Direct Support Worker

Permanent (Full-Time) The Bungalow, Cavan. €35,210 - €47,454 On-site

Company Information and Introduction

About Inclusive Living Ireland

The values and vision of Inclusive Living are built on three simple promises:

To protect individuals

To uphold integrity in all that we do.

We are a rights based, neuroaffirmative, and trauma informed service supporting adults with complex needs, including intellectual and physical disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries.

Guided by the social model of disability, we believe people are disabled not by their differences, but by societal barriers. Our work centres on trust, co regulation, and authentic human connection.

We don't just provide care - we build relationships, promote independence, protect individuals, and uphold integrity in everything we do.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Worker (DSW) to join our residential community services for adults in Cavan. The successful candidate will support the day to day running of our residential centre, working closely with the Social Care Team Lead. They will help ensure compliance with HIQA and HSE standards while delivering person centred care in line with Inclusive Living's values.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring a safe, homely, and empowering environment
• Acting as a consistent point of contact for service users
• Supporting individuals to navigate services and coordinate their care plans
• Building meaningful relationships with service users, families, and multidisciplinary teams
• Attending meetings and contributing to care planning
• Advocating for service users and liaising with external services
• Providing emotional and practical support across all aspects of daily life

Duties and Responsibilities

Professional & Regulatory

Facilitate person centred planning, case reviews, and multidisciplinary meetings.

Serve as a keyworker, providing consistent support to individuals by:

• Coordinating care plans and services.
• Holding regular meetings and developing plans.
• Advocating on behalf of individuals and liaising with external services.
• Offering emotional support across all areas of life.
• Promote active community participation including in education, and employment in line with each resident's preferences.
• Implement and monitor care plans, risk assessments, and communication passports; promptly report any changes or concerns to management.
• Support residents in attending appointments and communicate outcomes to the Person in Charge (PIC) or relevant professionals, respecting residents' wishes.
• Facilitate weekly residents' meetings to encourage engagement and feedback.
• Assist residents with intimate care needs in accordance with their individual care plans.
• Support daily living activities including meal planning, food preparation, and medication management based on assessed needs.
• Educate and empower residents in self care to enhance independence and life skills.
• Maintain accurate and compliant records for service users and staff, in line with HIQA standards and legislative requirements.
• Collaborate with service users, families, carers, the multidisciplinary team (MDT), and external agencies to ensure the delivery of high quality, person centred care.
• Uphold dignity and respect in all interactions with service users and colleagues.
• Ensure the centre remains compliant with HIQA regulations and standards; stay informed of regulatory updates.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of care protocols, standards, and guidelines.
• Adhere to professional standards regarding confidentiality, ethics, and legal obligations.
• Operate within the Scope of Practice; seek guidance from management when faced with complex or unfamiliar situations.
• Manage complaints in a timely and professional manner, following established procedures.
• Maintain clear communication with line management.

Health & Safety

• Maintain a safe environment through cleaning protocols and daily inspections
• Implement health and safety, infection control, and medication policies
• Report and act on any concerns affecting care or safety

Teamwork & Support

• Promote a respectful and inclusive workplace culture
• Support team cohesion and strive for continuous improvement
• Follow local and national procedures to ensure consistent service quality
• Develop community links and report effectively
• Actively engage and participate in staff meetings
• Act up on behalf of the Team Lead when required

Training & Development

• Stay informed of legislative changes in legislation including, but not limited to, the health sector, disability sector, health and safety etc.
• Complete all mandatory and refresher training in a timely manner
• Seek opportunities for professional growth and development

Personal & Administrative

• Implement Inclusive Living policies and procedures
• Carry out duties and programmes efficiently
• Maintain clinical and administrative records as required by legislation
• Assist other departments with required data collection
• Produce reports and contribute to quality assurance

Key Skills and Competencies

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must have:

• QQI (FETAC) Level 5 qualification in Social/Healthcare or a related field, or an equivalent or higher qualification
• Previous experience in disability services or social care is welcome
• A full driving license is desirable but not essential

Skills Needed for This Role

• Promote professional relationships and effective teamwork
• Demonstrate experience in supporting vulnerable individuals
• Demonstrate a commitment to self development and professionalism
• Communicate clearly and confidently
• Apply relevant IT skills in daily operations
• Maintain resilience and composure in a dynamic care environment
• Work independently while knowing when to seek support

Benefits of Working with Inclusive Living

• Competitive annual leave entitlement
• A comprehensive training and induction programme
• Opportunities for career progression
• Pension Scheme
• Health Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Regular supervision and ongoing professional development opportunities

Two professional references will be required for the successful candidate, one of which must be from the candidate's last employer.

Additional Information

Number of positions: 2

Contact:

Name: Jennifer Tully

Phone:

Key Skills

Teamwork, Leadership, Communication, Composure, Independent working