Respite Support Worker

About Enable Ireland

Enable Ireland is a prominent organization committed to significantly improving the lives of children and adults with disabilities across Ireland. Recognized as one of the country's Best Employers for 2025 and honored with a Silver Award in Diversity, the organization emphasizes fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and active engagement with ongoing advancements in these areas.

Role Overview

We are seeking motivated Respite Support Workers to join our expanding Carlow/Kilkenny Respite service team. This permanent role involves contributing to our after-school day respite programme across all Enable Ireland locations in Carlow and Kilkenny. Flexible contract options include full-time, part-time, and relief positions.

Key Duties

• Create an inclusive setting that encourages each child's participation, supporting their independence and decision-making.
• Implement individualized care programs that respect and uphold the dignity of every child.
• Collaborate with the respite manager to facilitate participation in daily home, community, and leisure activities aligned with the individual's interests.
• Assist in supporting therapy and educational activities within the service.
• Ensure appropriate usage and maintenance of special equipment.
• Be knowledgeable and attentive to each child's health and medical needs.
• Contribute to providing nutritious diets tailored to special dietary needs.
• Maintain sensitivity while working closely with families and service users.
• Support children with personal and intimate care tasks.
• Accompany children on community outings and promote involvement through suitable activities.

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• Formal health care qualification such as FETAC/QQI Level 5, NVQ, or City and Guilds.
• Minimum one year of experience working with children, ideally within disability services.
• Current full manual driving license and access to personal transport.

Desirable:

• Dedication to partnership working with parents/carers and children.
• Experience supporting teenagers with challenging needs.
• Familiarity with HIQA standards.
• Knowledge of child development and child protection principles.

Benefits

• Comprehensive internal and external training programs.
• Generous annual leave, including 30 days pro-rata (or 10.7% of hours worked for relief contracts).
• Flexible working options.
• Long service reward scheme.
• Pay-adjusted maternity, adoptive, and paternity leave.
• Wellbeing initiatives and pension scheme.

Additional Information

• Salary ranges from €35,070 to €42,440 per annum, pro-rated based on hours worked, including Long Service Increments.
• References and Garda vetting/police clearance checks will be conducted as appropriate.
• A recruitment panel may be formed for similar vacancies arising in the following 12 months.
• Applicants from all community sections are encouraged to apply.
• The details provided are guiding in nature, and the employer reserves the right to amend them prior to appointment.

Privacy Notice

Applicants' personal information is handled according to Enable Ireland's privacy policies. Data may be shared with virtual services for interviews and panel members and retained per organizational policies.