Programme Assistant Driver - Portlaoise

Irish Wheelchair Association; Portlaoise; On-site; EUR 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined contribution pension

Health cash plans

Employee assistance service

Training & development opportunities

25 days annual leave pro rata

Job summary

Irish Wheelchair Association invites applications for the role of Programme Assistant – Driver in Portlaoise. The post focuses on safe transportation for members and leading with service delivery in personal and activation programmes at the Centre.

The role supports the Centre’s aim to enable full community participation for people with physical disabilities. Key duties include transporting participants, supervising activities, health & safety compliance, and assisting with fundraising and

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering programmes and activities for people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of Safety Health and Welfare regulations and transport safety.
• Excellent spoken and written English and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead programme activities in the Community Centre and deliver services to members.
• Support fundraising initiatives and administrative duties.
• Transport participants daily and accompany on holidays/outings.
• Ensure vehicles are roadworthy and maintained in consultation with the coordinator.
• Mentor staff and volunteers in transport safety and programmes.

Skills

Disability experience

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

QQI Level 5 Health Care Support

Category B driving license

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Programme Assistant – Driver

Portlaoise

IWA is committed to promoting, maintaining, and adding to our diverse and inclusive work environment and would encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

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 in 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 members 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 to and from other related community activities as required by 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 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)

Category D Drivers Licence is highly desirable.

Full Category B driving license and a willingness to learn to drive the IWA buses is essential.

Previous experience of working with databases and Microsoft Office suite are desirable.

Knowledge and Skills

Developing and delivering projects or programmes.

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

Demonstrate excellent communication skills with a good level of spoken and written English

Competencies

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

Behaviours

• The ability to work on your 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

• Annual salary range from €17,241 to €19,192 DOE
• Hourly rates range from €16.52 to €18.39 DOE
• Excellent working conditions
• Training & development opportunities
• 25 days annual leave pro rata
• Access to Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
• HSF Health Cash Plans
• Employee Assistance Service

The closing date for applications is Monday 19th October 2026

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

INDHP