Location: Newcastle, Galway City
Hours: 35 hours per week Full-time, Permanent
Salary: EUR36,219 - EUR51,722 (15 point salary scale- DOE)
About Ability West
Ability West provides a wide range of high quality services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism across Galway City and County. Services provided are day, residential, short breaks, community supports, rehabilitative training and multi‑disciplinary supports. The ethos of service provision is underpinned by our Vision, Mission, Core Values and Strategic Plan, which is to empower people with disabilities to live self‑directed lives in an equal and inclusive society. Each person is supported and valued within an environment which promotes their overall autonomy, health and wellbeing and enables them to reach their potential.
Overview of the role
Act as Person in Charge in the absence of the Manager of Training Services. Write, plan, implement and evaluate programs/learning modules in a variety of QQI training areas including personal safety, personal care, using technology, visual art, food choice and health, relaxation techniques and health‑related exercise depending on the people we support’s preferences and learning ability. Instruct on courses as required, covering specific skills, social development, personal care and community integration, with a desirable interest in Art/Art & Design. Support the Day Services Manager and instructors on delivery of modules/courses as required. Building independence and communication are integral in a rehabilitative training environment. Ensure that people we support’s individual plans are regularly updated and in line with New Directions Interim Standards.
Key duties
Act as Person in Charge in the absence of the Manager of Training Services.
Work with all colleagues and provide direction for other members of the team.
Write, plan, implement and evaluate programmes/learning modules in a variety of QQI training areas.
Instruct on courses as required.
Ensure that people we support’s individual plans are regularly updated and in line with New Directions Interim Standards.
Work positively and constructively with people we support who present with behaviours that challenge, and be involved in the planning and implementation of specific approaches and programmes designed for these people.
Work as part of a team where duties interrelate and overlap.
Monitor and discuss service users’ progress with the people we support’s family and professional staff attached to the centre.
Keep records and reports as may be required by the Manager of Training Services and in line with Ability West’s policies and procedures.
Attend family meetings, staff meetings, and case reviews as required.
Supervise people we support at break‑times with other staff and assist in leisure and extracurricular activities as required.
Take responsibility for service delivery to a number of people we support within the workplace and act as part of the key‑worker system in consultation with the Day Services Manager.
Maintain high safety standards and ensure all safety regulations are complied with.
Implement and be familiar with procedures relating to the health and safety of people we support, staff, and visitors as contained in the Ability West Safety Statement.
Administration, supervision and recording of prescribed medication.
Undertake transport duties.
Take part in relevant community activities as deemed suitable for people we support’s development.
Participate in IT initiatives including Core HR, Personal Development Planning (PDP), Performance Management System in line with Ability West policy, or other systems.
Undertake relevant training courses, both in‑house and external, as required.
Work in any of Ability West’s centres as assigned by management.
The list of key duties is not exhaustive.
Other requirements of the post
Reliability and a flexible approach essential for the position.
Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner throughout one’s duties.
Adherence to Ability West’s policies at all times.
Essential criteria
A Level 8 qualification in Teaching, Nursing, Applied Social Studies, Social Care, Psychology or Behaviour Analysis OR Level 7 relevant studies and minimum of 4 years’ experience working with people with intellectual disabilities including autism.
Previous experience working with people with an intellectual disability or similar field.
Ability to instruct people we support in all programmes offered at Day Centre’s.
Full current driving licence.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong problem‑solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Motivated, energetic, and enthusiastic personality.
Ability to advocate on behalf of people we support.
Desirable criteria
Background or experience in training/delivery of QQI.
Key competencies
Genuine respect and empathy for diversity and individuality.
Flexible, responsible, and mature approach to work.
Creativity (e.g., in using community resources, problem solving, dealing with people we support’s needs).
Professional, accountable, good planning and time‑management skills.
Take an active role in planning, assessment and verification activities required by QQI.
Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
Career development
All employees of Ability West will be afforded Training and Development opportunities for career development. In addition, substantial training in legislative, Health & Safety and other job‑related areas will be provided on an ongoing basis. The HR department will work closely with all staff to ensure that all training opportunities are fair and transparent.
What we offer
A supportive working environment with regular supervision, ongoing support.
A wide range of on‑the‑job training and development opportunities, including core training such as Studio III and Medication Management.
The opportunity to work in a person‑centred organisation, making a meaningful and positive difference to people’s lives and communities.
A supportive and inclusive culture where your ideas, experience, and input are genuinely valued.
Ongoing professional development and career progression through training, mentoring, and hands‑on experience.
Contributory pension scheme with employer contribution of 7%.
Bike to Work Scheme.
10% discount on LAYA Healthcare.
Flexible benefits package exceeding statutory minimum requirements
Bike to Work Scheme. 10% discount on LAYA Healthcare.
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