Fixed Term Social Care Manager

Job Description & Specification

Position Title: Fixed Term Social Care Manager
Reports to: Regional Manager
Direct Reports: Social Care Leaders, Social Care Workers, Relief Social Care Workers
Salary: Incremental

Overview

The Social Care Manager is responsible for the care provided to the young people residing in an Odyssey Social Care house and for managing the staff who deliver this care. The role ensures that the care meets company policies, procedures, and national regulations while maintaining a homely, clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment for the children. As a key member of the Region’s Management Team, the Social Care Manager contributes to the development and implementation of strategies, policies, and systems related to all aspects of Odyssey Social Care operations.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

a) Care of Young People

• Ensure the safety, professionalism, and maximized potential of all children and young people in Odyssey Social Care’s services, in alignment with the company’s mission, model of care, and vision statement.

b) Staff Welfare

• Safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of all staff employed by Odyssey Social Care, treating them with respect.

c) Direct Management

• Personally support, supervise, and guide Social Care Leaders and all permanent care workers under your supervision, maintaining their motivation, commitment, and enthusiasm to consistently deliver high-quality, child-centered services.
• Support Social Care Leaders in supervising assigned staff (including student placements and relief workers), ensuring they are equipped to consistently deliver high-quality, child-centered services.
• Hold Social Care Leaders and all care staff, including relief and night staff, accountable for their performance.
• Provide direct support to key workers, Social Care Workers, and Regional Managers in the assessment, documentation, and facilitation of referrals into the service.
• Assist in producing accurate, well-written reports for social workers, other professionals, and, when appropriate, the families involved in a child’s care.

d) Environment Management

• Ensure the house is consistently clean, welcoming, homely, warm, and safe—ensuring it is always fit for purpose.
• Manage the house maintenance log, keep it up to date, and sign off on completed work. Address any issues by escalating them in writing to the maintenance and regional managers if work is unsatisfactory or incomplete.

e) Team Management

• Lead a cohesive, focused, and effective staff team in delivering high-quality services that comply with regulations and standards.
• Ensure that staff are properly trained and equipped to deliver child care that meets and exceeds regulatory standards and requirements.
• Fully participate in the regional 24-hour on-call service, providing direct help and support to staff by telephone when necessary.
• Lead and manage change processes at the unit/house level as initiated by the Board and Senior Management Team.

f) Financial Control

• Take responsibility for the house budget, ensuring spending remains within approved limits.
• Ensure financial controls are in place and operated according to procedures and good financial management practices.
• Ensure the unit has an appropriate, qualified, and balanced staff team within the budget to deliver the service safely.
• Ensure the house has appropriate furniture, transport, food, and other resources within the budget, ensuring the safety and proper care of children and the well-being of staff.

g) Meeting Standards

• Actively engage in Odyssey Social Care’s auditing and performance management system.
• Ensure the house receives excellent feedback from TUSLA monitoring/inspection recommendations.
• Ensure all regulatory and procedural requirements (Child Care, Health & Safety, HR) are met.
• Conduct grievance and disciplinary investigations and hearings as necessary, following the procedures outlined in the Odyssey Social Care Staff Handbook and advice from HR advisers and insurers.

h) External Relationships

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with TUSLA inspectors, Monitoring Officers, CFA Team Leaders, Social Workers, Gardai, CAMHS teams, School Principals, and other key stakeholders.
• Generate new business for the company by leveraging relationships with key stakeholders and potential customers.
• Support the development of new services as needed, assisting with building setup, recruiting, and inducting new managers.

i) Reporting

• Provide written and verbal reports as required by the Regional Manager, ensuring all statutory and standard reports are submitted to TUSLA and other professionals on time and to the required standard.
• Notify Odyssey Social Care Directors of any serious risks to the company, staff, children, or business.
• Deputize for the Regional Director when necessary, representing Odyssey Social Care professionally and appropriately.

j) Whistleblowing, Confidentiality, Company Welfare

• Report any matter posing a risk to the safety or well-being of a child, staff member, or the company to a Director, following the whistleblowing policy.
• Encourage and facilitate whistleblowing among staff, acting promptly and effectively on any reports.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children in care, staffing matters, financial matters, and any other internal company matters.
• Always prioritize the well-being of the company over personal, financial, or other gains.

k) Other Duties

• Perform any other duties within your competence as required, reasonably, from time to time.

