Deputy Manager Separated Children

Location: Laois
Hours: 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, with planned flexibility and on-call duties as required)
Reports To: Centre Manager

About Us

At Harmony we focus on the care, safety and protection of our children. Our incredible team ensures that each individual child’s goals and potential are fully supported, nurtured and given every opportunity to grow, make mistakes, have positive experiences, learn new skills and most importantly, develop a sense of safety and security. We strongly believe that a child-centred approach, focused on relationships and empathy, positively promotes the wellbeing of our children. Harmony maintains stability, ensures reliability and inspires hope by consistently upholding the highest standards in children's residential services. Harmony is a regulated and approved provider of children's residential services , operating under contract with Tusla.

About The Role

About the Role

The Deputy Manager is a pivotal member of our team, supporting the Centre Manager in the operational and strategic management of our residential care services. This role involves leading, guiding, and supporting the social care team to deliver exceptional care to young people, ensuring their voices are central to all decision-making and care planning processes. The Deputy Manager will uphold and promote Harmony’s values, policies, and child-centred approach while contributing to continuous improvement and compliance with regulatory standards.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise and support social care team members, leaders, health care assistants/ support workers and relief workers.
• Assist the Centre Manager in ensuring high-quality service delivery within available resources.
• Promote the professional development of team members through mentoring, training, and delegation.
• Lead team meetings, chair discussions when required, and oversee effective handovers.
• Foster a culture of open communication, collaboration, and accountability.
• Act as the on-call lead when required, providing guidance and support to the team.

2. Policy Implementation and Governance

• Ensure adherence to organisational policies and procedures.
• Support policy reviews and assist in implementing procedural updates.
• Oversee health and safety compliance, conducting risk assessments, and managing concerns promptly.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including young person, employee, and business data.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and evaluations to ensure regulatory and internal compliance.

3. Care and Wellbeing of Young People

• Ensure young people are actively involved in decisions affecting their lives.
• Collaborate with keyworkers to ensure care plans and/or placement plans reflect the young person’s needs and voice.
• Monitor and support the holistic needs of young people, including social, educational, occupational, recreational, medical, and dietary needs.
• Participate in Child in Care Reviews and other meetings where applicable, ensuring alignment with care plans and/or placement plans.
• Address risks using the risk management framework in line with care plans and/or placement plans.
• Uphold Harmony’s Model of Care and promote a positive lived care experience for all young people.

4. Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Fulfill duties as a mandated person and report any concerns to Tusla.
• Act as Deputy Designated Liaison Person, managing safeguarding concerns and risk assessments.
• Ensure familiarity with the Organisation’s Child Safeguarding Statement and risk management processes.
• Support the internal management team in ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all young people in care.

5. Professional Development

• Maintain effective self-care practices and promote the same among team members.
• Engage in training and development opportunities to enhance your professional contribution.
• Support the Centre Manager in identifying and addressing training needs within the team.

6. Operational Oversight

• Deputise for the Centre Manager in their absence.
• Contribute to the operational and strategic planning of the Centre.
• Ensure the upkeep of a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for young people and team members.
• Support the preparation of reports and assessments, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in alignment with care plans and/or placement plans.

Team Member Benefits

• Comprehensive Induction: Two and a half day induction followed by a 6-month employee development programme.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): 24/7 support for team members and their families/partners.
• Annual Leave: 23 days annual leave, plus bank holiday entitlements.
• Supervision and Professional Development: Structured supervision and career progression opportunities.
• Complimentary Training: Paid core professional training to enhance your skillset.
• Employee Wellbeing Focus: Designated Mental Health Officers in every Centre and regular Social Days planned by the team.

Why Join Harmony Care?

• Be part of a dedicated team making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
• Work in a supportive and values-driven organisation.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career progression.
• Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance.

If you are a compassionate leader with a commitment to excellence in child-centred care, we invite you to join us at Harmony Care. Together, we can inspire hope and build brighter futures for children in our care.

Required Criteria

• BA in Applied Social Care Work or equivalent
• A minimum of three years’ experience in social care with children / young people.
• Right to Work in Ireland
Three years experience working with Children

Desired Criteria

Skills Needed

About The Company

Our mission is to empower each individual we support to live with dignity, independence, and purpose — providing the care, encouragement, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential and take their place in the heart of their community.

Company Culture

At Harmony Residential Care, our culture is built on collaboration, respect, and professionalism. Our team of fully qualified staff work closely with each individual, their families, the HSE, and other clinical professionals to ensure the best outcomes for those we support. We believe in a holistic, person-centred approach where everyone plays a role in progression and development. By working together, we create an environment where individuals can thrive — and where our staff feel proud, supported, and connected to a shared purpose.

Company Benefits

At Harmony Care, you’ll join a supportive and professional team where your contribution truly matters. We value compassion, teamwork, and growth — creating an environment where staff feel supported, respected, and rewarded. We offer a strong package to help you thrive inside and outside of work, including:

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (for you and your family)

• Education Assistance Fund & career development support

• Psychotherapy and counselling sessions

• Health & lifestyle perks: Cycle-to-Work Scheme, exclusive pharmacy discount, Bright Exchange offers

• Annual social events allowance per location

• Staff referral bonus

• Seasonal celebrations & Christmas vouchers

• Treatment Benefit Scheme & Death in Service cover

At Harmony Care, you’ll find more than a job — you’ll find a community that invests in your wellbeing, your career, and your future.

Vacation, Paid time off, Paid sick days, Employee development programs, Tuition reimbursement, Employee discounts, Free parking, Cycle to work, Referral bonus, Competitive salary, Employee Assistance Scheme, Wellbeing Scheme, Social Opportunities, Annual performance review, Culture of recognition, On the job learning, Progression opportunities, Access to Health & Wellbeing app, Bereavement leave, Staff celebration events

Salary

€47,000.00 per year