About this role
Reports to: Social Care Team LeaderLocation: Dublin and Kildare-based servicesWorking Hours and
Benefits
- 169 hours per month on a 7-day roster
- 281 hours annual leave
- Flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
- Premiums:o 50% Sunday premiumo Double time on Bank Holidayso Saturday shift allowanceo Sleepover shift allowanceSalary: €38,148.22 per annumContract Type: Full time, Fixed TermJob Purpose
- The Support Worker will assist people with intellectual disabilities and/or age-related support needs to live self-directed, dignified, and fulfilling lives within their communities. This includes:•
- Providing person-centred, rights-based, and inclusive support•
- Promoting independence, wellbeing, community connection, and social inclusion•
- Using low-arousal, autism-informed and non-aversive support practices•
- Ensuring that people receive age-appropriate, respectful, and responsive support•
- Collaborating with families, colleagues, and clinical teams to maintain safe and high-quality supportsKey Responsibilities of the Job:1. Person-Centred Support and Autism Informed Supports•
- Use low-arousal and autism-informed approaches to support individuals respectfully.•
- Support people to identify, pursue, and achieve their personal goals.•
- Encourage independence through skill-building and meaningful daily routines.•
- Promote empowerment and supported decision-making, respecting each person’s preferences and lifestyle.2. Health, Wellbeing & Safety•
- Support individuals to manage their physical and mental health needs.•
- Uphold safeguarding procedures and act immediately on any concerns.•
- Maintain safe environments and follow health and safety protocols.3. Community Inclusion
- Facilitate participation in education, volunteering, employment, social roles, and community life.•
- Build strong, inclusive community relationships that reflect WALK’s values.•
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with people supported, families, teams, and professionals.4. Professional Practice•
- Maintain accurate documentation and records (Microsoft Office, email, SharePoint).•
- Uphold GDPR and confidentiality requirements.•
- Work autonomously and confidently when required, including lone working.•
- Engage in reflective practice, supervision, and continuous learning.In addition to the above-mentioned responsibilities, employees may be required to carry out such duties as may reasonably be required in line with the service needs. Specific Requirement for
Qualifications and Experience
QQI Level 5 in Social Care, Intellectual Disability, Social Studies, or a related field
- At least 1 year experience supporting adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, mental health needs, or age-related conditions
- Full, clean driving licence (manual transmission)
- Specific Requirement for Skills: Empathy, kindness, and a values-driven approach
- Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork capability
- Clear and effective communication
- Ability to build trust and create welcoming environments
- Problem-solving and creative thinking
- Ability to remain calm, supportive, and respectful
- Resilience and openness to change
- Ability to work autonomously, including in lone-working arrangements
- Competence in maintaining professional documentation and IT systemsAbility to break down complex information into accessible language
- Experience using strengths-based approaches to support people’s growth
- Values-based Specification: Human Rights Based Approach
- Promote equality, dignity, and non-discrimination•
- Embed human rights principles in all supportsSocially Inclusive
- Maximise opportunities for community participation•
- Support people to hold valued social rolesRespectful of the Right to Self-Determination
- Respect each person as the leader in their own life•
- Promote independence and positive risk-takingPerson Centred
- Support individuals based on their wishes, needs, and strengths•
- Demonstrate empathy in all interactionsOriented Towards Learning and Continuous Improvement
- Engage in reflection, training, and skill development•
- Be open to feedback and improvementFlexible, Resourceful and Creative
- Seek out better ways of supporting people•
- Share ideas that improve quality and outcomes