At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with intellectual disabilities in daily routines and promote their independence.
- Company: Join L’Arche Kilkenny, a community-focused organisation dedicated to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Full-time contract, competitive pay, and additional supplements for special shifts.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while fostering meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Care or related field; experience with intellectual disabilities preferred.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
Mission Statement of L’Arche: “To make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities revealed through mutually transforming relationships. To engage in our diverse cultures, working together to build a more humane society. To foster an environment in communities that is inspired by the core values of our founding story, and that responds to the changing needs of our members.”
We are recruiting for a Social Care Worker to work as part of our Residential and Community team. Full‑time fixed‑term 1 year contract, 39hrs a week, with additional supplements for sleepovers, Sundays, bank holidays and Christmas time depending on HSE funding.
Minimum qualifications: Fetac/QQI 7, BA in Social Care studies, Healthcare/Social care or social care degree. 6‑month probationary period. Garda vetting required.
Job Purpose & Role: Accountable to the House Leader and Person in Charge. Responsible for daily routines and welfare of Core Members within the Residential setting. Provide person‑centred support to adults with intellectual disabilities, ensuring dignity, autonomy and personal preferences are prioritised. Ensure the Residential Service reflects the ethos and spirituality of L’Arche as outlined in our Identity and Mission Statements. Promote dignity and image of Core Members. Maintain health and safety of the working area, write records, monitor and report accidents and incidents appropriately.
In Relation to the Core Members:
- Use a person‑centred approach for independent living skills, occupation, leisure activities, communication, personal care and behaviour support plans.
- Develop positive relationships with each Core Member.
- Ensure Core Members’ Care Plans are observed to achieve L’Arche goals.
- Support social integration, social skills and pursuit of hobbies and interests.
- Provide personal care: dressing, bathing, toileting, assistance with eating, sleeping support, first aid and health promotion.
- Maintain clothing, bedding and laundry regularly.
- Offer a healthy, nutritious diet that respects individual choice.
- Encourage participation in buying, preparing and cooking meals and packed lunches.
- Promote awareness of personal hygiene and appearance standards.
- Provide physical support including moving, handling, fire safety, cleaning, laundry, infection control, mobility and communication needs.
- Liaise with the Day Service for smooth transitions.
- Encourage prudent management of personal monies following Core Members Money Policy.
- Support religious and pastoral needs.
- Administer prescribed medications and keep required records per policy.
In Relation to the House Leader:
- Assist with compiling and presenting reports as required.
- Ensure the day‑to‑day running of the house is person‑centred and value‑based.
- Report immediately all matters of concern to the House Leader and PIC.
In Relation to the House / Community:
- Coordinate and support all medical appointments.
- Drive as required for residents and house needs.
- Use transport services and advise staff on transport needs.
- Liaise with Day Services Coordinator on social and recreational activities.
- Maintain building condition; notify House Leader or PIC of issues.
- Maintain accurate reports, timesheets and financial statements.
- Keep complete records for each person: needs assessments, risk assessments, incidents, communication plans, behavioural support, health action plans, medication management and finances.
- Collaborate with volunteer Live‑in Assistants for smooth operation.
Essential Skills And Experience:
- Experience with people with intellectual disability.
- Fluent English with excellent written and communication skills.
- Work independently and as part of a team.
- Contribute to staff meetings and promote good practice.
- Knowledge of HIQA audits.
- Ensure a safe work environment.
- Good hygiene and infection practices.
- Proficient IT skills, including Excel and Word.
- Full clean driving licence (minimum 2 years).
Applications should include your current Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter outlining why you feel you would be suitable for this role.
Social Care Worker/ Residential care worker in Armagh employer: L'Arche Ireland
L'Arche Kilkenny is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Social Care Workers. With a strong emphasis on personal growth, our team members benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities while engaging in meaningful relationships with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Located in a vibrant community, we offer competitive remuneration, including additional supplements for unsocial hours, and a workplace culture that prioritises dignity, respect, and the well-being of both staff and Core Members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Worker/ Residential care worker in Armagh
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at L'Arche Ireland.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from L'Arche Ireland!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like L'Arche Ireland, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at L'Arche Ireland or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Worker/ Residential care worker in Armagh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to L'Arche Ireland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to L'Arche Ireland! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at L'Arche Ireland
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
