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

Responsible to the Social Care Leader and Area Manager

Children's Services and Home Support

(To lead two Saturday Clubs per month)

Permanent, Full time Contract - 39 hpw

Closing date: Monday 9th March 2026

For full position details and job description or for details on submitting an application please visit our jobs website https://coaction-west-cork.hirehive.com/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 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.

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 residents, 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.

Person Specification

Each candidate must, at the latest date of receipt of completed application form for the post possess:

Essential Qualifications

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

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

HETAC/DIT National Diploma in Childcare

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

Applicants should have a minimum of 12 months experience working in a residential setting with adults with an intellectual disability.

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.

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.

Social Care Worker - Children's Services - Permanent Contract - Ref D016