Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner

Uniting Holding; Dublin; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth

Wellbeing support

Annual leave 27 days

Pension 7% employer contrib

Bike-to-Work

Employee discount scheme

Job summary

Gheel Autism Services CLG is hiring a Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner for our Community Support Services in South Dublin. This is a Monday‑to‑Sunday day roster within Living Options, with a permanent full-time contract.

The successful candidate will act as a strong role model, deliver person-centred support, promote independence, and help individuals achieve meaningful outcomes while adhering to HIQA regulations. A full, clean driving licence is required.

Qualifications

• Level 7 qualification in Social Care/Studies (or equivalent).
• Full, clean driving licence.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills.
• At least one year of recent experience in a similar role.
• Understanding HIQA regulations.
• Eligibility for CORU Registration.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centred support and emotional support to individuals.
• Promote independence in daily living and community participation.
• Contribute to health and wellbeing and social inclusion outcomes.
• Work across Community Support Services in South Dublin on day roster.

Skills

Excellent communication

Engagement skills

Promoting independence

Driving licence

HIQA regulations understanding

Education

Level 7 qualification in Social Care/Studies

Irish Level 7 equivalent (NARIC)

Degree in social work/psychology/allied health

Post‑graduate qualification in Autism Studies

CORU Registration eligibility

Job description

NOW HIRING

BUILD A CAREER THAT MEANS SOMETHING

Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner –Living Options

Permanent Contract, Full-time, 1.00 WTE

Location: South Dublin Hortlands Team – Day Roster, Monday-Sunday,

Salary Range: €37,838 – €54,747 per annum.

Salary Growth: Sector-wide pay agreement will provide for a 2% increase from the 1st of April 2026.

Who We Are

At Gheel Autism Services, we are dedicated to supporting individuals with autism through their life journey. Our mission is to enable people to have fulfilling life experiences while promoting autonomy and empowering them to make their own choices. Our services include day and vocational opportunities, outreach support, and various supported living options.

We take a strengths-based approach, tailoring personalised plans to meet each individual’s unique needs. Our team is committed to fostering independence, social inclusion, and overall well-being, ensuring that each person achieves outcomes that are meaningful to them.

As part of the Gheel team, you will receive:

• Professional Growth: Training, career progression, and education support.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee Assistance Programme, reflective practice, and supportive supervision.
• Annual Leave: 27 days, plus various leave types such as paid maternity and paternity leave (dependant on service).
• Financial Benefits: Competitive salary, annual increments, pension (7% employer contribution).
• Travel & Discounts: Bike-to-Work and an Employee Discount Scheme. About the Role

About the Role

We are currently looking to hire a Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner's for our Community Support Services in South Dublin. This is a Monday to Sunday, day roster.

The successful candidates for this position will act as a strong role model, demonstrate a commitment to developing a person‑centred culture and provide the people we support with emotional support while contributing positively to their health and wellbeing.

Gheel Autism Services provides supported living services across Dublin and North Kildare. With this type of support the emphasis is on the development of skills for independent living, recognising individual goals and aspirations, and enabling people to be active participants in their local community. Thorough assessment is completed by working alongside each individual to establish their wishes and preferred lifestyle. The support is provided in line with the individual needs taking into consideration the will, preference, and life choices of the individual, based on an assessment of social, personal, and healthcare needs. Staff have the opportunity to work on skill development in context, building capacity for interdependence in community and social networks. In addition, we enable adults to develop essential everyday skills such as money management, self‑care, laundry, general housekeeping, and cooking skills.

A full, clean driving licence is required for this position.

Essential Qualifications:

• Level 7 qualification in Social Care/Studies from an accredited institution, OR
• A recognised qualification equivalent to the Irish Level 7 award (NARIC), OR
• Relevant third-level degree in social work, psychology, or allied health, OR
• Post‑graduate qualification in Autism Studies, AND/OR CORU Registration

Essential Criteria:

• Excellent communication and engagement skills.
• At least one year of recent experience in a similar role.
• Ability to promote independence in individuals with support needs.
• A full, clean driving licence.
• A thorough understanding of HIQA regulations.
• Eligibility for CORU Registration.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience supporting individuals with ASD and knowledge of autism.
• Experience in case management.

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].

The application deadline is Friday, 25th September 2026, at 5 PM, with interviews scheduled shortly after.

Garda Vetting is required, and late applications will not be accepted.

Be Part of Our Vision

Join Gheel Autism Services and help create a culture of inclusive, independence-focused support. Together, we can empower individuals to live fulfilling lives and achieve their dreams.