Disability Support Specialist - County Kildare

Job Title: Disability Support Specialist

Location: County Kildare

Salary: €20 per hour

Purpose of the Post

The primary objective of this post is to work as part of a team to support and empower residents to be as independent as possible and to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. The Disability Support Specialist acts as a professional role model, bridging the gap between frontline care and management by providing advanced person-centred support, staff supervision, and clinical assistance under the direction of the Person In-Charge.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

Professional Leadership & Clinical Support

• Role Modelling: Role model a workplace culture that supports the mission, vision, and values of the Talbot Group.
• Clinical Standards: Assist in the implementation of clinical policies and evidence-based guidelines to ensure the highest professional standards of care.
• Environment Maintenance: Contribute to the promotion and maintenance of a welcoming, caring, and therapeutic environment.
• MDT Coordination: Coordinate and prioritize resident appointments in liaison with the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
• Quality Improvement: Participate in initiatives aimed at improving resident satisfaction and service delivery.

Staff Management & Development

• Supervision: Provide support and supportive supervision to other frontline staff where appropriate.
• Communication: Ensure staff are fully informed on all matters affecting the day-to-day running of the service through clear communication lines.
• Staff Induction: Educate and support assigned staff, including the induction of new team members and assisting management with performance appraisals.
• Conflict Resolution: Participate in matters concerning discipline, grievances, untoward incidents, and complaints when required.

Person-Centred Planning & Care

• Key-Working: Deliver duties such as key-working, medication management, and other day-to-day care-giving responsibilities.
• Resident Participation: Actively promote the participation of residents in the planning and development of the centre/residence.
• Goal Achievement: Work in partnership with MDT staff and families to support residents in achieving personal goals guided by their care plans.
• Reporting: Report immediately to the Person In-Charge any incident of concern involving staff or residents in accordance with policy.

Health, Safety, and Finance

• Compliance: Ensure services comply with the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and Talbot Group policies.
• Risk Management: Ensure all accidents and incidents are recorded and that staff are aware of their responsibilities during emergencies.
• Financial Management: Support residents in managing personal monies, maintaining accurate records of all expenditure and documenting all transactions.
• Records: Maintain comprehensive, secure, and confidential records, including daily reports, family contact sheets, and care plans.

Person Specification

• Education: Must hold a Diploma or qualification at QQI Level 6 or above in a related healthcare field (e.g., Advanced Health & Social Studies, Social Care Studies, Special Needs Assistant, Pre-Nursing, Child Care, or Advanced Certificate in Social Care).
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years' experience as a Direct Support Worker or a related role. Knowledge of principles and techniques utilized in cognitive rehabilitation.
• Legal Status: Due to legal restrictions, just be a holder of an Irish/EU/EEA Passport.
• Licensing: Full Driving Licence is essential.
• Competencies: Advanced communication skills, ability to react effectively to changing circumstances, and a strong "bias for action" in problem-solving.