Support Worker

Overview of Corlann West Region Services

Corlann – West Region delivers a community-centred and person-focused support service, catering to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization’s mission is to help individuals lead fulfilling and meaningful lives within their communities, based on nationally and internationally recognized best practices. Collaborating closely with those they support, Corlann strives to foster connections with family and friends while enabling people to experience ordinary life activities. A strong commitment is placed on empowering individuals to live in accordance with their personal choices.

Location and Work Settings

Appointments are based at Orchard Adult Services in Gort, County Galway. Staff assignments may vary among residential, respite, day care, or community service settings. New hires will initially work in one specified service area, with potential for reallocation according to future service demands.

Role and Responsibilities

The Support Worker’s primary function is to assist individuals in all facets of daily living, emphasizing their abilities and encouraging autonomy and skill development. Tasks include supporting people to reach personal goals and facilitating active participation in community life through inclusive and innovative approaches. The role also involves delivering personal care throughout the day, such as meal preparation, household duties, intimate care, and promoting physical well-being.

Supervision and Reporting

The Support Worker reports to either a Social Care Worker, Staff Nurse, Team Leader, or Team Manager, depending on the work location.

Qualifications and Desired Experience

• A solid general education background is required.
• Possession of a recognized qualification in intellectual disability support or a FETAC Level 5 (QQI Level 5 or above) certification is preferred but not mandatory.
• A full, clean manual driving licence valid for Irish roads is essential. Candidates may be required to obtain a Class D1 licence; support will be provided for this.
• Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, or complex needs is advantageous; comprehensive induction and training will be offered.
• Flexibility, teamwork aptitude, patience, and a good sense of humour are key personal qualities.
• Fluent verbal and written English communication skills and basic proficiency in IT are essential.

Working Hours and Conditions

The positions include 8 permanent full-time roles and 1 temporary full-time role, each working 78 hours per fortnight. Employees will follow a 14-day duty roster that includes evenings, weekends, potential split shifts, sleep-ins, and night duties as service requirements dictate. The service model relies on Personal Outcome Measures, necessitating adaptable work schedules to adequately meet individual needs.

Leave and Salary

Annual leave amounts to 23 days per year, calculated as 8.46 hours per 100 hours worked on a pro-rata basis for part-time staff.

Salary scales conform to Department of Health guidelines as of 01/06/2026, ranging from €34,881 up to €47,624 per annum pro-rata, based on a 39-hour workweek, divisible into 13 increments. A Long Service Increment of €48,434 pro-rata applies after three years at the maximum scale point. Additional compensation is provided for work on weekends, public holidays, sleepovers, and night shifts. Incremental credit for verified prior public sector service is granted.

Employment Terms

The eight permanent full-time roles are pensionable; one temporary full-time full-time role is also pensionable. A panel of candidates may be established for future appointments within Orchard Services over the next 6 to 12 months, covering permanent, temporary, or fixed-term opportunities.

Probation Period

A probationary period of nine months applies from the appointment date. Employment may be terminated within probation if the employee is found unsuitable. The probation duration may be extended by the employer if necessary.

Additional Information

For further inquiries, contact Margaret Kearney (Area Manager) or Brendan Gantley (Service Coordinator) at 091 631530. The closing date for receipt of completed applications and CVs is 5 pm on Thursday, 6th August 2026. Interviews are scheduled for 14th August 2026. Corlann is an equal opportunities employer.