Company Information and Introduction:
Services: Disability Residential Community – Adults
Contract Hrs: 84 hours per fortnight
Contract Type: Full-time & Permanent
Reporting to: Service manager – PIC and Team Lead
Salary Scale: Starting from €35,210 pro rata per annum based on working an 84-hour fortnight.
About Inclusive Living
The values and vision of Inclusive Living are built on three simple promises:
- To promote independence
- 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:
Overall Purpose of the Role:
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
Key Skills and Competencies:
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 and Safety:
- 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
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
Training and Development:
Personal and 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
This description is not restrictive, and the post holder may be required to carry out other duties as requested by the manager for the centre.
Skills needed for the 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
Qualifications and Experience:
- 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
Benefits of Working with Inclusive Living
- Competitive Salary
- Competitive annual leave entitlement
- A comprehensive training and induction programme
- Opportunities for career progression
- Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme
- Health Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Bike to Work Scheme
- Regular supervision and ongoing professional development opportunities
- On-site parking
Terms & Conditions:
Responsible to: Service manager – PIC and Team Lead
Probation: A probationary period of six months applies to this post.
Salary Scale: Starting from €35,210 pro rata per annum based on working an 84-hour fortnight.
Working Hours: 84 hours per fortnight on a 7-day/night roster. Details of starting and finishing times, which may vary in accordance with Service needs, will be notified to you by your Service Manager/team lead.
Annual leave: Annual leave entitlement is between 20 days, dependent on experience pro rata per annum, and proportionately less for less than 12 months service.
Pension Scheme: Inclusive Living participates in the national Auto Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme.
Medical: The successful candidate will be required to complete a medical declaration and may be required to obtain medical examination.
Garda Clearance: These will be required for all prospective employees who will undertake relevant work or activities relating to children or vulnerable persons.
Sick Pay: All periods of sickness exceeding two days must be medically certified. Weekly medical certificates are required thereafter. The Company reserves the right to have you examined by its own Doctor after 3 months continuous sick leave
References: Two professional references are required for successful candidate one of which must be from the candidates last employer.
Further Information and how to apply:
For further details and links to apply for this and other positions, please see our website, https://inclusiveliving.ie/careers/
Please note the Selection Process may include:
- Shortlisting of candidates, based on the information contained in their application and assessment of competencies detailed in respect of the role.
- In-Person Interview: A face-to-face meeting to assess suitability for the position.
- A secondary interview to further explore qualifications or clarify any outstanding questions.
Inclusive Living is an equal opportunities employer.
