Programme Assistant Driver

Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA); Castlebar; On-site; EUR 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent working conditions

Training Development opportunities

25 days annual leave pro rata

Pension access

HSF Health Plans

Job summary

Irish Wheelchair Association in Castlebar is seeking a Programme Assistant/Driver to transport members to the Community Centre and lead personal and activation programmes. The role requires a QQI Level 5 in HealthCare Support and a Full Category B driving licence; D licence is a plus.

You will work 33.5 hours weekly with maternity cover and possible shift variations. Key duties include programme delivery, health and safety compliance, and reporting on programme designs, while mentoring staff and

Qualifications

• Full QQI level 5 in HealthCare Support or equivalent essential.
• Full category B driving licence mandatory; D licence advantageous.
• Experience with databases and MS Office desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead programme activities at the Community Centre and report on designs.
• Transport participants to Centre and related activities daily.
• Support safety, health, and safeguarding policies in all duties.
• Mentor staff and volunteers in transport safety and programme delivery.

Skills

Project delivery

Disability experience

Health & Safety

Education

QQI Level 5 HealthCare Support

Driving licence (Category B)

D licence advantageous

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

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 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 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 and 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 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.

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

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