Social Care Assistant vacancies, Residential Services Ballina, Co. Mayo

Western Care Association; Ballina; On-site; EUR 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension & life insurance

Generous annual leave

Career progression

Flexible working

EAP counselling

Bike-to-Work scheme

Sick pay

Job summary

Western Care Association in Ballina, Mayo, invites applications for Social Care Assistants to support individuals in a residential setting. Roles include delivering person-centered care, advocacy and teamwork with families and multidisciplinary staff to promote independence and well-being.

Formal qualifications are not mandatory; enthusiasm, compassion and reliability are valued. Contracts include specific hours and sleep-in duties, with a competitive pay scale and benefits.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications are not mandatory for Social Care Assistant positions.
• We are particularly interested in applicants who can demonstrate the personal qualities needed to provide compassionate, respectful and person-centred support.
• Previous experience in a social care setting is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals to live meaningful and fulfilling lives in a safe, inclusive environment.
• Work alongside individuals, their families and multidisciplinary teams to promote independence, equality and personal goals.
• Advocate for individuals' needs, preferences and rights, and contribute to Individual Plans.

Skills

Compassion

Patience

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Flexibility

Self-motivation

Job description

At Western Care we aim to provide the most appropriate care, in the most appropriate setting for the people we support. And right now, we are looking to grow and support our team across County Mayo.

Why not be part of a progressive team, that's delivering for its community.

Western Care - Supporting People To Live Their Lives.

Social Care Assistant Vacancies

Ballina, Co. Mayo

Post Details

• Ait Sona Residential Service
• Specific Purpose Contract 30.67 hours per week + sleep in's - Reference Number: 2026-259
• Relief Contracts - Reference Number: 2026-257

For further enquiries, please contact: Aoife Gibbons, Service Manager Tel: [phone]

• Residential Service
• Permanent 16 hours per week + sleep in's - Reference Number: 2026-262

For further enquiries, please contact: Lisa Gallagher, Service Manager Tel: [phone]

Application Process

• Closing Date: November 12th, 2026

Additional Information

Please note that panels may be formed from this competition to fill similar posts within the organisation.

Job Brief

We are seeking dedicated, motivated, and reliable Social Care Assistants to join our organisation. In this role, you will support individuals to live meaningful and fulfilling lives in a safe, inclusive and respectful environment. You will work alongside individuals, their families and multidisciplinary teams to promote independence, equality and achieve their personal goals. This role also involves advocating for individuals' needs, preferences and rights, as well as contributing to the development and implementation of Individual Plans.

Qualification Details

Formal qualifications are not mandatory for Social Care Assistant positions.

We are particularly interested in applicants who can demonstrate the personal qualities needed to provide compassionate, respectful and person-centred support.

Previous experience in a social care setting is desirable but not essential. We welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate the right values, attitude and commitment to supporting others, regardless of their previous experience or qualifications.

Salary Scales

Social Care Assistant Pay Scale (Scale Range €33,193 to €46,064 per annum - hourly rate from €16.31 to €22.64)

• this is based on full-time working hours i.e.39 hours per week

Candidate Requirements

Essential qualities

• Compassion, patience, reliability and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of others.
• A person and family-centred approach to supporting individuals.
• An understanding and appreciation of equality, inclusion and quality of life for all.
• A commitment to supporting individuals in achieving positive opportunities and meaningful change in their lives.
• The ability to listen, understand and respectfully support and advocate for individuals in relation to their needs, preferences, rights and aspirations.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to, upholding the ethos and values of the service.
• A willingness to work collaboratively with individuals, families, colleagues and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Self-motivation and effective time-management skills.
• Flexibility and a willingness to respond to the needs of the service.

Desirable Experience, Skills And Knowledge

• Experience supporting people with high and/or complex needs.
• Experience working in a person- and family-centred manner.
• Knowledge or understanding of New Directions standards (Day Services).
• Knowledge or understanding of HIQA standards and regulations.
• An understanding of budget awareness and financial accountability within service settings.
• Good knowledge of IT systems and applications.

Other Duties Involved

(Duties include, but are not limited to, the following)

• Contribute to and actively participate in the local service planning process, supporting the creative development and responding to the ongoing and changing needs of the service.
• Provide personal care and practical support to individuals as required.
• Ensure a safe and respectful workplace, adhering to the organisation's Dignity at Work Policy and all Health & Safety requirements.
• Promote safety in all environments in line with the Association's practices and guidelines.
• Use positive and proactive approaches to support individuals who may present challenging behaviours, consistent with organisational policies and best practice.

Other Requirements

• Full driver's license is essential.
• All applicants will be subject to Irish Garda Vetting and Reference checks.
• Applicants from countries outside the E.U. must provide relevant work authorization to take up employment in the Republic of Ireland. This documentation must be submitted with the application.
• Applicants who have lived outside of the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland for more than six months since the age of 16 will be required to provide Overseas Police Clearance.

Employment Benefits

• Competitive Salary in line with Department of Health consolidated scales
• Premium payments, including anti-social hours payments on residential rosters.
• Pension and Life Insurance Scheme.
• Generous Annual Leave often exceeding statutory entitlement.
• Dedicated learning and opportunities for career progression
• Flexible working arrangements where feasible.
• Comprehensive Induction process.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which includes counselling support.
• Bike-to-Work Scheme.
• Sick pay scheme.

Health

Applicants must be fully competent and capable of performing the duties of this role and be in a state of health that indicates a reasonable prospect of providing regular, reliable and efficient service

full job descriptions available by emailing [e-mail]