Programme Assistant Driver - Portlaoise

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

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent working conditions

Training & development opportunities

25 days annual leave pro rata

Defined Contribution Pension Scheme

HSF Health Cash Plans

Employee Assistance Service

Job summary

Irish Wheelchair Association in Portlaoise invites applications for a 20-hour permanent Programme Assistant – Driver role. You will transport members to the Community Centre, lead activity delivery, and support service coordination while promoting safety and inclusion.

The role requires QQI Level 5 HealthCare Support, a category D license is desirable, and experience with databases and MS Office is preferred.

Qualifications

• Full QQI level 5 in HealthCare Support or similar qualification is essential.
• QQI Major Awards in Health Service areas as described by IWA.
• Category D Drivers Licence is highly desirable.
• Full Category B driving license and willingness to learn to drive IWA buses is essential.
• Experience with databases and Microsoft Office suite is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the implementation of programme activities within the Community Centre, daily programmes from members' choices.
• Complete all report writing on programme designs and liaise with local resources.
• Support the Service Coordinator in fundraising initiatives.
• Administrative duties and ensure member involvement in development and activation programmes.
• Accompany and support participants on holidays, outings, socials, and day trips.
• Patient moving and handling; assist with personal care where required.
• Ensure health, safety standards and safeguarding policies are adhered to.
• Record and report hazards, accidents or incidents to the Service Coordinator/Service Support Officer.
• Transport participants to and from the Centre and other activities.
• Maintain vehicles, arrange upkeep and cleaning in consultation with Service Coordinator.
• Mentor staff and volunteers in programme activities and transport safety.
• Maintenance of the buses; flexibility for out-of-hours activities.

Skills

Driver's Licence

Health & Safety awareness

Communication

Customer Service

Teamwork

Initiative

Education

QQI Level 5 HealthCare Support

Category D Driver's Licence

Category B Driving Licence

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database experience

Job description

We would like to invite applications for the following 20-hour permanent role;

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 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 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 Wednesday 7th October 2026

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