Social Care Worker / Autism Practitioner – Permanent Contract, Full-Time
Location: Maynooth, Co. Kildare – Residential Roster
Salary: €35,216 - €50,954 + Premium Payments up to €12,000/year
Upcoming Salary Increases: Sector-wide pay agreement will provide for a 5.25% increase from the 1st of November, followed by a further 2% increase from the 1st of April 2026.
Driving Licence: Full manual, clean licence required
Why Join Us?
* 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 (dependent on service).
* Financial Benefits: Competitive salary, annual increments, pension (7% employer contribution).
* 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 residential location in Maynooth, Co. Kildare!
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.
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 manual driving licence.
* A thorough understanding of HIQA regulations.
* Must be eligible for CORU Registration.
Desirable Criteria:
* Experience supporting individuals with ASD and knowledge of autism.
* Experience in case management.
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
Gheel Autism Services CLG is an inclusive employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, please email .
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 Friday, 31st of October 2025 at 5pm 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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