Support Worker, Glebe Lodge, Castleisland (33 hrs per week)

Kerry Parents & Friends Association; Castleisland; On-site; EUR 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick Pay Scheme

Paid Maternity Leave

Flexible Working

Pension Scheme

Parking (Site Dependent)

Generous Annual Leave

Access to training

Job summary

Kerry Parents and Friends Association is seeking a dedicated Support Worker for a permanent, part-time role (33 hrs/week) at Glebe Lodge, Castleisland. The role focuses on empowering adults with intellectual disabilities through person-centred plans, advocacy and community integration.

You will maintain records, assist with daily living activities, and work with a multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic care that respects dignity and autonomy. A commitment to lifelong learning is essential.

Qualifications

• QQI Level 5 in Healthcare Support with a minimum 1 year relevant experience.
• Equivalent qualifications considered with at least 1 year nursing or social care study.
• Strong knowledge of HIQA regulations, Disability Act 2005, Health & Safety, GDPR compliance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication to engage with individuals, families and colleagues.
• Ability to document, report and coordinate daily activities and care plans (GDPR compliant).
• Must have authorisation to work in Ireland with documentation available during recruitment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and set goals addressing personal, social, recreational and independent living needs.
• Support individuals to achieve greater independence and participate in the community.
• Maintain accurate records and produce relevant reports.
• Provide physical, emotional, psychological, and healthcare support.
• Facilitate life skills development through activities and budgeting, cooking, communication and time management.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop responsive care plans.

Skills

Healthcare support

GDPR compliance

Communication skills

Time management

Documentation

Rights-based approach

Education

QQI Level 5 in Healthcare Support

Nursing or Social Care degree

Tools

IT skills for reporting

Digital record-keeping

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 recruiting for the following position:

Post: Support Worker

Contract: Permanent, Part-Time (33 hrs per week)

Location: Glebe Lodge, Castleisland

• Rosters may be subject to change due to the Operational requirements of the service*

The Role:

The Support Worker will play a vital role in empowering individuals by planning and setting meaningful goals that address their unique personal, social, recreational, academic, independent living, community integration, training, and supported employment needs.

They will actively guide and support individuals to realise their aspirations, helping them reach identified priorities and achieve greater independence and self sufficiency. They will also advocate for inclusion and active participation in the community, ensuring access to opportunities that promote social and personal growth.

The Support Worker operates within a person centred framework, prioritising each individual’s choices and needs. They will work closely with both internal and external services, fostering a culture of collaboration and partnership, and building strong relationships with families to ensure holistic support.

In addition to supporting adults with intellectual disabilities, the Support Worker will be responsible for maintaining accurate records, completing relevant reports, and ensuring all documentation meet required standards. The role includes providing physical, emotional, psychological, and healthcare support, all while promoting dignity, respect, and personal autonomy.

They will also facilitate life skills development through hobbies, interests, and activities, teaching skills such as budgeting, cooking, communication, and time management to promote greater independence.

The Support Worker will work alongside a range of healthcare professionals to ensure all aspects of care are delivered to the highest standard. Their input will be essential in creating care plans that are responsive to evolving needs, fostering personal growth, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging within the community.

This is a dynamic and rewarding position that requires dedication, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a strong passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of those supported.

Essential Criteria:

• QQI Level 5 in Healthcare Support. Equivalent qualifications to Healthcare support will be considered, with a minimum of 1 years relevant experience working with Adults with an Intellectual Disability.
• Applications will also be considered from candidates who have successfully completed at least 1 year of their Nursing or Social Care degree.
• A passion for promoting and empowering those you support.
• A strong understanding of HIQA regulations, the Disability Act 2005, Health & Safety legislation, as well as Data Protection and GDPR compliance
• 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.
• 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 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.
• Familiarity with basic IT skills for reporting, record keeping, and communication.
• Applicants must hold a full driver’s licence, have proven driving experience, and be willing to drive Association vehicles. If using a personal vehicle for work, a roadworthy vehicle with valid business insurance is required, or the applicant must be able to obtain it.

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 Glebe Lodge may be filled up to the 30th of June 2027).

• In relation to offers of employment, evidence of relevant employment experience must be clearly detailed in your 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 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