Care Assistants - Full Time (Residential & Community Settings) in Cork

About the Role

Horizons - Cope Foundation in Cork Communities is one of the top 150 Employers in Ireland. Our organisation is deeply embedded in communities and we are one of the largest not-for-profit organisations in Munster. We support people with an intellectual disability and additional needs such as autism or physical and medical conditions. We empower people to live a life of their choosing, connected and participating in their communities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) guides our services and we play an important role in the future direction of the sector. We are committed to inclusion and social change. We work to make Cork a more inclusive and diverse place to live, work and learn. The ongoing mission of the organisation is to provide a range of rights-based, person-centered, community-based, self-directed services and supports to enable people to live a life of their choosing. We comply with the standards outlined in The Charities Governance Code, which is developed and monitored by the Charities Regulator.

Our team is made up of 1600 staff who work across our ever-expanding network of over 120 locations across Cork city and county. We have roles in various locations across Cork City & County. Shift Work position 78-hour fortnight (Day Shift and Night Shift).

In line with our growing services Horizons is looking to recruit Care Assistants to support people with an intellectual disability and/or autism to flourish and lead a life of their choosing. This is a real opportunity to support people to reach their dreams, hopes, and wishes every day. The successful applicants may be required to work in existing Horizons residential or day service/hub locations, as part of a team or in new community-based settings. The positions require a high degree of flexibility and motivation. The team members will work closely with individuals’ circles of support and their local community in order to develop and progress opportunities for them. A commitment to a person centred, citizen based, and social model of support is required. Applicants must possess the competencies and skills appropriate to working with persons with an intellectual disability.

Requirements

A relevant qualification: minimum QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare/Intellectual Disability (all 8 modules completed as per QQI requirements). Have a general understanding of current legislation (ADMA, UNCRPD). Excellent team working skills. Initiative, flexibility, and enthusiasm. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Fluency in verbal and written English is an essential requirement of this post. A track record of thinking creatively, being person centred and adaptable. IT Skills and experience in report writing. Valid work permission and eligibility to work and reside in Ireland at the time of application.

Experience working with individuals with an intellectual disability and additional needs such as autism or physical and medical condition is desirable. A full clean driving license is desirable.

Details

Location: Cork City, County Cork, Ireland

Salary: €34,881–€48,434 per year

Closing date: 3 Oct 2026

Contract type: Full time, Permanent

Sector: public sector

How to Apply

Completed applications must be submitted no later than Friday 2nd October 2026. We recommend completing the application on a PC or laptop to ensure full visibility of the form. Please ensure your application is completed in full, as incomplete applications cannot be considered. Visit our website at Home - Horizons.