
• Mentor staff and volunteers in programme activities and transport safety.
• Maintain vehicles and liaise with coordinators on fundraising initiatives.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Health & safety knowledge

Transport safety

Database experience

Microsoft Office

Education

QQI Level 5 HealthCare Support

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

We would like to invite applications for the following 33.5 hour role, comprising 19.5 permanent hours and 14 specified purpose maternity cover hours:

Programme Assistant – Driver

Castlebar

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

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.

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 theCommunity 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 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)

A Full category B driving licence is a must and a D licence would be a distinct advantage

Some flexibility around location and hours will be required in Co. Mayo

Previous experience of working with databases and Microsoft Office suite are 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 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

Hourly rate for this position is from €16.52 to €18.39 DOE

Excellent working conditions

Training & Development opportunities

25 days annual leave pro rata

Access to pension and HSF Health Plans

Employee Assistance Service

The closing date for applications is Thursday, 1st October 2026

The role is currently 33.5 hours per week. On completion of the maternity cover period, the post will revert to 19.5 permanent hours per week.

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