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.

Social Care Worker

Castletownbere Day and Residential Services

Permanent Contract - 23 hpw

Saturday Allowance and Sunday Premium

Closing Date for applications: Wednesday 14th October 2026

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

For details on submitting an application please visit our jobs website https://www.coaction.ie/work-with-us/careers or you can email hrgen@coaction.ie

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 to suit the changing needs of our clients. 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 take responsibility for the day-to-day activities in the group home. To assist the social care leader in the responsibility for health and safety, program implementation, personal care plans, budget management, staff planning, staff support and family liaison.

Job Goal

To listen to, learn from, support and work to achieve the priorities of the residents in compliance with the National Standards for Residential Services Children and Adults with Disabilities 2013 - [(Health care Act 2007 (Care and support of residences in designated centres for persons (Children & Adults) with disabilities) regulations 2013. To provide them with a home-from-home in accordance with the CoAction Mission Statement.

Responsibilities

• Care for the day to day needs of the people we support in compliance with the Health Care Act 2007 (Care and support of residents in designated centres for persons (Children and Adults) with disabilities) regulations 2013 and the Provision of the Childcare Act 1991 and all relevant regulations and standards that apply to Children in care. 

• To contribute to the promotion, creation and maintenance of a welcoming, caring and supportive environment in the Group Home ensuring a high standard of care is delivered.

• To at all times treat the people we support of the Group Home with dignity and respect.

• To be attentive to the physical and emotional needs of the people we support.

• To encourage group participation in the day- to- day running of the house. I.e cleaning, budgeting, cooking, menu planning, shopping, recreation activities.

• To contribute to the provision of a program of stimulating activities for all the people we support and to assist the people who use the service in developing recreation activities and hobbies.

• To escort and assist on group outings arranged.

• To ensure the residents are 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 people we support programmes in liaison with the social care leader

• To ensure that all relevant records within the house are maintained to a high standard

• To share in those duties, which are essential to the maintenance of hygiene, and to undertake domestic duties required to maintain the house in a clean and tidy condition.

• Under the guidance of the Social Care Leader/Area Manager to maintain good relationships with the clients families and other professionals.

• To participate in staff meetings.

• To ensure that health and safety guidelines are adhered to at all times.

• To ensure that all accidents/ incidents and complaints are reported and appropriately dealt with in line with CoAction’s policies and procedures.

• To keep the social care leader/area manager informed of all matters relating to the welfare of the people we support through regular reports and oral communication.

• To be alert to any possible danger, either from defects in premises or equipment, to address and bring to the notice of the social care leader/area manager.

• In the event of any immediate danger, to take appropriate action to reduce the risk of physical injury.

• To develop relevant skills and abilities by taking part in training courses open to you.

• To deliver induction and training to residential staff as agreed with the Social Care Leader/Area Manager.

• To carry out day-to-day supervision of staff reporting to you.

• To contribute in a positive and energetic manner to the overall development of CoAction and the services it provides.

• To ensure that all policies are adhered to at all times.

• 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 Social Care Leader/Area Manager.

HEALTH & SAFETY 

• To be aware of and practice the correct use of all aids and appliances e.g. Hoists. 

• Ensure all accidents/incidents are reported and documented in accident/incident book as held in each area. 

• Make oneself aware of the Foundation’s duties and the employee duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at work Act 2005. 

• Report faulty equipment and fittings to the Person in Charge, Staff Nurse/Supervisor.  

• To ensure adequate knowledge of emergency actions and plans. 

• To ensure fire and safety precautions are implemented and maintained.

LEADERSHIP 

• Under the direction of the Social Care Leader/Nurse, the Social Care Worker will manage, develop and support staff individually and as a team including induction, supervisory support and training in line with Foundation’s practices and the Health Care Act 2007 (Care and support of residents in designated centres for persons (Children and Adults) with disabilities) regulations 2013 and the Provision of the Childcare Act 1991 and all relevant regulations and standards that apply to Children in care as and when required. 

• To take an active role in the co-ordination and development of individual plans in order to meet the needs of the people we support. 

• Hold supervision meeting with support staff as directed by the PIC. 

• To carry out goal setting and development with support staff. 

• Ensure that staff are aware of and adhere to Foundations Policies and Procedures. 

• To develop and maintain effective communication systems both formal and informal with people we support, colleagues, families and stakeholders. 

• Promote dignity at work and show respect to residents, colleagues, families and stakeholders in course of duty. 

• To ensure that staff establish and maintain relationships with the residents which are based on respect and equality and promote their independence.   

• To embrace advocacy in the delivery of person-centred care. 

• To ensure that complaints received are dealt with in accordance with the Foundation’s complaints policy. 

Particulars of Post

• The salary for this position is in line with the CoAction 2026 salary scale and is €40,945 to €54,747 pa pro rata depending on experience

Essential Qualifications    

• A recognised qualification that involves a third level supervised practice element to the course.

or a recognised professional qualification for Social Care, outlined as follows; 

• Youth and Community Degree

• BA & Hdip

• NQSW/BSW/MSW

• Nursing Qualification (RGN/RNID/ENMH) i.e

• HETAC/DIT/(UCC) Diploma in Social Care

• HETAC/DIT National Diploma in Applied Social Studies

• DIT Diploma in Applied Social Care

• National Diploma in Applied Social Studies (Disabilities), The Open Training College, (HETAC) accredited.

• Registered Nurse Intellectual Disability (RNID)

• RNMH qualification is also recognised under the above guidelines.

• Driving licence is essential.

Essential Skills                                                                       

• Interpersonal skills

• Ability to relate to people with intellectual disabilities, Flexibility

• Willingness to learn

• Ability to work on own initiative

• Knowledge of advocacy and practical application

• Ability to write reports

• Computer literacy

• Good communications skills

• Leadership ability

Essential Experience

• Good working knowledge of HIQA

• Supervisory experience

• Budgetary experience

• Intimate Care/personal care

• Record keeping

Desired Experience

Experience of working with the HIQA Regulations and experience of HIQA inspections.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave

• Sick Pay

• Maternity Leave

• Parents Leave

• Pension

• Death in Service

In line with organisation policies

CoAction West Cork is an equal opportunity employer

**We are unable to offer visas or sponsorships to candidates outside of the EU**