Behaviour Support Assistant - (Client with Complex Needs)

If you want to make a real impact on the lives of others join Galway Simon Community where we work towards eliminating homelessness through advocacy, education and campaigning in line with our values of compassion, community and collaboration.

Contract Details 1-year Fixed Term Contract – 28.5 hours per week on a 4-week rolling roster with a 7-day liability

Location Galway County (Office based in Galway City).

Salary HSE Health Care Assistant 01/03/23 salary scale €31,723 - €40,738 (pro rata)

Benefits

• 25 Days Annual Leave (pro rata)
• Occupational Sick Leave Policy
• Education Assistance Scheme
• Employee Pension Scheme
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program
• Death in Service (2x basic salary)

Job Summary

To provide person-centred, trauma-informed behavioural support to a client with complex needs, promoting their safety, wellbeing, and quality of life. The Behaviour Support Assistant will play a vital role in the implementation of tailored behavioural interventions grounded in harm reduction principles, working under supervision to enable positive outcomes. This role offers valuable experience for those pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology, Occupational Therapy, or Behaviour Support.

Key Responsibilities

• Clients - Support clients in accessing services and participating in community life, while respecting their autonomy and individual goals and fostering a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for clients whilst maintaining strong professional boundaries and ethical practice.
• Compliance - Stay compliant with all organisation policies, stay up to date on mandatory training and maintain accurate and timely documentation
• Service Delivery - Systematically log and record all interventions with and behalf of clients on relevant systems, work in an organised and efficient manner with clear communication within the team to deliver high-quality professional service.
• General - Willingness to adapt as needed to support client and service needs.
• Values - Demonstrate the Galway Simon Community values compassion, community and collaboration.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

Essential Requirements

• Qualification - Minimum of QQI Level 5 Major Award in a relevant discipline (e.g. Health & Social Care, Psychology, Social Studies).
• Experience - Minimum of 12 months relevant experience, ideally in health, social care, or homelessness services.
• Driving - Valid, full driving licence; access to own vehicle and ability to obtain insurance for business use (cost covered by organisation)
• Personal - Strong interpersonal and communication skills, showing a compassionate, patient, resilient and non-judgemental approach. Enthusiasm for professional development in clinical or behavioural fields.

• Experience supporting individuals with complex needs, challenging behaviour, or neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g. Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disability).
• Familiarity with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), MAPA, or other de-escalation and behaviour management approaches (e.g. Studio III, CPI Safety Interventions).
• Knowledge of behavioural principles and intervention techniques is advantageous.
• Have completed relevant training such as Challenging Behaviour, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Autism Awareness, or Trauma-Informed Care.
• Experience with behaviour support planning and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures.

Closing date midnight on 24/08/2025

Galway Simon Community is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.