Support Worker

DOWN SYNDROME IRELAND; Thurles; On-site; EUR 21,491,000 - 34,385,000; Part time

Job summary

Down Syndrome Tipperary is seeking a motivated Support Worker to assist our members in Meitheal 21, Abbey Rd Thurles. The role involves providing a fun, inclusive environment where participants can engage, make choices and build independence.

You will collaborate with therapists and the wider team to ensure respectful, person-centred support and a smooth daily programme. Garda vetting applies, and flexibility for weekend shifts is required.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification (or working towards) in Social Care, Childcare, Education, Nursing, SNA or Therapy-related disciplines
• Experience supporting children or people with additional needs
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and use initiative

Responsibilities

• Support members to take part in activities in a fun and inclusive environment
• Assist in delivering daily activity programmes tailored to members' needs
• Promote independence, dignity, choice and participation
• Work as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the programme
• Support personal care where required
• Maintain a safe and organised environment
• Communicate effectively with families and team members
• Assist with transport where required (e.g. bus escort)
• Open and close the building before and after group
• Carry out administration in relation to groups
• Carry out reasonable duties linked to running the centre

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Experience with additional needs

Education

Relevant qualification in Social Care/Childcare/Education/Nursing/SNA/Therapy

Job description

Down Syndrome Tipperary supports members with Down syndrome to access meaningful opportunities in their community, promoting independence, inclusion and participation. Our summer programme provides a fun, safe and supportive environment where members can engage in activities, build friendships and develop new skills.

Contract Details:

Part time permanent

Hours per week - variable between 15 and 24 as required.

Renumeration:

€20 per hour

Location:

DST, Meitheal 21, Abbey Rd Thurles Co. Tipperary

Role Overview:

We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic Support Worker to support groups run for our members in Meitheal 21. This role involves working as part of a team to create a fun, inclusive environment where each member is supported to participate, make choices and build independence.

You will work closely with therapists and the wider team to ensure all members are supported in a respectful, person-centered way.

Key Responsibilities:

Support members to take part in activities in a fun and inclusive environment

Assist in delivering daily activity programmes tailored to members' needs

Promote independence, dignity, choice and participation

Work as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the programme

Support personal care where required

Maintain a safe and organised environment

Communicate effectively with families and team members

Assist with transport where required (e.g. bus escort)

Open and close the building before and after group

Carry out administration in relation to groups

Carry out reasonable duties linked to running the centre

Essential Requirements:

Relevant qualification (or working towards) in Social Care, Childcare, Education, Nursing, SNA or Therapy-related disciplines

Experience supporting children or people with additional needs

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work as part of a team and use initiative

Desirable:

Children First training

Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding training

Manual Handling

Understanding of child development and safeguarding

Additional Information:

Garda vetting will apply

Positions are open to applicants from all backgrounds

Flexibility to work various days and at weekend required

Closing Date:

22nd October 2026