About The Role

Qualifications

Essential:

• Minimum QQI Level 7 qualification in Social Care, that meets the criteria to be registered with CORU. Enrollment or completion of a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting, plus 4 years of full-time work experience in a children’s residential care setting post-qualification.
• Alternatively, a QQI Level 8 qualification in Social Care with 3 years of post-qualification work experience in a children’s residential care setting.
• Alternatively, a relevant qualification with 4 years of full-time work experience in a children’s residential care setting post-qualification.
• A professional qualification in Social Work is also suitable, provided the candidate has 4 years of post-qualification practice experience and is enrolled in or has completed a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting.
• A recognized social care qualification, including equivalent qualifications from other jurisdictions.
• Candidates on the CORU register of Social Care Workers with the requisite 4 years of full-time work experience may also be considered.
• A full, clean manual driving license is valid in Ireland.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of the key elements of effective teamwork.
• Knowledge of the Irish National Standards in Children’s Residential Centres.

Competencies

Essential:

• Full, clean Garda vetting for Ireland and police clearance for any other country where the post-holder has resided for more than 6 months.
• Sound knowledge of professional childcare practice and detailed knowledge of the National Standards for Residential Childcare.
• Understanding of the 1991 Child Care Act, particularly Section 8 related to residential care, and associated regulations.
• Knowledge of Irish Health & Safety legislation and its application in residential child care.
• Knowledge of Irish Employment legislation and its application in a residential care environment.
• Proven management experience in a residential care context.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and support individuals and teams effectively.
• Confidence to hold individual staff members accountable for their work.
• Ability to analyze complex, conflicting information quickly, make balanced decisions, and ensure others follow through.
• Capacity to function effectively in a crisis, balancing the interests of children, staff, and the company.
• Ability to assert oneself and exert authority appropriately in interactions with both subordinates and senior managers.
• Competence in conflict management.
• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work in a high-pressure environment.
• Excellent negotiation and networking skills.

#OCSCL

Required Criteria

• Minimum QQI Level 7 qualification in Social Care, with enrollment or completion of a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting, plus 4 years of full-time work experience in a children’s residential care setting post-qualification - Or something equivalent
• A recognized social care qualification, including equivalent qualifications from other jurisdictions.
• Full, clean Garda vetting for Ireland and police clearance for any other country where the post-holder has resided for more than 6 months
• Sound knowledge of professional child care practice and detailed knowledge of the National Standards for Residential Childcare.

Skills Needed

About The Company

• Mission: Provide a supportive, safe environment for 7 to 18-year-olds unable to stay with their families.

• Values: Emphasize non-violence, emotional intelligence, social learning, democracy, open communication, social responsibility, and growth.

• Care Approach: Trauma-informed and multi-dimensional, including the Sanctuary Model, Positive Behaviour Support, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and the Saoirse Project.

Company Culture

Working for Odyssey Social Care involves being part of a team dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people. Employees engage in trauma-informed care, emphasizing safety, emotional well-being, and personal development. The organization values continuous learning, collaboration, and a commitment to their care models, which include therapeutic practices like the Sanctuary Model and Positive Behaviour Support. Staff members are encouraged to contribute to a positive, non-violent environment that fosters growth and social responsibility.

Company Benefits

The benefits of working at Odyssey Social Care include opportunities for professional development, a supportive work environment, and involvement in impactful, trauma-informed care. The company emphasises continuous learning and offers training in therapeutic practices like the Sanctuary Model. Staff members are part of a dedicated team focused on making a positive difference in children's and young people's lives.

For more details, visit Odyssey Social Care's About Us page.

Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee development programs, A diversity program, Cycle to work, Referral bonus, Company retreats, Life insurance, Employee Assistance Scheme, Social Opportunities, Culture of recognition, On the job learning, Long service awards

Salary

€56,160.00 - €60,320.00 per year