How do I become a Care Assistant in Intellectual Disability Services?

Care Assistants in Intellectual Disability Services play a vital role in Ireland’s health and social care system. They provide person centred support that helps people with intellectual disabilities achieve independence, inclusion, and a fulfilling quality of life through compassionate, high quality care.

There are many entry routes to the care assistant in intellectual disability profession:

  • QQI level 5 in Healthcare Support / Health Service Skills (including Intellectual Disability Studies and Activities of Daily Living modules)
  • A relevant health care qualification equivalent to one of the above QQI Level 5 awards

Please click here and search ‘Care Assistant Intellectual Disabilities’, for further information on QQI level 5 qualifications in Ireland.

For further information on the eligibility criteria for entry into the role please click here.

 

Your role with the HSE

Care Assistants in intellectual disability are essential and highly valued members of the workforce. They bring skills, compassion, and experience to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, working as part of multidisciplinary teams to deliver person-centred care that empowers service users to achieve independence and reach their full potential.

Beyond direct support, they assist families, carers, and communities, enhancing overall wellbeing. Central to the delivery of disability services, care assistants are a key to driving positive health and social outcomes. Their contribution is indispensable to Ireland’s health and social care system, offering a meaningful and rewarding career.

Career Progression

A career as a care assistant in intellectual disabilities offers a meaningful entry point into the health service. This vital role also offers possibilities to work across a variety of health and social care settings such as primary care, older persons etc.

Additionally care assistants may consider taking on roles as therapy assistants, which may serve as a tertiary pathway into a Health and Social Care Professions (HSCPs) through the NTO framework. They can also apply to train in nursing or midwifery through the HSE sponsorship programme.

As career pathways continue to evolve and expand, care assistants are well-positioned to upskill and grow, allowing one an opportunity to continue to build upon an already existing rewarding career.

 

Further Training and Development

HSELAND is the HSE portal which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting www.hseland.ie

The programmes on this learning platform include mandatory training in addition to other programmes that assist with professional and self development.

There will also be ongoing opportunities for further education and training provided through in person training.

Staff Benefits and Testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, supervision, career support, development opportunities and supportive colleagues promoting a better work life balance.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff are also entitled to reimbursement for travel they undertake when visiting clients. Travel time will also be built into your roster.

Testimonials coming soon

To ensure that you are information of all vacancies, please register on the HSE Career Hub for weekly job alerts.