Job Description
In Gheel, we focus on supporting individuals with autism through their life journey and enabling them to have fulfilling life experiences, while having autonomy and control over their choices and decisions. Gheel Autism Services provides a wide range of services for adults with autism including day and vocational opportunities, outreach support, and a variety of supported living options. Across our services we consider how each person thinks, learns, and processes information to develop a personalised plan of support. Considering individuals strengths and motivations, we enable people to obtain outcomes that are meaningful to them. Our committed practitioners receive regular training and they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to enable each individual to have positive and meaningful life experiences. All staff are involved in changing the culture of supporting people into a more inclusive, independence-focused style of support - where people are encouraged to be partners in, not recipients of their service delivery. Benefits Access to Health Insurance Access to Educational Support Scheme Company pension with company contribution (including income protection and death-in-service benefits) Employee Assistance Programme Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave (dependant on service) Up to 27 days of Annual leave (Pro Rata) Bike to Work scheme Training and development (CPD) Option to join the Health Service credit union Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner - Residential/Respite Services - Specified Purpose (0.60 WTE) - Prosperous, Co. Kildare 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 for Social Care Worker/ Autism Practitioner post: Level 7 award in Social Care/Studies delivered by an Institute of Technology, DIT or National University of Ireland Or/ A relevant qualification received outside the State recognised by NARIC as equivalent to the Irish Level 7 award. Or/ Relevant third level qualification at degree level i.e. social work, psychology, and/or allied health. Or/ Post-graduate qualification in Autism Studies Essential Criteria for this post: Experience of supporting individuals with a diagnosis of ASD and knowledge of Autism At least one-year recent experience in the social care sector Access to own vehicle for personal use and a full, clean drivers licence You must be eligible for CORU registration. Excellent organisational skills IT Proficiency A thorough understanding of the HIQA regulations and other related regulations for the area Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team. Desirable Criteria for this post: Excellent communication & engagement skills Possess an ability to recognise potential and opportunities for development with individuals supported in the area, providing the guidance and supports required to work towards this goal which are tailored to the individual's needs. Ability to promote and enhance individuals independence development Experience of case management The individuals supported in the area are seeking support staff with the following skills: A person who can support with my activities and routines Supporting Sensory difference Promoting Independent skills Assistance with personal care Someone who can have fun Someone who is patient, kind and caring Someone who is interested in lots of things like music, baking, and crafts and will help me find new things to do also Salary Scale: Successful candidates will be paid in line with 2016 HSE revised consolidated Social Care Worker pay scale point 1; €30,293 - point 12; €44,306 per annum pro rata - annual increments are included. The successful post holder will also be eligible for additional remuneration in addition to the aforementioned salary, point 3; €1,891 - LSI €2,781 per annum pro rata as per the phased pay restoration process between Section 39 Agencies and the Department of Health. To apply for this position please submit your cover letter and up to date CV. Applicants will be shortlisted for interview based on the evidence outlined in their C.V. The closing date for receipt of all completed applications Wednesday, 18th of September 2024 at 5pm. Late applications will not be accepted. Interviews will take place shortly thereafter. A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled. Late applications will not be accepted, and Garda Vetting is a requirement of the recruitment process.