Support Worker, Killarney Day Services 1 (13 hrs per week)

Kerry Parents & Friends Association; Killarney; On-site; EUR 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick Pay Scheme

Paid Maternity Leave

Flexible Working

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension Scheme

Parking (Site Dependent)

Generous Annual Leave

Access to training

Job summary

Kerry Parents & Friends Association in Ireland is seeking a dedicated Support Worker to empower adults with intellectual disabilities at Killarney Day Services 1. You will plan meaningful goals, provide care, and promote independence within a person-centred framework, working with families and external services to deliver holistic support.

The role requires QQI Level 5 in Healthcare Support or equivalent, with up to 1 year of relevant experience; strong communication and GDPR awareness are

Qualifications

• QQI Level 5 in Healthcare Support or equivalent; minimum 1 year relevant experience with adults with intellectual disability.
• Consideration given to candidates who completed at least 1 year of Nursing or Social Care degree.
• Strong communication skills and commitment to rights-based, person-centred support.
• Understand Disability Act 2005, Health & Safety, Data Protection/GDPR compliance, and reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and set meaningful, individual goals addressing personal, social, recreational, and independent living needs.
• Advocate for inclusion and community participation while supporting daily activities and self-sufficiency.
• Maintain accurate records, complete reports, and ensure documentation meets standards.
• Provide holistic care including physical, emotional, and healthcare support, and promote dignity and autonomy.
• Develop life skills through hobbies, budgeting, cooking, and time management; document progress under supervision.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to create responsive care plans and ensure wellbeing.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Time management

Rights-based approach

Person-centred approach

Documentation

GDPR compliance understanding

Education

QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support

Equivalent qualifications considered

Nursing or Social Care degree (1 year study)

Tools

Basic IT skills

Job description

WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION

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

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

Post: Support Worker

Contract: Permanent, Part-Time (13 hours per week)

Location: Killarney Day Services 1

Roster: Tues & Wed: 09:00 - 16:00

• Please note, rosters may be subject to change due to the Operational requirements of the Service*

If you are dedicated to making a positive impact and empowering people to thrive in their every day interests and pursuits; then we want to hear from you.

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 meets 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 New Directions, 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 should 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.
• 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).

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 the Killarney Day Services 1 may be filled up to the 31st of December 2026)

• 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