New training and recruitment scheme launched recently

The largest provider of intellectual disability services in Ireland has launched a new initiative called Care2Learn.

The Care2Learn Scheme is a new initiative from the Brothers of Charity Services that enables participants to work towards a recognised QQI Level 5 Major Award in Intellectual Disability Practice whilst working as a support worker in the services.

Brothers of Charity Services provides a variety of services and supports to over 5,500 people with an intellectual disability or autism and their families. It operates in almost 1,000 locations throughout the counties of Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Roscommon, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford.

These supports include children's and adult day services, supported living services, and high support services for those with greater need. Services are provided by approximately 5,000 staff.

Inclusion is at the heart of this ethos, and staff work as part of a team to support people with an intellectual disability to participate in their local community, to facilitate their personal growth and develop their skills.

Care2Learn

Roles are available throughout the regions in which they operate, and across the different services provided.

This fully funded course is delivered online by the Open Training College and includes online face to face workshops. A trained peer mentor from the student's workplace is assigned to them in order to support them in their new role. Additional in-house training is also provided.

Brian Leahy, National Head of Human Resources for Brothers of Charity Services said: “The Care2Learn scheme is designed as a stepping stone into support work for people with great transferable skills and experience, but who don't yet have the necessary qualification in Intellectual Disability Support. We pride ourselves on our inclusive approach to employment.”

Support worker role

Brothers of Charity Services is seeking individuals who want to make a real difference in the lives of the people they support. A support worker will:

· Enable people with an intellectual disability to live the lives they choose and participate fully in their community.

· Be their advocate; their microphone, not their voice.

· Facilitate their skills and personal growth.

Some of the benefits of working with Brothers of Charity Services Ireland include:

· Job satisfaction

· The most generous rates of pay in the sector: - €15.11-21.57 per hour

· Four year fixed term contract

· Flexible hours and family friendly culture although shift work on evenings and weekends usually forms a part of the role

· Part or full time (minimum of 20 hours per week)

· Career progression opportunities

· Generous pay for evenings, weekends and overnight

· Defined benefit state pension

· 22 days annual leave

· Employee assistance programme