Young Adult Support Worker - Galway

Irish Wheelchair Association; Galway; On-site; EUR 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent working conditions

Training & Development opportunities

25 days annual leave pro rata

Pension Scheme & HSF

Employee Assistance Service

Job summary

The Irish Wheelchair Association in Galway is seeking a part-time Young Adult Support Worker to support School Leavers Service participants with physical disabilities on a 1-year fixed-term contract. The role involves running development activities, workshops and personal goals work to promote community participation.

Applicants should have QQI Level 5 Care Support or equivalent and a full driving licence. You will work with the Service Manager and Support Officers, assisting with transport,

Qualifications

• QQI Level 5 Care Support or equivalent qualification is essential.
• QQI Major Awards relevant to IWA include Health & Social Services, Care Skills and Care Provision & Practice.
• Full Driving Licence required.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of group workshops and activities for School Leaver Service participants.
• Assist young adults with personal goals, independence and daily living tasks.
• Provide safe transportation and accompany outings; ensure safeguarding procedures are followed.
• Maintain records and participate in training as directed by managers.

Skills

Full Driving Licence

Health & Safety knowledge

Experience with disabilities

Project development experience

Team player

Education

QQI Level 5 Care Support

QQI Major Awards (Health & Social Services; Care Skills)

Job description

We would like to invite applications for the following part time (27 hours), 1 YEAR Fixed Term contract based on continued funding,

Young Adult Support Worker

Galway

IWA is committed to promoting, maintaining and adding to our diverse and inclusive work environment

As a Young Adult Support Worker, the post holder will be expected to support the delivery of services to School Leavers Service participants with physical disabilities as part of Irish Wheelchair Association’s services based in Galway.

The objectives of our services are to provide pathways for people with disabilities to participate fully in the community, by means of establishing developmental, personal, and social inclusion programmes.

This will include supporting individual young adults to identify and work towards their personal goals, and to facilitate a range of activities, such as training workshops, personal development work, day trips and social activities, and linking with services and facilities within individuals’ local communities. You will be also required to undertake and ensure the execution of such other tasks/duties as deemed necessary to the successful implementation of young adult services.

Liaison

Close liaison is required with the School Leaver Service Support Officers and Rehabilitative Training team and Community Centre Coordinators and team.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Support Service Manager and Support Officers to implement a range of group workshops and activities based on the choices and needs of young adults

Support individual young adults in line with the Association’s person-centred approach and through Personal Goals work

Support young adults involved in Rehabilitative Training activities

Assist with safe transportation in line with requirements of the Transport Handbook guidelines

Assist young adults in all aspects of personal care and daily living as identified by each individual

Accompany and support young adults on outings, social trips and holidays as required

Ensure that your work and interactions with others is such that it promotes and enhances the independence of students/young people

Prepare and maintain hard copy and online records as required by the Service Manager/Support Officers

Undertake training as directed by the Service Manager/Support Officers

Actively ensure that standards and practices regarding health and safety are fully adhered to in all activities, and in the centre itself. Record and report all hazards or accidents to the Service Manager/Support Officers

Carry out other duties and/or responsibilities which may be assigned to you from time to time

Ensure that your responsibilities to safeguard children and adults from abuse or harm is a core aspect of your role and that IWA’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures are adhered to

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Training, Experience and Qualifications

QQI level 5 (Major Award – 8 Modules) Care Support or similar qualification is essential.

QQI Major Awards that are deemed relevant to IWA are:

Community & Health Services (to include minor components Safety & Health at Work and Care Provision & Practice)

Health Service Skills (to include minor components in Workplace Statutory Policies & Procedures and Care Skills and Care Support)

Health Care Support (to include minor components Safety & Health at Work and Care Skills and Care Support)

Youth Work (no specific minor components required)

Full Drivers licence is required

Knowledge and Skills

Previous experience of developing and delivering projects or programmes

Previous experience of working with people with disabilities is required

Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety regulations, as well as transport safety and standards of use is essential

Previous experience of driving transit vans to transport people with disabilities, or a willingness to do so, would be an advantage

Good organisational skills

Behaviours

The ability to work as part of a team and work on own initiative

An ability to build strong relationships at all levels and show confidence in the team

Strong customer service focus

Competencies

Communicating and Influencing

Motivating and Empowering

Innovation and Creativity

Planning and Organising

Quality and Customer Focus

Remuneration & Benefits

Annual Salary Range is from €23,275 up to 25,909 DOE

Excellent working conditions

Training & Development opportunities

25 days annual leave per year pro rata

Access to Pension Scheme & HSF

Employee Assistance Service

The closing date for applications is 4pm, Friday 13th November 2026

The current pay scale is subject to a 2% salary rate increase in 2026, aligning with the recent WRC interim agreement aimed at enhancing pay adjustments within Section 39 organizations.

Documentary evidence of your relevant qualification(s) will be required in advance of or during the recruitment process.