Community Resource workers provide a range of services to people with visual impairments supporting their practical and emotional skills.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
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Working Life
The Community Resource worker's first task is to assess the client, to find out what their needs are. Then the Community Resource worker plans, delivers, monitors and regularly reviews a training programme.
The Community Resource worker's aim is to enable the client to be as independent and comfortable as possible. They work with the client on a one-to-one basis, giving advice, guidance and counselling. They help the client to learn and develop skills in communication and practical tasks. For example, training may enable them to cook or do other domestic tasks, or read, study and communicate using Braille or other systems.
The Community Resource Worker also helps restore a person's confidence in their application of common-sense solutions in coping with chores and tasks of daily living. Each day will vary depending on scheduled activities for that week.
Qualities - Community Resource Worker - Visual Impairment
You will need a caring, supportive attitude and a practical approach to problem solving.
Tactfulness and maturity are also important qualities to behold in this profession.
Good communication skills are very important.
You must be able to listen carefully and ask the right questions to find out more about the client's needs.
Interests - Community Resource Worker - Visual Impairment
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry / Progression - Community Resource Worker - Visual Impairment
Entrants usually have a third level qualification and some relevant work experience in community or social work.
**Garda vetting will form part of registration and application for employment**
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: social care, youthwork.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: social care, community work, ability support worker.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: social care, applied healthcare, disability nursing, youth and community work.
Search for CAO Courses
Pay & Salary - Community Resource Worker - Visual Impairment
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €41k
Salaries vary by employer, location, duties. Role, experience, and location.
Data Source(s):
HSE.ie/ Activelink/ Payscale/ Glassdoor
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Community Resource Worker - Visual Impairment
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Youth and community workers; Child and early years officers; Housing officers; Counsellors Welfare and housing associate professionals n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual average employment growth rate for this occupation continued to be strong across the five-year period. Census data for 2022 indicates that youth and community workers account for the largest share of occupations within this group and vacancies announced through DSP Jobs Ireland in 2022 were primarily for these roles.
Useful Contacts - Community Resource Worker - Visual Impairment
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National Council for Blind of Ireland
- PV Doyle House, Whitworth Road, Dublin 9
- (01) 830 7033
- Click Here
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CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals
