Hours: We are seeking part-time support staff. The majority of working hours are in the afternoon / early evenings weekdays and/or Saturday mornings/afternoons. Exact hours can be discussed in further detail during the hiring process. Expected hours for part-time staff is ~20 hours. We are happy to consider applicants that may be able to offer less than the proposed part-time hours requested.
Pay: Competitive pay in line with skillset and level of experience
Job Opportunity:
- We are seeking to hire energetic, enthusiastic Support Staff to expand our dynamic team in our Sandymount Sensory Centre. This role involves being a hands-on team member for our child-led play and leisure after-school groups for neurodivergent children. These groups are run by our Occupational Therapists and Sensory Centre Manager.
- This person will work as part of a team of support staff under the direction of the Clinical Practice Managers (Senior Occupational Therapist) and Sensory Centre Manager.
- Neurodiversity Ireland is a national charity for advocacy and support for the neurodivergent community, with a centre currently located in Sandymount, County Dublin. Neurodiversity Ireland aims to change the narrative on neurodiversity. The purpose of our groups are to:
- Provide a safe space for children to be their true authentic selves.
- Facilitate meaningful connections and friendships between children. ○ Participate in play and leisure activities that are meaningful to each child.
- The main responsibilities will include;
- Facilitating authentic play and social experiences for neurodivergent children in various afterschool groups and seasonal camp programmes in the Sensory Centre.
- Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children / young people attending our services.
- Supporting the general running of group sessions, such as:
- Helping with preparation of the space
- Clean-up
- Providing one-to-one support to children when directed
- Facilitating small group activities and games within the larger group setting
- Safely using equipment
- Supporting the group leader with tasks as needed to ensure the success of the groups
- Supporting self-care needs (i.e. toileting, dressing, snacktime etc) of the children as/when required
- Implementation of all Sensory Centre health and safety arrangements as required
- Undertaking such training as and when required by the employer, the OTs or Sensory Centre Manager.
Experience / Requirements:
Essential Criteria:
- Enthusiasm, a positive attitude and an energetic personality.
- An ability to work as part of a team.
- Strong initiative to support team goals as well as willingness to follow direction when required.
- An understanding of neurodiversity, or a strong willingness to learn about neurodiversity and neuro-affirmative approaches. Ongoing training is provided as part of this role, so an appetite for learning in combination with a positive attitude towards neurodiversity is essential.
- A basic understanding of the neurodivergent experience. It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with our ReThink Ireland Impact Report which can be found on our website. This report gives insight into why we do what we do.
- Educated to Leaving Certificate level or above.
- Fluent in English.
- Ability to provide 2 (character/work) references.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience working with children. This could be in the capacity of an Additional Needs Assistant, teacher, university therapy student, teacher training college student, occupational therapy assistant etc.
- Completion of additional training courses such Basic Life Support and Children First.
- Experience of working in group settings.
- Hobby, passion +/- skill that can be integrated into the group programme (e.g. arts and crafts, music etc).
We welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals for this role and can offer accommodations in the hiring process if required. The hiring process will involve an in person or zoom interview (questions provided in advance) followed by a practical session through attending a session in the Sensory Centre to meet the team / children in the group setting.
Please email Tamara Lambert, Sensory Centre Manager, at tamara@neurodiversityireland.com with any queries relating to this job application. To apply, please email Tamara with your CV.
Successful applicants will be required to complete Garda Vetting, Child Safeguarding training and a comprehensive induction programme.
