Join Our Team at Gheel Autism Services - North Kildare, Community Support Services
Social Care Worker / Autism Practitioner –Permanent Contract, Full-Time
- Location: North Kildare - Residential Roster
- Salary: €35,216 - €50,954 + Premium Payments up to €12,000/year
- Upcoming Salary Increases: Sector-wide agreement with a 9.25% increase over the next two years
- Driving Licence: Full, clean manual licence required
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:
- Professional Growth: Training, career progression, and education support.
- Wellbeing Support: Employee Assistance Programme, reflective practice, and supportive supervision.
- Annual Leave: Up to 27 days, plus various leave types such as paid maternity and paternity leave (dependant on service).
- Financial Benefits: Competitive salary, annual increments, pension (7% employer contribution).
- Travel & Discounts: Bike-to-Work, commuter tickets, and an employee discount scheme.
About the Role
Are you looking for a role with a difference? We are currently looking to hire a Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner for our Community Support Team in North Kildare.
As a professional working within the sector, you will be patient, understanding, and supportive. You will enjoy encouraging the people you support to progress at their own pace and according to their own needs. You will be innovative in your ideas and solutions and work in partnership with the people receiving support to facilitate them to build life reflective of their individual hopes and aspirations.
As for the people you will be supporting, they are looking for a positive, fun, kind, conscientious, and intuitive individual who will work in partnership with them to achieve and facilitate their goals and wishes. The person they are seeking will be outcome based, solution focused and sensitive to meeting their needs.
It is a priority for the people you will be supporting that you maximise their opportunities to live a life that is reflective of their values. It is critical to think about dignity pathways from the person receiving support perspective. Dignity to the people receiving support means the kind of support provided, in any setting or circumstances which supports and promotes, the person’s right to privacy, autonomy and self-worth.
The Community Support Team (CST) based in Maynooth Co. Kildare was established in October 2018 for adults diagnosed with ASD with the aim of supporting these individuals to build the skills necessary to live independently & have choice and control over their lives and fully participate in society as equal citizens. Our vision is to inspire growth and autonomy for people with autism.
This progressive model of service currently supports 3 individuals to live within their chosen communities in North Kildare. The CST is a highly motivated team which operates by using evidence-based assessments & interventions to support each person to develop independence, well-being & inclusion. The team also provides social and emotional support and assistance with employment and accommodation. The service operates on a support reduction model which aims to provide each person with the right amount of support based on their individual needs. Through collaboration & on-going review this has resulted in a reduction in support over time reflecting the progress that is made.
The person appointed will report to the Location Manager and will work as an integral part of the Community Support team. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to bring their skills and talents to Gheel during a time of growth and development.
The successful candidate will work 24 hour sleepover shifts from 10am-10am operating on a 6 week roster Monday to Sunday. Premium payments are paid for the weekends & annual increments are included.
Link to more information on the community support team:
https://www.facebook.com/gheelautismservices/videos/232112035155753/
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.
- You must be eligible for CORU Registration
Essential Criteria:
- At least one-year recent experience in the social care/disability sector
- Experience of supporting individuals with a diagnosis of ASD and knowledge of Autism
- Ability to promote independence – supporting others to learn how – not doing it for them.
- An understanding of the New Directions Model of Service Delivery.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Experience/ability to liaise and network with community services.
- Experience of case management/key working.
- A full, clean manual drivers licence
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience supporting individuals with ASD and knowledge of autism.
- Experience in case management.
Gheel Autism Services CLG is proud to be an inclusive employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure a fair and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require any adjustments or support to participate fully in any stage of the process, please contact us at recruitment@gheel.ie.
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 Monday, 18th of August 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!
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €35,216.00-€50,954.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Licence/Certification:
- Full Manual Driving License in Ireland? (required)
Work authorisation:
- Ireland (required)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: PRN 24, 46 -25