EXCITING OPPORTUNITY -  RESIDENTIAL SERVICE - GALWAY CITY for qualified Social Care Workers to join our dedicated team, make a difference for the people we support to live their best life.

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 provided are day, residential, short breaks, community supports, rehabilitative training and multi-disciplinary supports. The ethos of service provision is underpinned by our Vision, Mission, Core Values and Strategic Plan, which 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 which promotes their overall autonomy, health and wellbeing and enables them to reach their potential. 

The Role

The Social Care Worker will provide residential and respite care within a staff team for children and adults with an intellectual disability attending Ability West's services in accordance with Ability West policies, procedures and guidelines and the Ability West's Safety Statement.

• Act as Person in Charge in the absence of the Service Manager.
• Work positively and constructively with people we support who present with behaviours that challenge, and to be involved in the planning and implementation of specific approaches and programmes designed for these people we support.
• Teaching specific skills to service users living in the home including self help, domestic, kitchen, community, leisure, and social skills. This will involve the social care worker developing and operating individual plans for people we support.
• Act as key worker for specific people we support. This may include meeting with and supporting families and members of the multidisciplinary team in ongoing programmes for people we support and carrying out home visits as required in consultation with the Service Manager.
• Administer, supervise, and record prescribed medication.
• Work with all colleagues and provide direction for Care Assistants (as required) in line with normal practice for their profession.
• Responsible for the wellbeing of people we support in the Care of Ability West.
• Facilitate the development of interpersonal relationships in each service. 
• Enable the people we support to value them self and enhance their feelings of self-worth and individuality.
• Care for the day to day needs of the people we support living in the service.
• Personal care - helping those that require assistance in such tasks as dressing, washing, etc.
• Housekeeping - cooking, shopping, cleaning, looking after people we support's clothes and effects. As far as possible the people we support will be encouraged to partake in these activities.
• Facilitating people we support to use their leisure time tailored to their 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 and ensure that families and visitors to the service are attended to with consideration.
• Undertake driving duties in Ability West vehicles and / or own transport.
• Work a shift rota, spread over 7 days, as determined by management 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 that the health and welfare of staff and people we support is maintained in accordance with Ability West procedures and that all safety precautions are implemented.
• Adherence to HIQA standards, maintain a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) standards.

The list of key duties is not exhaustive

Essential Criteria

• A professional degree (minimum level 7) in Applied Social Studies or relevant qualification.
• Previous experience working with people with an intellectual disability or a similar field.
• Registered with the Social Care Workers Registration Board maintained by CORU
• 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.
• An ability to advocate on behalf of people we support

What We Are offering

• Permanent Contracts
• As part of our staff team you will be supported by regular support and supervision and access to the Employee Assistance Program.
• A wide variety of on the job training with core training interventions like Studio III and medication training.
• Have an opportunity to work in a person centred organisation and make a positive difference to people's lives and communities.
•  A supportive and inclusive work environment where your ideas and input are valued
• The opportunity to grow and develop professionally in this role through training and experience.
•   22 days annual leave initially plus public holidays
•  Contributory pension scheme of 7%
• Flexible benefits and above statutory minimum
•  Bike to Work Scheme
• Four week rolling rosters to facilitate work life balance