Social Care Worker/ Autism Practitioner

Join Our Team at Gheel Autism Services Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner - Living Options, Prosperous, Co. Kildare Permanent Contract, Full-time (39 Hours per Week) Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with autism? Do you have experience in the social care or disability sector and a commitment to person-centred support? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our innovative and dynamic team at Gheel Autism Services Who We Are At Gheel Autism Services, we are dedicated to supporting individuals with autism through their life journey. Our mission is to enable people to have fulfilling life experiences while promoting autonomy and empowering them to make their own choices. Our services include day and vocational opportunities, outreach support, and various supported living options. We take a strengths-based approach, tailoring personalised plans to meet each individual's unique needs. Our team is committed to fostering independence, social inclusion, and overall well-being, ensuring that each person achieves outcomes that are meaningful to them. Why Join Us? As part of the Gheel team, you will receive: Access to Educational Support Schemes to further your professional development. A competitive salary scale ranging from €35,216 to €50,954 (based on a 39-hour week). Comprehensive benefits, including: Company pension with contributions (including income protection and death-in-service benefits). Employee Assistance Programme. Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave (service-dependent). 27 days of annual leave Bike-to-Work scheme. Training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Option to join the Health Service Credit Union. Access to Health Insurance. About the Role We are hiring for a Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner role in this region. This Residential/Respite service is based in Prosperous in North Kildare, across 2 homes. Our Service Users attend here for community based residential supports. These are busy homes with individuals supported enjoying a mixture of home and community-based activities. As the ideal candidate you will be proactive and imaginative when it comes to service provision. Excellent report writing skills, experience, and the ability to work on your own initiative are a must. Staff must have the awareness and skillset to support those who experience sensory differences, therefore, enabling them to maximise their experiences both within their own home and the community. Staff are required to promote the wellbeing of all those supported, across all locations ensuring that they achieve a high quality of life while working under HIQA guidelines and standards. The successful candidate will be expected to produce, implement and evaluate practical resources and strategies to support a person with Autism's communication and thinking, alongside assessment documentation for social, healthcare and personal development. Staff will also maintain a comprehensive understanding of the working file/support plan and supporting tools ensuring that details collated are of value and then utilised to support and develop progress plans. As a practitioner, you will assist in the development of independent living skills, education and employment possibilities and social and leisure groups. The successful candidate will be required to work across all locations on a roster basis. Applicants must have full, clean driving licence. The successful candidate will be working a combination of Residential and day service hours currently between Monday-Friday but this is subject to change as need arises and may result in a Monday-Sunday roster. Essential Qualifications: Level 7 qualification in Social Care/Studies from an accredited institution, OR A recognised qualification equivalent to the Irish Level 7 award (NARIC), OR Relevant third-level degree in social work, psychology, or allied health, OR Post-graduate qualification in Autism Studies. Essential Criteria: Excellent communication and engagement skills. At least one year of recent experience in a similar role. Ability to promote independence in individuals with support needs. A full, clean driving licence. A thorough understanding of HIQA regulations. Eligibility for CORU Registration. Desirable Criteria: Experience supporting individuals with ASD and knowledge of autism. Experience in case management. Ready to Apply? To join our team, submit your cover letter and up-to-date CV. Applications will be shortlisted based on the evidence provided. The application deadline is Friday, 6th of June 2025, at 5 PM, with interviews scheduled shortly after. Garda Vetting is required, and late applications will not be accepted. Be Part of Our Vision Join Gheel Autism Services and help create a culture of inclusive, independence-focused support. Together, we can empower individuals to live fulfilling lives and achieve their dreams. Apply today to make a difference