Overview
Programme Assistant - Camphill Community Thomastown
Camphill Community are seeking applications from highly motivated people to join our team for this position. The Programme Assistant role supports the day service in developing a person-centred culture with the aim of achieving high quality personal outcomes, personal development, growth and opportunity within the ethos of Camphill Communities of Ireland (CCoI) and the regulatory and contractual requirements of provision. The role assists inclusive programmes, training and social role opportunities for participants by supporting and working with people with support needs, volunteers, employees and wider community partners, enabling meaningful work, training and personal development opportunities according to ability, personal choice and vocational interests.
Key Responsibilities
* Management
o Uphold the values and ethos of Camphill Communities of Ireland in all actions and behaviour.
o Uphold, promote and apply practices and reporting requirements associated with company and HIQA/HSE safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults/children as appropriate to the setting.
o Promote the safety and wellbeing of all community members while supporting independent decision making.
o Contribute to the development of policies, systems and practices to provide high standards of care and support, complying with legislation, policies and best practice within Camphill's ethos and values.
o Collaborate with colleagues on the development and strategic vision of the community and related activities and opportunities.
o Build and maintain relationships of trust with adults with support needs, co-workers, employees and volunteers.
o Have sound knowledge of the mission, values and purpose of Camphill Communities of Ireland.
o Work in accordance with Camphill Communities of Ireland policies and procedures.
o Adhere to HIQA Standards, New Directions Standards and other company standards within your work location.
o Engage with inspections and audits carried out by the Company, HIQA/HSE.
o Engage in personal and professional development to meet the changing needs of the position.
* Main Tasks
o Assist in planning the work of people with support needs, identify the best activity and approach for each person, provide guidance, motivate, develop and direct people as they work.
o Create a good working environment and group dynamic that enables participants to benefit from their time in the programme.
o Ensure people with support needs are constructively engaged, emotionally supported and sufficiently challenged, progressing and supported to work as independently as possible.
o Work with individual plans and aims for each individual in the programme.
o Assist people with support needs in their work and supervise tasks as they become able to work independently.
o Participate in reviews and support meetings with social care coordinators and others supporting an individual.
o Notify the Management group or nominated person of any behaviour causing concern.
o Attend appropriate meetings as requested.
o Work under limited supervision, following standardised practices and methods, providing information, advising others and reporting to Management.
o Negotiate holidays to minimise disruption to the smooth and safe running of the programme.
o Maintain Health and Safety regulations within the programme, and compile Risk Assessments for equipment usage as necessary; apply best practice safety in line with company policy and national guidance.
o Ensure equipment in the programme is safe, clean and in good working order.
o Prepare materials, resources and expertise required for the project/activity.
o Keep the areas of responsibility pleasant, clean and tidy.
o Organise and supervise tea breaks for the programme.
o Assist as necessary to ensure all documentation required for the programme is completed.
Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience
* Candidates must have QQI Level 5 Major Award in Community/Healthcare on the QQI Framework (with 8 completed modules).
* At least 1 year’s experience in working with adults with an intellectual disability/autism.
* Experience of running programmes for adults with an intellectual disability/autism.
* An understanding of the New Directions model of day support services, as developed by the HSE, with a willingness to promote this model within the role.
* Ability to contribute towards the support, coaching, managing, motivating and developing a mixed workforce of volunteers and employees.
* You must hold a full driver’s licence as the role requires driving a vehicle with up to 8 passenger seats and up to 3,500 kg.
What we offer
* Competitive salary with Sunday and Bank Holiday premiums
* Pay scales
* Career progression opportunities
* Work/life balance
* Paid annual leave
* Refer a friend scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme offering advice and counselling
* Death in Service Benefit
* Paid mandatory training
* Paid travel expenses
Details of the Role
* Salary Scale: €30,272 to €36,026 per annum (based on a 40 hour week) Pro rata
* Location: The Watergarden, Ladywell Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
* Contract: Permanent - 35 hours per week
* Closing date: 5pm Friday August 29th 2025
* Please note all posts are subject to Garda Vetting, relevant Police check for any country of residence of over 6 months from age of 18, and reference checking.
* Camphill is an equal opportunities employer
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