Social Care Worker- Galway City

Join to apply for the Social Care Worker- Galway City role at Ability West.

Ability West provides a wide range of high-quality services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism across Galway City and County. Services include day, residential, short breaks, community supports, rehabilitative training and multi-disciplinary supports. The ethos of service provision is to empower people with disabilities to live self-directed lives in an equal and inclusive society. Each person is supported and valued within an environment that promotes their autonomy, health and wellbeing and enables them to reach their potential.

The role below outlines how the Social Care Worker contributes within Ability West services in accordance with policies, procedures, and the Safety Statement.

• Act as Person in Charge in the absence of the Service Manager.
• Work positively with people we support who present with behaviours that challenge; participate in planning and implementing specific approaches and programmes for these individuals.
• Teach specific skills to service users living in the home, including self-help, domestic, kitchen, community, leisure, and social skills; develop and operate individual plans.
• Act as key worker for specific people we support; meet with and support families and multidisciplinary team members; carry out home visits as required in consultation with the Service Manager.
• Administer, supervise, and record prescribed medication.
• Work with colleagues and provide guidance to Care Assistants as required in line with professional practice.
• Responsible for the wellbeing of people we support in the Care of Ability West.
• Facilitate the development of interpersonal relationships in each service.
• Enable service users to value themselves and enhance self-worth and individuality.
• Care for the day-to-day needs of the people we support living in the service.
• Personal care tasks as required (e.g., dressing, washing).
• Housekeeping duties including cooking, shopping, cleaning, and managing clothing and effects, encouraging participation where possible.
• Facilitate leisure time tailored to individual needs, with an emphasis on community integration.
• Use of person-first language in verbal and written communication.
• Work with and liaise with all grades of staff in the assigned centre and other centres; ensure families and visitors are attended to with consideration.
• Undertake driving duties in Ability West vehicles and/or own transport.
• Work a shift rota spread over 7 days, and be available for sleep-in duties and night duty as rostered.
• Maintain records and reports required by the Service Manager for the efficient running of the service.
• Ensure health and welfare of staff and people we support is maintained in accordance with Ability West procedures and safety precautions.
• Adherence to HIQA standards; maintain a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority standards.

The list of key duties is not exhaustive.

• A professional degree (minimum level 7) in Applied Social Studies or relevant qualification.
• CORU Registration or in process of registration.
• Previous experience working with people with an intellectual disability or a similar field.
• Full current driving license with access to your own vehicle.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Motivated, energetic, and enthusiastic personality; ability to advocate on behalf of people we support.

• Permanent Contracts
• Regular supervision and access to Employee Assistance Program.
• On-the-job training including core modules like medication training.
• Opportunity to work in a person-centred organisation making a positive difference.
• Supportive and inclusive work environment where ideas are valued.
• Professional growth opportunities through training and experience.
• 22 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme of 7%.
• Flexible benefits and above statutory minimum.
• Bike to Work Scheme.
• Four-week rolling rosters to support work-life balance.

Note: This description reflects the role and duties as provided by Ability West for the Social Care Worker position in Galway City, and is not an exhaustive list of all duties.