Support Assistant The Carlow Community Care Network Ireland

Provide Meaningful Support in a Vibrant Community Setting

A vital opportunity exists for compassionate, dedicated, and reliable individuals to join the support team at the Beacon Community Centre. We are recruiting for Care Assistants to provide essential personal care and social support to older adults and individuals with diverse needs within our day service and community outreach programmes. This role is designed for individuals who possess a genuine desire to help others, uphold the dignity and independence of every person, and thrive as part of a collaborative, person-centred team. For eligible non-EEA candidates, this healthcare support role is on Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List, which may provide a pathway to a Critical Skills Employment Permit and long-term residency.

This position is central to our mission of enhancing community well-being and combating social isolation. You will work directly with service users in a warm, welcoming environment, helping to facilitate activities, provide personal care with respect, and contribute to a supportive community hub that makes a tangible difference in people’s daily lives. It is a role that offers profound personal satisfaction and the chance to build lasting relationships within the local community.

Organization: Beacon Community Centre
Position: Care Assistant (Community Services)
Location: Dublin, Ireland (Based at our community centre in Dublin, with some local outreach)

Detailed Position Overview

Core Responsibilities & Person-Centred Care Tasks

As a Care Assistant at the Beacon Community Centre, you will work under the supervision of a Nurse or Care Coordinator to deliver high-quality, individualised support to our service users. Your primary duties will be focused on enabling independence and social engagement.

• Personal Care with Dignity: Providing respectful assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for attendees of our day service, including support with toileting, continence care, eating, and mobility in accordance with individual care plans.

• Social & Recreational Support: Actively facilitating and encouraging participation in centre activities such as arts and crafts, gentle exercise classes, music sessions, games, and social outings. Your role is to promote engagement, joy, and mental stimulation.

• Mealtime Assistance: Supporting service users during lunch and tea breaks at the centre. This includes assisting with feeding where necessary, promoting hydration, and ensuring a pleasant, social dining experience.

• Observation & Reporting: Maintaining accurate and timely records of care provided. Observing and reporting any changes in a service user’s physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being to the supervising nurse or coordinator promptly.

• Companionship & Emotional Support: Building trusting, friendly relationships with service users. Offering a listening ear, engaging in conversation, and providing reassurance to reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety.

• Promotion of Independence: Encouraging and enabling service users to do as much for themselves as possible, supporting their independence and self-esteem in a safe environment.

• Health & Safety: Adhering to all centre policies and Health Service Executive (HSE) guidelines on infection prevention and control, manual handling, and safeguarding vulnerable adults. Maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

Essential Qualifications & Candidate Profile

We seek kind, patient, and proactive individuals who align with our community-focused values. The ideal candidate possesses:

• QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) Certification (Highly Desirable): A Major QQI Award (Level 5) in Healthcare Support or Nursing Studies is a significant advantage and may be required for certain permits. Equivalent international care qualifications will be considered.

• Professional Experience: Previous experience in a caring role, whether in a residential setting, home care, community service, or through voluntary work, is highly valued. A proven track record of reliability and empathy is essential.

• Skills & Personal Attributes:

  • Exceptional Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds with warmth, patience, and respect.

  • Physical Ability: Capable of assisting with manual handling (using appropriate equipment and techniques) and being active throughout the day.

  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Works effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team including nurses, coordinators, therapists, and volunteers.

  • Initiative & Observational Skills: Proactive in engaging service users and attentive to their needs.

• Core Competencies & Requirements:

  • Garda Vetting (Police Clearance): Successful completion of the National Vetting Bureau process is a mandatory condition of employment.

  • Children First & Safeguarding Training: Commitment to completing mandatory training in the protection of vulnerable adults.

  • Manual Handling & First Aid Certificates (training can be provided).

  • Eligibility to work in Ireland (EU/EEA citizenship, Stamp 4 permission, or eligibility for an employment permit).

Why Build Your Care Career at the Beacon Community Centre in Ireland?

Working in community care in Ireland offers a rewarding career within a structured healthcare framework and a supportive, team-oriented environment.

The Beacon Community Centre & Irish Healthcare Advantage

• Purpose-Driven Work: Experience the direct impact of your work in fostering community, reducing isolation, and improving the quality of life for local individuals and families.

• Structured Career Path in Healthcare: This role is a recognised step in the Irish healthcare sector. With further training (QQI Level 5/6), you can progress to Senior Healthcare Assistant roles or use the experience as a foundation for nursing or social care degrees.

• Critical Skills Employment Permit Pathway: The role of Care Assistant / Healthcare Assistant is on Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List. For non-EEA candidates with a relevant job offer and qualification, the employer can support an application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, which leads to Stamp 4 residency rights.

• Competitive Pay & Conditions under Sectoral Agreements: Employment terms are governed by the Sectoral Employment Order for the Health Sector.

  • Hourly Rate: €13.00 – €15.00 per hour (depending on experience and qualifications), with premium pay for Sundays and public holidays.

  • Pension Scheme access.

  • Paid Annual Leave starting at 24 days per year (pro-rata).

  • Sick Pay Scheme.

  • Paid training and development opportunities.

• Supportive Team Culture: Join a close-knit team committed to mutual support, continuous learning, and making the centre a positive place for both staff and service users.

Application Process & Requirements

Step-by-Step Hiring Journey

1. Application Submission: Send a CV and cover letter detailing your care experience and motivation to [email protected].

2. Shortlisting & Initial Contact: Selected candidates will be invited for a preliminary phone call to discuss the role and their experience.

3. Practical Interview & Interaction: An in-person interview at the centre, which will include a practical element or scenario-based questions to assess your approach to care and interaction with service users.

4. Reference Checks & Vetting: Two professional or character references will be contacted. A conditional job offer will be made pending the successful completion of Garda Vetting.

5. Onboarding & Induction: A comprehensive induction programme, including mandatory training in safeguarding, manual handling, and centre protocols.

Mandatory Pre-Employment Checks

Prior to commencement, you must provide:

• Proof of Identity and Right to Work in Ireland (Passport, IRP card).

• Completed Garda Vetting Application.

• Evidence of Qualifications (if applicable).