Programme Assistant

Ranked 2nd in The Irish Independent “Ireland's Best Employer 2025” list

IWA is committed to promoting, maintaining, and adding to our diverse and inclusive work environment

As a Programme Assistant you will be expected to develop, implement, and lead programmes, projects and individualised support to members engaging in the Community Centre.

The objectives of the Community Centre are to provide pathways for people with disability to participate fully in the community, by means of establishing developmental, personal, and social inclusion programmes. You will be required to undertake and ensure the execution of such other tasks/duties as may be deemed necessary to the successful implementation of the programme.

Liaison

Close liaison is required with the Service Co-Ordinator, Service Support Officer, colleagues, volunteers, members, and their families. Links will also be made with relevant voluntary and statutory agencies and educational institutes.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and lead the implementation of Resource and Outreach Programmes as set by the Service Co-ordinator and Service Support Officer in line with the Resources and Outreach Operational Manual

Support the development of Youth Services in the area

Facilitate opportunities for members to access community facilities and engage in community and other activities

Support individual service users in line with the Associations Person Centred Approach and through the Individual Support Service

Prepare and maintain records as required by the Operational Manual, Service Coordinator and Service Support Officer

Mentor and support staff in all aspects of programme delivery

Accompany and support participants on annual holidays, outings, social and day trips as required

Support and engage with a change management process in line with HSE New Direction standards as required by the Service Coordinator

Actively ensure that standards and practices regarding health and safety are fully adhered to in all Community Centre activities and in the centre itself

Record and report any hazards or accidents to the Service Co-ordinator

To comply with IWA's Parent and Ancillary Safety Statements and any legislative duties set out in current Health and Safety and Fire Safety Legislation

The use of clamping, hoisting and lifting equipment are an essential part of this role

Patient moving and handling; assist with personal care of service users where required

Ensure that your work and interactions with others is such that it promotes and enhances the independence of the service user

Undertake training as directed by the Service Co-ordinator

Ensure that your responsibilities to safeguard children and adults from abuse or harm is a core aspect of your role and that IWA’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures are adhered to

Flexibility and availability for out of hours service activities i.e. evenings and weekends

Support the fundraising function within IWA

Carry out other duties and/or responsibilities which may be assigned to you from time to time

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Training, Experience and Qualifications

QQI level 5 (Major Award) in Health Care Support or similar (a minimum of 5 modules completed and working towards the Major Award may be accepted)

QQI Major Awards that are deemed relevant to IWA are:

Community & Health Services (to include minor components Safety & Health at Work and Care Provision & Practice)

Health Service Skills (to include minor components, Workplace Statutory Policies & Procedures, Care Skills and Care Support)

Health Care Support (to include minor components, Safety & Health at Work, Care Skills and Care Support)

Full Category B Driving Licence is desirable

Some experience working within the Intellectual Disability area would be an advantage

Knowledge and Skills

Previous experience of networking, facilitation, development and delivery of projects or programmes is required

Previous experience of working with people with disabilities is required

Strong computer and administration skills are essential

Behaviours

The ability to work as part of a team and work on own initiative

An ability to build strong relationships at all levels and show confidence among the team

Strong customer service focus

Be of good character

Competencies

Communicating and Influencing

Motivating and Empowering

Innovation and Creativity

Planning and Organising

Quality and Customer Focus

Remuneration & Benefits

The current pay scale is subject to a 9.25% pay increase over the next 2 years (up to October 2026), aligning with the recent WRC agreement aimed at enhancing pay adjustments within Section 39 organizations.

Salary range on offer for this position is €15.39 to €17.12 per hour DOE

Excellent working conditions

Training & Development opportunities

25 days annual leave

Access to Pension, Group VHI / HSF Health Cash Plans

Employee Assistance Service

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