Social Care Worker/ Autism Practitioner
South Dublin
Permanent
Join Our Team at Gheel Autism Services
Social Care Worker/Autism Practitioner – Day Services, South Dublin
Permanent, Full-time (39 hour/week)
* Location: Milltown Day Services
* Contract: Permanent full-time (39 hours/week)
* Salary Range: €35,216 – €50,954 per annum
* Salary Growth: Sector-wide increase of 9.25% over the next two years
* Driving Requirements: Full, clean driving licence and access to a personal vehicle
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, hour week).
* Professional Growth: Training, career progression, and education support.
* Wellbeing Support: Employee Assistance Programme, reflective practice, and supportive supervision.
* Annual Leave: Up to 25 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
Gheel Autism Services provides person-cantered day opportunities across North and South Dublin, offering unique and tailored supports based on the choices, needs, and aspirations of the individuals we support.
As part of our dedicated team, you will work closely with autistic adults to support them in building meaningful and independent lives. This includes helping individuals develop daily living skills, build confidence in managing their own routines, and explore pathways into education, training, and employment. You will also support them in accessing and participating in recreational and social activities that align with their interests and promote community inclusion. Each day is an opportunity to make a real impact by encouraging self-determination and helping individuals achieve personal goals.
Our services are evolving in line with the New Directions model of service delivery, placing strong emphasis on person-led planning, community involvement, and sensory-aware environments. This approach ensures that every person receives personalised support in a way that reflects their needs, preferences, and communication styles.
While our day services generally operate Monday to Friday during daytime hours, some flexibility may be required to accommodate the individual needs of those we support. In return, we offer a warm and collaborative working environment, annual salary increments, and strong opportunities for career progression and professional development through continuous training and support.
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.
* Must be eligible for CORU registration.
Essential Criteria:
* Excellent communication & engagement skills
* At least one-year recent experience
* Ability to promote independence where applicable
* A thorough understanding of the New Directions
Desirable Criteria:
* Experience of supporting individuals with a diagnosis of ASD and knowledge of Autism
* Experience of case management
* Experience of creating pathways to education, employment and housing and supporting people along those pathways.
* Awareness of areas such as mental health, homelessness, addiction, and social disadvantage within the Irish context.
* A full, clean driver's licence and access to own car for travelling to various locations only (please indicate on cover letter and/or curriculum vitae)
The People We Support Want You to Have the Following Qualities:
* Patience
* Encouraging
* Non-judgemental
* Good Listening Skills
* Understanding
* Supportive
* Open-Minded
* Innovative
* Flexible
Gheel Autism Services 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
Ready to Apply?
To join our team, please submit your cover letter and up-to-date CV. Applications will be shortlisted based on the evidence provided. The application deadline is Wednesday, 17th September, 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