Social Care Worker, Killarney Residential Services (39 hours per week)

Kerry Parents & Friends Association; Killarney; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick pay

Maternity leave

Flexible working

Employee assistance

Pension

Parking

Annual leave

Income continuance

Health insurance

Job summary

Kerry Parents and Friends Association in Killarney is seeking a Social Care Worker to support adults with intellectual disabilities in a person-centred, rights-based environment. You will work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care, promote independence, and advocate for individuals’ rights.

The role requires registration eligibility, adherence to HIQA standards, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Must hold professional registration, or be eligible for registration, on CORU's Social Care Workers Register.
• Evidence of registration options under Health Act 2005 Sec 38 or Section 91 where applicable.
• Five years full-time practice in social care or equivalent, as required by the role.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centred support and advocacy for adults with intellectual disabilities.
• Promote inclusion, independence, and community participation.
• Collaborate with the team, document progress and risk assessments.
• Ensure HIQA, Disability Act 2005, GDPR, and Health & Safety compliance.
• Contribute to service improvements through feedback and learning.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

As a Section 39 organisation, KPFA operates its own pay scales.

Annual increments are awarded up to the maximum point of the relevant scale.

We are currently recruiting for the following position

Post: Social Care Worker

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (39 hrs per week)

Location: Killarney Residential Services

Roster: Please note that the roster consists entirely of waking hour shifts. There are no sleep-in or sleepover duties associated with this position.

• Please note, rosters may be subject to change due to the operational requirements of the service*

The Role

We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and motivated Social Care Worker to join our team in supporting adults with Intellectual Disabilities. This is a rewarding opportunity to empower individuals, promote their independence, and help them lead fulfilling lives in a person centred, rights based environment.

As a Social Care Worker, you will play a key role in delivering high quality care, ensuring the well being of those we support, and advocating for their rights while fostering meaningful community inclusion. Working collaboratively with a team, you will contribute to the creation of a supportive and respectful environment tailored to individual needs.

Key Responsibilities

Person centred support and advocacy

• Facilitate and implement a person centred approach that aligns with each individual’s goals, abilities, and aspirations.
• Support individuals in making informed choices and actively participating in their community, hobbies, and relationships.
• Advocate for individuals, ensuring their rights, dignity, and privacy are respected at all times.
• Promote inclusion and independence, empowering individuals to develop daily living skills and engage in social, educational, and vocational activities.

Health, well being and personal care

• Ensure the physical, emotional, and social well being of individuals in all aspects of daily life.
• Provide support with personal care, mobility, and health related needs, while encouraging independence.
• Assist individuals in developing essential life skills, such as meal preparation, household tasks, and personal care.
• Encourage and facilitate physical activities, social outings, and recreational programs to enhance quality of life.

Teamwork and communication

• Work collaboratively with a team, including external agencies, to ensure a holistic approach to care.
• Maintain open, professional, and respectful communication with individuals, families, and colleagues.
• Participate in team meetings, care plan reviews, and service development discussions.
• Accurately document daily records, progress notes, and risk assessments, ensuring compliance with regulatory and Association policies.

Compliance and continuous development

• Ensure adherence to HIQA standards, the Disability Act 2005, GDPR, and Health & Safety regulations.
• Follow the policies, guidelines, and best practices of the Association to maintain high standards of care.
• Engage in ongoing training and professional development to enhance skills and stay informed on best practices in disability services.
• Proactively contribute to service improvements by sharing ideas and feedback.

Essential Criteria

• Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.
• Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:
• Hold professional registration, or be eligible for registration, on the Social Care Workers Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU.

See list of recognised Social Care qualifications at: Social Care Workers - Coru

OR

II. Hold one of the additional qualifications listed under section 38 of the Health Act 2005. Applicants who register under the sufficiently relevant qualifications must fulfill the five year practice requirement.

See list of sufficiently relevant qualifications Sufficiently Relevant Qualifications - Coru

OR

III. Applicants who satisfy the conditions set out in Section 91 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, (see note 2 below*), must submit proof of application for registration with the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU. The acceptable proof is confirmation from CORU that an application for registration as a Section 91 applicant was received by the 30 November 2025.

And

IV. Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Social Care Workers Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.

Or Candidates applying under section 38 or section 91 and those applying under the sufficiently relevant qualifications must submit proof of application for registration, see criterion 1a II and III.

And

• Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of suitability, for the proper discharge of the role.
• Annual Registration
• On appointment practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Social Care Workers Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU.

And

(II) Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to KPFA by way of the Annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

• Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

• Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Note 1*

Individuals who wish to register under the sufficiently relevant qualifications must satisfy the 5-year practice requirement. An individual must have worked five years full-time (or an aggregate of five years full-time) in the Social Care Work profession.

Note 2*

Under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 candidates are considered Section 91 applicants if they qualified before the 30th of November 2023 and have been engaged in the practice of the profession in the Republic of Ireland for a minimum of 2 years (or an aggregate of 2 years full-time), during the 5 year period prior to the Register opening on the 30th of November 2023.

• A passion for promoting and empowering those you support.
• An excellent knowledge of the HIQA regulations, Disability Act 2005, Health & Safety Legislation, Data Protection, & GDPR.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage effectively with individuals, families, colleagues, managers, and senior team members.
• Ability to document and report accurately and professionally.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and document daily activities and individualised care plans.
• Ability to maintain accurate digital records and complete reports in compliance with GDPR.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams).
• Strong time management skills to balance multiple responsibilities effectively.
• A deep understanding of rights based and person centred approaches to support and advocacy.
• Applicants must hold a full driver’s licence, have proven driving experience, and be willing to drive Association vehicles. Regarding use of own vehicle for work purposes, applicants must ensure it is roadworthy and covered by valid business insurance (or be willing to obtain business use insurance).
• Applicants must have the necessary authorisation to work in Ireland and will be asked to provide supporting documentation during the recruitment process.

Highly Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in a care delivery capacity, preferably within a disability service.
• Experience of liaising with statutory and other voluntary agencies.

Employee Benefits

• Sick Pay Scheme
• Paid Maternity Leave
• Flexible Working
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Parking ( Site Dependent)
• Generous Annual Leave
• Access to income continuance scheme
• Discounted Health Insurance and Access to training.

(A panel may be formed from which future vacancies for Killarney Residential Services may be filled up to the 31st of March 2027).

• In relation to offers of employment, evidence of relevant employment experience must be clearly detailed in both your application form and CV. Failure to provide this information, along with a satisfactorily completed verification of service form before an agreed start date, will result in placement at Point 1 of the applicable scale. Incremental credit will only be applied from the date correct documents are submitted.*

Your CV and application must be written independently and accurately reflecting your own experience, skills, and competencies. The use of AI or automated tools to complete any part is not permitted.

Canvassing

Any attempt by candidates or others acting on their behalf, directly or indirectly, through written communication or any other means, to canvass or influence in the candidate's favour any staff member of Kerry Parents and Friends Association, or any individual involved in interviewing or evaluating applicants, will result in the candidate's automatic disqualification from the position.

Kerry Parents and Friends Association is an equal opportunities employer