Join Our Team at Gheel Autism Services – North Kildare Residential Services

Social Care Worker / Autism Practitioner – Permanent and Specified Purpose Contracts, Full-time Availability

~ Location: North Kildare- Residential Roster

~ Salary: €35,216 – €50,954 (based on 39-hour week) + Premium Payments of up to €12,000 per annum pro rata.

~ Upcoming Salary Increases: A recently approved sector-wide pay agreement will result in a cumulative 9.25% increase in basic salary over the next two years, further enhancing your salary progression.

~ Full, Clean Manual Driving Licence Required

Are you ready to make a real difference while working on a residential roster that offers premium payments in addition to a competitive salary? This is a fantastic opportunity to join Gheel Autism Services' Community Support Team in South Dublin, providing meaningful, person-centred support to autistic adults in a supportive and professional environment.

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:

A competitive salary scale ranging from €35,216 to €50,954 (39-hour week).
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), Death in Service benefit.
Travel & Discounts: Bike-to-Work, commuter tickets, and an employee discount scheme.

About the Role

We are currently hiring for a Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner for our Kildare region with services based in Maynooth and Prosperous.

The individuals supported attend 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.

Practitioners 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.

The Practitioners will assist in the development of independent living skills, education and employment possibilities and social and leisure groups. The successful candidates will be required to work across all locations on a roster basis.

Applicants must have full, clean driving licence (manual). The successful candidate will be expected to work across Monday to Sunday and will be expected to attend monthly meetings and training additional to this.

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 license.
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.

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, please submit your cover letter and an up-to-date CV by clicking click here. Alternatively, you can apply directly through the Gheel website.

Applications will be shortlisted based on the evidence provided. The application deadline is Friday, 20th of June 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!

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Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner