CoAction West Cork provides quality services to support children and adults with an intellectual disability, and children with autism. This is achieved by helping each service user reach their full potential, working in partnership with their families and carers, within the community.

Support Workers

Children's Services Support Workers

Permanent Roles - Flexible hours as below

Either 2 x 35 hpw or 3 x 23 hpw

To include Waking Nights, Saturday Allowance and Sunday Premium

Ref D055

Base: Dunmanway

Closing date: Monday 9th November 2026

Please note that a 12 month panel may be formed from these interviews from which future positions may be filled.

For full position details and job description or for details on submitting an application please visit our jobs website https://coaction-west-cork.hirehive.com/or you can email HRgen@coaction.ie

The following description is intended to give a broad outline of the post only. It is neither inclusive nor definitive. Duties may be altered or amended by the Organisation to suit the changing needs of the organisation. Staff will be consulted regarding any such changes. It is our policy to review job descriptions on an on-going basis.

Overall Purpose of Position

To provide additional support to a child with Intellectual Disability who is enrolled in the WCCDS services. To encourage, promote and support the child in their own home and facilitate integration in to their local community. The main responsibilities are outlined below however support may vary with individual children’s needs and these are subject to review.

Main Responsibilities

Support workers are employed by CoAction to support the children in various settings and therefore the main duties and responsibility are to that child. The Children’s Services Manager is the line manager for all support workers.
The hours appointed by the Children’s Services Manager are particular to that child in their own home, community or respite house.
The role of the Support Worker is to meet the individual needs of the child they support, with particular focus on the child’s care needs, physical, health and safety issues.
To treat all children and families with the utmost respect in line with CoAction’s ethos.
To be attentive to the physical needs of the service users in the delivery of personal and intimate care.
To encourage participation in the day- to- day activities.
To contribute to the provision of a programme of stimulating activities for the child and to assist the child in developing recreation activities and hobbies.
To escort and assist on social outings in their local community
To ensure the child is not subjected to any forms of abuse and in particular, to ensure they are not subject to bullying or the threat of bullying.
To implement agreed programmes with the Children’s Services Manager.
Under the guidance of the Children’s Services Manager to maintain good relationships with the child’s family and other professionals.
To ensure that health and safety guidelines are adhered to at all times.
To keep the Children’s Services Manager informed of all matters relating to the child’s welfare through regular communication.
To develop relevant skills and abilities by taking part in training courses open to you.
To contribute in a positive and energetic manner to the overall development of CoAction and the services it provides.
Whilst acknowledging the need for the professional sharing of information within the team, you are required to have strict regard to confidentiality within the team.
To carry out other duties which may be agreed from time to time in discussion with the Children’s Services Manager.

Essential Qualifications

QQI level 5 in Healthcare or Equivalent
Full Irish Driving Licence
A qualification in Child Care, Social Studies, or Disability Studies is desirable.

Essential Skills

Initiative
Excellent communication skills
Caring skills
Organisation skills
Patience
Team Worker
Art and Craft skills

Essential Experience

Previous caring experience is required.
This can include working with children, working with children /adults with special needs/intellectual disabilities or working with the elderly.
Previous experience of working with children and families in the area of Intellectual Disability and/or special needs would be a distinct advantage.

Key Competencies (i.e. what are the key skills that are required to do this job)

Caring nature
Good communication skills
Reliability
Use of Initiative
Team Worker

Benefits:

Generous 25 days annual leave
Sick Pay
Maternity Leave
Parents Leave
Pension
Death in Service

In line with organisation policies

Please note we are unable to offer visas or sponsorships to candidates outside of the EU.

This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is subject to review and amendment in light of changing circumstances and may include other duties and responsibilities as may be determined from time to time by the Director of Services/CEO or designated Line Manager. You will be given as much notice of such changes as possible. It is CoAction’s policy to review job descriptions on a regular basis.

CoAction West Cork is an equal opportunity employer

Support Workers - Children's Respite House - Flexible Hours - Permanent Ref D055

Benefits

Job Description