Complementary Therapist Recruitment

Written By Orla Gillespie

‍ ‍Job Title: Complementary Therapist/Support Worker

Location: Rock Rose House, Castlebar with possible outreach work

Contract: Part-Time

Reporting To: CEO, Mayo Cancer Support Association

Hours & Rate: TBC

Probation Period: 6 months.

About the Role

We are seeking to contract a compassionate and qualified Complementary Therapist to work with the team at Mayo Cancer Support Association and clients of the charity on a part-time basis. This role is focused on providing holistic, client-focused care in a warm and welcoming environment. The successful candidate will support clients who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis or a cancer bereavement through a range of therapeutic services.

‍About Mayo Cancer Support

‍Mayo Cancer Support is a registered charity that has been providing free emotional and psychological support to people affected by cancer for over 25 years. These supports include a professional one-to-one counselling service, complementary therapies and group activities.‍ We are a member of the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and all of our services are delivered in line with the National Cancer Control Programme’s Best Practice Guidance for community cancer support centres.

‍Key Responsibilities

‍ Client Support & Centre Operation

  • Welcome clients to the centre in a professional and empathetic manner, including dealing with drop-in and phone enquiries.

  • Conduct intake (registration) sessions where required, briefing clients on the services of Mayo Cancer Support and ensuring all relevant information is gathered sensitively and confidentially.

  • Provide emotional support, active listening, and information to clients both in person and over the phone.

  • Schedule appointments and assist in maintaining/updating the client database/diary and with the planning/coordination of group activities as appropriate.

  • Provide outreach services as required and agreed with management

  • Signpost clients to relevant external supports where necessary

  • Ensure compliance with the policies and procedures of Mayo Cancer Support and all other relevant codes and standards at all times

  • Carry out light housekeeping duties, including making refreshments for clients, preparing rooms for therapies and activities and maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

Therapeutic Service Delivery

  • Deliver complementary therapies in line with your qualifications and training. This may include, subject to agreement with the CEO:

    • Massage

    • Reflexology

    • Bioenergy

    • Reiki

    • Any other appropriate therapy

  • Create and maintain a calm, safe, confidential and therapeutic environment for all clients.

  • Conduct thorough consultations with clients in advance of commencing treatments and seek GP/consultant permission to proceed with therapies where necessary.

  • Participate in in-house multi-disciplinary team meetings where appropriate

Professional Development & Compliance

  • Attend mandatory CPD/ training, supervision, and refresher courses.

  • Maintain membership of a relevant professional body and professional insurance cover on an annual basis and provide proof of same to CEO

  • Work in accordance with the best practice standards of your professional organisation and the ethos and policies and procedures of Mayo Cancer Support.

  • Maintain awareness of personal wellbeing and practice appropriate self-care.

Person Specification

Essential:

  • Recognised qualification(s) in one or more complementary therapies

  • Membership of a relevant professional organisation and professional insurance cover

  • Experience working with vulnerable individuals or in a supportive care setting

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

  • Empathy, discretion, and a client-centred approach

  • Candidates must be of good character. Garda vetting will form part of the recruitment process for this role.

Desirable:

  • Cancer specific training in relation to the delivery of complementary therapies

  • Experience working with cancer patients or in a healthcare/charity setting

  • Knowledge of holistic and integrative care approaches

  • Experience facilitating groups or workshops

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to: Orla Gillespie, CEO, Mayo Cancer Support Association by emailing orla@mayocancersupport.ie or send by mail to Orla Gillespie, CEO, Mayo Cancer Support Association, Rock Rose House, 32 St Patrick’s Ave, Castlebar, Co Mayo, F23 P659

Closing Date: Monday, May 18th, 2026

Mayo Cancer Support Association is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

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Orla Gillespie
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