Support Workers - Children's Respite House - Flexible Hours - Permanent Ref D055

CoAction West Cork; Cork; Hybrid; EUR 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous 25 days annual leave

Sick Pay

Maternity Leave

Parents Leave

Pension

Death in Service

Job summary

CoAction West Cork invites applications for Support Workers in Children's Services and Home Support. Positions be permanent with flexible hours: either 2×35 hpw or 3×23 hpw, including waking nights and weekend premiums, based at the Children's Respite House in Dunmanway.

Closing date: 11 September 2026. A 12-month panel may be formed for future roles, with duties focusing on home support for children with intellectual disability and autism, in home and community settings, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Must have QQI level 5 in Healthcare or equivalent.
• Must hold a full Irish driving licence.
• A qualification in Child Care, Social Studies or Disability Studies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to a child in their own home or community.
• Meet the individual care needs of the child, including health and safety.
• Maintain confidentiality and liaise with the Childrens Services Coordinator and families.
• Engage the child in activities and assist with social outings.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety guidelines at all times.

Skills

Initiative

Excellent communication skills

Caring skills

Organisation skills

Patience

Team Worker

Art and Craft skills

Education

QQI level 5 in Healthcare

Full Irish Driving Licence

Child Care / Social Studies / Disability Studies (desirable)

Job description

CoAction West Cork provides quality services to support children and adults with an intellectual disability, and children with autism.This is achieved by helping each service user reach their full potential, working in partnership with their families and carers, within the community.

Support Workers

Children's Services and Home Support

Permanent Roles - Flexible hours as below

Either 2 x 35 hpw or 3 x 23 hpw

To include Waking Nights, Saturday Allowance and Sunday Premium

Ref D055

Base: Children's Respite House, Dunmanway

Closing date: Friday 11th September 2026

Please note that a 12 month panel may be formed from these interviews from which future positions may be filled.

The following description is intended to give a broad outline of the post only. It is neither inclusive nor definitive. Duties may be altered or amended by the Organisation to suit the changing needs of the organisation. Staff will be consulted regarding any such changes. It is our policy to review job descriptions on an on-going basis.

Overall Purpose of Position

To provide additional support to a child with Intellectual Disability who is enrolled in the WCCDS services. To encourage, promote and support the child in their own home and facilitate integration in to their local community. The main responsibilities are outlined below however support may vary with individual children’s needs and these are subject to review.

Main Responsibilities

• Home support workers are employed by CoAction to support a child in their own home and therefore the main duties and responsibility are to that child. The Children’s Services Coordinator is the line manager for all support workers.
• The hours appointed by the Children’s Services Coordinator are particular to that child in their own home or community.
• The role of the Home Support Worker is to meet the individual needs of the child they support, with particular focus on the child’s care needs, physical, health and safety issues.
• To treat all children and families with the utmost respect in line with CoAction’s ethos.
• To be attentive to the physical needs of the service users in the delivery of personal and intimate care.
• To encourage participation in the day- to- day activities in their home.
• To contribute to the provision of a programme of stimulating activities for the child and to assist the child in developing recreation activities and hobbies.
• To escort and assist on social outings in their local community
• To ensure the child is not subjected to any forms of abuse and in particular, to ensure they are not subject to bullying or the threat of bullying.
• To implement agreed programmes with the Children’s Services Coordinator .
• Under the guidance of the Children’s Services Coordinator to maintain good relationships with the child’s family and other professionals.
• To ensure that health and safety guidelines are adhered to at all times.
• To keep the Children’s Services Coordinator informed of all matters relating to the child’s welfare through regular communication.
• To develop relevant skills and abilities by taking part in training courses open to you.
• To contribute in a positive and energetic manner to the overall development of CoAction and the services it provides.
• Whilst acknowledging the need for the professional sharing of information within the team, you are required to have strict regard to confidentiality within the team.
• To carry out other duties which may be agreed from time to time in discussion with the Children’s Services Coordinator

Essential Qualifications

• QQI level 5 in Healthcare or Equivalent
• Full Irish Driving Licence
• A qualification in Child Care, Social Studies, or Disability Studies is desirable.

Essential Skills

• Initiative
• Excellent communication skills
• Caring skills
• Organisation skills
• Patience
• Team Worker
• Art and Craft skills

Essential Experience

• Previous caring experience is required.
• This can include working with children, working with children /adults with special needs/intellectual disabilities or working with the elderly.
• Previous experience of working with children and families in the area of Intellectual Disability and/or special needs would be a distinct advantage.

Key Competencies (i.e. what are the key skills that are required to do this job)

• Caring nature
• Good communication skills
• Reliability
• Use of Initiative
• Team Worker

Benefits:

• Generous 25 days annual leave
• Sick Pay
• Maternity Leave
• Parents Leave
• Pension
• Death in Service

In line with organisation policies

Please note we are unable to offer visas or sponsorships to candidates outside of the EU.

This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is subject to review and amendment in light of changing circumstances and may include other duties and responsibilities as may be determined from time to time by the Director of Services/CEO or designated Line Manager. You will be given as much notice of such changes as possible. It is CoAction’s policy to review job descriptions on a regular basis.

CoAction West Cork is an equal opportunity employer