Programme Assistant Driver - Portlaoise

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

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent working conditions

Training & development

25 days annual leave pro rata

Defined contribution pension

Health cash plan

Employee assistance service

Job summary

IWA is recruiting a Programme Assistant – Driver in Portlaoise to implement daily centre programmes, support fundraising, and provide transport for participants. You will work closely with staff, volunteers, and external agencies to run inclusive activities safely.

The role requires QQI Level 5 HealthCare Support and a valid driving licence; Category B is essential and D license desirable. The position offers development opportunities and pro rata leave.

Qualifications

• Full QQI level 5 in HealthCare Support is essential.
• QQI Major Awards relevant to IWA are required.
• Category D Driver Licence is desirable; B licence is essential.
• Experience with databases and Microsoft Office is desirable.
• Excellent communication in English is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead on programme activities within the Community Centre and report on designs.
• Support fundraising initiatives and perform administrative duties.
• Encourage member involvement in development and activation programmes.
• Accompany participants on holidays, outings, and day trips as needed.
• Ensure health and safety practices and safeguarding policies are followed.
• Transport participants to/from the Centre and maintain vehicles' roadworthiness.
• Mentor staff and volunteers in programme activities and transport safety.

Skills

Developing and delivering projects

Excellent communication

Education

QQI Level 5 HealthCare Support

QQI Major Award: Community Health Services

QQI Major Award: Health Service Skills

QQI Major Award: Health Care Support

Tools

Databases

Microsoft 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.

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.