Social Care Worker
Co. Kildare
Permanent
Join Our Team at Gheel Autism Services
Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner, Permanent Contract, Part-Time, 0.80 WTE (3 Vacancies)
These roles consist of 4 x Day Shifts across a 7-day Roster
Location: Prosperous & Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Salary: €37,096 - €53,674 per annum, pro rata + Premium Payments
Driving Licence: Full, clean manual licence required
Why Join Us?
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.
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 Annual Leave (Pro Rata), 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 the Role
We are hiring 3 x Social Care Workers/Autism Practitioners, 0.80 WTE as part of a day supports rosters, Monday to Sunday. This Residential service is based in Prosperous & Kilcock 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 manual driving licence.
The individuals supported in the area are seeking support staff with the following skills:
• A person who can support with my activities and routines
• Help learning new things
• 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
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.
Desirable Criteria:
• Experience supporting individuals with ASD and knowledge of autism.
• Experience in case management.
• Experience/familiarity with the New Directions Model.
• CORU Registration.
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 Thursday, 16th of April 2026, 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!
