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.

Home Support Worker

(Children's Services - Skibbereen)

Permanent Contract - 30 hours per week

Closing date: Friday 13th December 2024

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

For full position details and job description or for details on submitting an application please visit our website www.coaction.ie or you can email HRgen@coaction.ie

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.

Confidentiality

All records and information must remain strictly confidential, and all necessary measures must be taken to ensure that this confidentiality is protected.

Essential Qualifications/Experience

QQI (FETAC) level 5 in Healthcare or an equivalent healthcare/social care qualification.
A Full Clean Irish Drivers Licence for manual vehicles

Desirable Qualifications/Experience

A relevant qualification in Healthcare, Learning Disabilities, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Nursing
Previous experience of working with people with an intellectual disability and / or autism
Previous experience of supporting people with behaviours that challenge
MAPA or CPI Training
First Aid training
Experience of working with arts, crafts, pottery, gardening and cooking

Essential Skills

Effective communication skills, verbal and written
Basic IT skills including typing and using Microsoft word.
Team player and initiative
Advocacy skills
The ability to support people with intimate and personal care needs.

Desirable Skills
Experience of working with arts, crafts, cooking and gardening.
The ability to support people with positive behaviour support plans
The ability to support people with identified physiotherapy and / or occupational therapy needs

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

The ability to build positive relationships with the people we support
The ability to carry out intimate and personal care
Effective communication skills both verbal and written / IT
Ability to work well within a team and the ability to work on your own initiative.
Advocacy Skills

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.

Home Support Worker - Children's Services - Permanent Contract - 30 hpw - Ref B108