Social Care Worker

Gheel Autism Services CLG; Kildare; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

7% employer pension contribution

Up to 27 days annual leave pro rata

Employee Assistance Programme

Structured training & career Progress

Bike-to-Work scheme

Employee discount scheme

Job summary

Gheel Autism Services CLG is hiring a Social Care Worker / Autism Practitioner for our Prosperous and Kilcock residential service in North Kildare. You will support autistic adults, develop resources, and maintain documentation across two homes on a roster basis.

A Level 7 qualification, a full driving licence, Garda Vetting, and HIQA compliance experience are essential to join our inclusive team. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 7 Qualification in a related discipline
• A full, clean manual driving licence
• Thorough understanding of HIQA regulations and standards
• Full Garda Vetting (required prior to commencing employment)
• Experience supporting individuals with autism/ASD
• Case management experience

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate resources and strategies that support communication, thinking, and personal development
• Maintain clear, high-quality documentation and support plans
• Help build independent living skills and explore education and employment opportunities
• Support social and leisure activities across two homes on a roster basis
• Assist with personal care and daily routines

Skills

Communication skills

Documentation

Autism/ASD experience

Case management

Education

Level 7 qualification

Job description

BUILD A CAREER THAT MEANS SOMETHING

Social Care Worker / Autism Practitioner

Prosperous & Kilcock, Co. Kildare · Permanent · Full-Time 1WTE

Full, clean manual driving licence required

CORU Registration is desirable, not essential. You do not need to hold CORU Registration to be considered for this role.

Why Join Us?

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of autistic adults? Do you have experience in social care, community work, youth work, counselling, education, or a related field — and a commitment to person-centered support? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our innovative and dynamic team at Gheel Autism Services.

About the Role

This residential service is based in Prosperous and Kilcock, North Kildare, across two homes, with additional premium payments attached. The people we support enjoy a mix of home and community-based activities, and are looking for support staff who are proactive, imaginative, patient, and genuinely interested in getting to know them.

You’ll help develop and evaluate practical resources and strategies that support communication, thinking, and personal development, and maintain clear, high-quality documentation and support plans. As a practitioner, you’ll help build independent living skills, explore education and employment opportunities, and support social and leisure activities — working across both homes on a roster basis.

Salary and Placement

The salary scale runs from €37,838 to €54,747 (subject to increase as per WRC agreement). If you are moving from another organisation, we will place you at the scale point that reflects your substantive professional experience — including experience in community work, youth work, counselling, and education. We do not ask experienced practitioners to start at the bottom of the scale.

Essentials for both pathways:

• Minimum Level 7 Qualification in a related discipline
• A full, clean manual driving licence
• A thorough understanding of — or willingness to quickly learn — HIQA regulations and standards
• Full Garda Vetting (required prior to commencing employment)
• Experience supporting individuals with autism/ASD
• Case management experience

What You’ll Get

• Competitive salary, placed fairly for your experience (see above)
• 7% employer pension contribution
• Up to 27 days annual leave (pro rata), plus maternity and paternity leave
• Employee Assistance Programme, reflective practice, and supportive supervision
• Structured training, career progression, and education support
• Bike-to-Work scheme and employee discount scheme

In Their Own Words

The people we support in this area are looking for someone who can:

• Support them with their activities and routines
• Help them learn new things
• Assist with personal care
• Have fun — and be patient, kind, and caring
• Share an interest in things like music, baking, or crafts, and help find new things to try

Closing date: Thursday, 5th of November 2026, at 5:00pm, with interviews shortly after. Garda Vetting is required, and late applications will not be accepted.

Gheel Autism Services CLG is proud to be an inclusive employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure a fair and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require any adjustments or support to participate fully in any stage of the process, please contact us at [e-mail].