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.Support WorkerChildren's Services Permanent Contract - 39 hours per week Wednesday from 2 pm to Sunday 6 pm - hours will vary from week to weekWaking Night Sunday Premium and Saturday allowanceClosing date: Friday 28th February 2025Please 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.ieOverall Purpose of PositionTo assist the Social Care Worker/Nurse in the provision of a high quality service to each child so that they can develop to their maximum potential in line with HIQA standards and Child Care Act. It is the support workers overall purpose to support this ethos. This is to be achieved by your assistance, in the implementation of health and safety awareness, programme developments and carrying out personal care. Main Responsibilities To contribute to the promotion, creation and maintenance of a welcoming, caring and supportive environment in the residential house ensuring a high standard of care is delivered. To at all time treat the children attending the children’s respite house with dignity and respect. To be attentive to the physical needs of the service users in the delivery of personal and intimate care. To encourage group participation in the day- to- day activities of the house. To contribute to the provision of a programme of stimulating activities for all the children and to assist the children in developing recreation activities and hobbies. To escort and assist on group outings arranged. To ensure the children 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 programmes in liaison with the Social Care Worker/Nurse To share in those duties which are essential to the maintenance of hygiene and to undertake light domestic duties required to maintain the house in a clean and tidy condition. Under the guidance of the Social Care Worker/Nurse 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 Social Care Worker/Nurse 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 Social Care Worker/Nurse.ConfidentialityAll records and information must remain strictly confidential, and all necessary measures must be taken to ensure that this confidentiality is protected. Essential Qualifications/Experience FETAC level 5 in Healthcare or an equivalent qualification.A relevant qualification in: Learning Disabilities, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Nursing, or Childcare.Challenging Behaviour trainingFirst AidExperience of working in the area of intellectual disability would be a distinct advantageDesirable Qualifications/ExperienceA relevant qualification in Healthcare, Learning Disabilities, Social Studies, Social Sciences, NursingPrevious experience of working with people with an intellectual disability and / or autismPrevious experience of supporting people with behaviours that challengeMAPA or CPI TrainingExperience of working with arts, crafts, pottery, gardening and cooking Essential Skills Effective communication skills, verbal and writtenBasic IT skills including typing and using Microsoft word.Team player and initiativeAdvocacy skillsThe ability to support people with intimate and personal care needs.Desirable SkillsExperience of working with arts, crafts, cooking and gardening.The ability to support people with positive behaviour support plansThe 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 supportThe ability to carry out intimate and personal careEffective communication skills both verbal and written / ITAbility 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. CoAction West Cork is an equal opportunity employer