Support Worker Day Services

Purpose

As a Support Worker in Day Services, you will play a crucial role in assisting individuals to engage in meaningful daily activities that enhance their quality of life. Working collaboratively within a supportive team, your focus will be on delivering person-centered care that honours each individual's dignity, personal choices, and aspirations.

This role offers an opportunity to positively impact lives by supporting personal confidence building, life skill development, and encouraging active community involvement, aligned with the New Directions principles.

Location and Work Hours

Positions are based across Day Services within SOS Kilkenny. The working schedule is 37.5 hours weekly, Monday through Friday.

Salary and Benefits

Salaries correspond to the HSE Consolidated Pay Scale for Supervisor/Instructor (Specialist Agency) as of February 2026, ranging between €34,566 and €49,897 annually.

Additional benefits include:

• A fulfilling career that makes a genuine difference.
• Permanent full-time and part-time roles available.
• Competitive pay in line with HSE scales.
• Pension and death-in-service schemes.
• Generous paid annual leave.
• Sick pay scheme participation.
• Opportunities for continual professional growth and training.
• Educational assistance.
• Participation in Bike to Work and Employee Discount schemes.
• Savings plans.
• Award-winning health, wellbeing initiatives, and training programmes.
• A nurturing and value-driven multidisciplinary team and supportive workplace culture.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide person-centred support respecting individual preferences and capabilities.
• Serve as a key worker in developing, implementing, and reviewing personalized plans.
• Facilitate meaningful day activities including education, social and training opportunities.
• Promote learners' independence, autonomy, and skill acquisition.
• Encourage participation in community life and exploration of new opportunities.
• Ensure effective, meaningful communication tailored to the individual's needs.
• Assist with practical aspects of day programs and activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues, families, and other professionals to maintain consistent, high-quality support.
• Contribute to a safe, healthy work environment by adhering to policies and managing risk appropriately.
• Maintain meticulous records and complete necessary reports accurately.
• Engage in professional training and ongoing learning initiatives.
• Foster a safe and respectful environment, responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.

Qualifications and Experience

• Essential CORU registration as a Social Care Worker.
• QQI Level 7 or 8 qualification in Social Care or a related field, or equivalent line of study leading to CORU registration.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism is preferred.
• Background in delivering person-centred support.
• Experience or understanding of positive behaviour support and low arousal approaches is advantageous.

Knowledge and Skills

• Familiarity with New Directions principles, Health Act 2007, HIQA, National Standards, and applicable regulations.
• Insight into the key worker role and philosophies supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
• Strong person-centred and human rights-based approach.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and teamwork capabilities.
• Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving, and independent working skills.
• Dedication to ongoing professional development.
• Good organizational and IT literacy skills.

Additional Requirements

• Possession of a full, clean Irish driving license is mandatory.

Contract and Reporting

This is a one-year fixed-term, full-time contract. The role reports directly to the Day Service Manager.

Diversity and Inclusion

SOS Kilkenny commits to equal opportunity employment and fosters an inclusive, diverse, and respectful workplace culture welcoming candidates from all backgrounds.

Safeguarding and Application Process

Hiring is contingent upon Garda Vetting and satisfactory reference checks. Applicants are requested to submit CVs inclusive of explanations for employment gaps. Shortlisting procedures will be followed.