Programme Assistant Driver

Irish Wheelchair Association; Ireland; 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

Salary €33,621–€37,425 DOE

Job summary

Irish Wheelchair Association in Ballycanew seeks a Programme Assistant – Driver on a permanent 39-hour week to transport members to and from the Community Centre and deliver activation programmes. Close liaison with staff and volunteers supports engaging activities for people with physical disabilities.

The role requires QQI Level 5 Health Care Support, a Category B driving licence, and experience with disability services. Benefits include 25 days leave, pension, EAS and training opportunities.

Qualifications

• QQI Level 5 in Health Care Support is essential.
• QQI Major Awards relevant to IWA (Health Service Skills / Health Care Support / Community Health Services).
• Full Category B driving licence is a requirement.
• Experience delivering projects or programmes for people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety and transport safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Implementing programmes daily from participants’ choices.
• Complete all report writing on programme designs.
• Liaise with local resources for creating new programmes.
• Support fundraising initiatives and administrative duties.
• Encourage active involvement in developmental, personal and activation programmes.
• Transport participants to and from the Centre and related activities.
• Ensure vehicles are roadworthy and maintained in consultation with coordinators.
• Mentor staff and volunteers in programme activities and transport safety.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Health & safety awareness

Transport safety

Communication

Education

QQI Level 5 Health Care Support

Category B driving licence

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

• 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.