Social Care Worker/ Autism Practitioner

We are currently looking to hire two Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner’s for one of our residential services in North Dublin.
Join Our Team - Support Autistic Adults to Live Self Directed, Meaningful Lives

Location: North Dublin Community Support Team - Residential Roster
Salary Range: €37,096 – €53,674 per annum + Premium Payments of up to €12,000 per annum pro rata.
Salary Growth: Sector-wide pay agreement will provide for a 2% increase from the 1st of April 2026.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to rights based, person centred practice
• The ability to work independently, using initiative and sound judgement
• Excellent written communication and report writing skills
• A warm, respectful, and non judgemental approach to relationship building
• Creativity and flexibility in supporting people to engage in home and community life

Why This Role Matters

A key feature of our residential model is nurturing meaningful connections, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging. You will help build supportive networks, promote active citizenship, and foster neuroinclusive opportunities aligned with each individual’s will and preference.

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: 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 and an Employee Discount Scheme.

About these Roles

Across our residential services we build trusting, respectful, and non-judgemental relationships that support individuals to create a home life aligned with their identity, values, and personal choices. Staff play an active role in enabling people to participate in meaningful activities within their local community, fostering connection, belonging, and overall wellbeing. Central to the role is a strong commitment to dignity, ensuring that support consistently protects each person’s privacy, autonomy, and self-worth across all settings.

The organisation is seeking proactive, imaginative, and values-driven practitioners who believe in person-led support and strive to maximise dignity and independence in every interaction. Ideal candidates are patient, positive, and open-minded, with strong intuition and the ability to support individuals at their own pace. They are confident working independently and collaboratively, creative in problem-solving, and committed to supporting people to achieve their goals, including providing intimate and personal care with sensitivity and respect.

You will support autistic adults living in their own homes, focusing on:

Person led, strengths based supports:

• Working in partnership with the person
• Recognising each individual’s legal capacity in daily decision making
• Building sustainable supports and networks (paid and unpaid)

Promoting dignity, autonomy, and privacy:

• Applying “dignity pathways” based on the person’s perspective
• Ensuring supports uphold rights to privacy, autonomy, and self worth, including during personal care

Supporting meaningful lives in home and community:

• Encouraging participation in community activities and personal interests
• Supporting natural supports, friendships, and social connection
• Tailoring environments to maximise comfort and engagement for sensory differences

High quality documentation & planning:

• Understanding support plans, working files, and regulatory requirements
• Producing practical resources, assessments, and communication supports
• Working under HIQA guidelines to ensure safe, consistent, high quality supports

Teamwork and professional practice:

• Contributing to a positive, supportive team culture
• Building rapport through intuition, empathy, patience, and solution focused practice

This is a residential roster (Monday to Sunday) which includes sleepovers and weekend work over a 6-week rolling period.

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.

Essential Criteria:

• Excellent communication and engagement skills.
• At least one year of recent experience in a similar role.
• Ability to promote independence in individuals with support needs.
• A full, clean driving licence.
• A thorough understanding of HIQA regulations.
• Eligibility for CORU Registration.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience supporting individuals with ASD and knowledge of autism.
• Experience in case management/key working.

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 Tuesday, 27th of January, 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!