Lead Pedagogue / Social Care Leader - Fairview House

Salary Range is Inclusive of Overnight Allowance

Compass Children’s Residential Services (CRS) is an organisation working with children, adolescents, and their families to strengthen their individual and collective functioning. Our philosophy is guided by the principles of the continental European Model of Social Pedagogy. We are a leading provider of settled, low-occupancy residential placements and put children and employees at the centre of all we do.

About The Role

Role and Responsibilities

The overall role of the Lead Pedagogue is to predominately ensure there is a continuous safe, nurturing and stimulating living experience for the young people living in House. Secondly, the Team Leader will oversee that all adults in the services work with the young people based on building relationships and social pedagogical principles (please refer to our website www.compasscfs.ie ). Finally, the Team Leader is to support the pedagogues who care for the young people placed with Compass Children’s Residential Services in the out-of-home care settings, in properties owned or rented by the organisation.

The Team Leader is integrated and part of the Compass team and will collaborate with the relevant statutory agency and others involved in the care provision and planning for the young person. An emphasis is placed on collaboration with the young person’s birth family which is facilitated by the overall Compass Children’s Residential Services team.

The Lead Pedagogue undertakes certain extra duties within the settings to allow for the most efficient running of the services.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide day-to-day care of the young people in their care.
• Offer day-to-day activities and support the young people in their social, emotional and cognitive development, with an emphasis on the learning principles of social pedagogy.
• Promote educational activities and facilitate access to services and school.
• Working as part of the Compass Children’s Residential Services Team.
• Carry out their work with the view to co-ordinating the day-to-day operation of the house and to further contribute to the overall service delivery to young people, families and other groups.
• Oversee the practice in the house to ensure that the young people are offered day-to-day activities and support in their social, emotional and cognitive development.
• Co-ordinate staff so they can carry out their assigned work to the highest standard.
• Working closely with the manager of the house to encourage the smooth running of the residential facilities.
• Ensuring that the work done in the house is documented and recorded (in line with organisational policies)
• Management of challenging behaviour under the guidelines of Management of Actual and Potential Aggression (MAPA)
• Ensure that all services are delivered in accordance with Compass CRS policies and procedures. Mainly, the completion of quality assurance procedures of the residential facilities, in conjunction with the residential manager, to ensure governance is maintained throughout the services.
• Participate in statutory care planning, case conferences, family access
• Participate in ongoing reflection, training, supervision and community meetings
• Report to the Residential Services Manager or designate.

EXTRA RESPONSIBILITIES

• To be a main point of reference for the manager in relation to communicating in and out of the house.
• To communicate with and into the house teams as required and agreed with the manager.
• Share expertise with team colleagues.
• Provide guidance to staff that support the young people, families and other groups.
• Support staff in enabling young people and families to advocate for their own needs, or where appropriate advocate on behalf of the young people/families.
• The co-ordination of the recording of the daily documentation in relation to the young people
• The carrying out Health and Safety Audits within the house
• The co-ordination of maintenance needs of the house
• The circulation of information and relevant decisions within the teams
• The co-ordination the daily planning and running of the houses in conjunction with the house manager
• Take an active role in an appropriate level of planned professional supervision, in accordance with Compass CRS policy.
• The supervision of activity/support pedagogues & student placements, as required.
• The scheduling of staff within the house in consultation with the house manger
• To participate in the on-call roster for the residential services.
• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace.
• Keep the line manager/team members fully informed and up to date on all significant matters.
• To ensure that young people records are maintained in line with Compass CRS’s policies.
• To support the manager of the facilities in induction training and ongoing training for the teams.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 
  QQI Level 7/8 in Social Care, or an equivalent qualification from another jurisdiction
• QQI Level 8 in Psychology
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Counselling / Psychotherapy
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Addiction Counselling
• QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community or similar
• QQI Level 7 in Social Science / Social Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Family Support
• Professional Qualification in Teaching (Not TEFL)
• Professional Qualification in Nursing Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Disability Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Applied Behavioural Analysis
• QQI Level 7 in Early Years Care where centre caters for children under 12 years.
• BA in Applied Policing or equivalent
• Holder of Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent

You must have two years’ post-qualification experience of working with young people or vulnerable groups in society.

Excellent verbal and written English language skills are essential.

Competencies (Professional and personal)

• Willingness and Ability to share space with Young People
• Effective communication skills (Verbal and Written)
• Accepting and supportive attitude towards people who experience difficulties within their lives such as family dysfunction, psychological and mental health difficulties or financial difficulties

• Self-sufficiency and ability to self-organize your work.
• Being self-motivated and having the ability to motivate others
• Resilient and Resourceful
• Optimistic and energetic
• The ability to lead a good decision-making process.
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to work Independently
• Ability to be aware of, create and maintain appropriate boundaries
• Knowledge and awareness of Child Care Legislation and Guidelines
• Knowledge of the national standards for residential childcare
• Knowledge about the Irish social care system
• Ability for reflection and engagement in reflective practice
• Knowledge of systemic work with families
• Structured and goal-oriented working style
• Working within a multidisciplinary team
• To participate in staff development programmes and attend meetings, training courses, conferences and seminars as required.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Regular and ongoing support (Residential Services Manager and Compass team)
• Internal and external relevant training
• Annual training in the core principles and advanced application of social pedagogy
• Training in social pedagogy leadership
• Regular professional supervision
• Bimonthly clinical team supervision
• Monthly clinical team supervision with a focus on clients’ needs
• Teamwork and exchange with colleagues
• Competitive remuneration
• Comprehensive influence on creativity in service delivery and service development
• Positive working climate
• Opportunities to attend regular work related and relevant conferences

This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder(s). It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee(s) concerned.

Required Criteria

• A minimum QQI Level 7/8 in Social Care, Psychology, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling
• Two years’ post-qualification experience of working with young people or vulnerable groups.
• Excellent verbal and written English language skills.

Desired Criteria

• Experience working with vulnerable young people.
• Experience working within a residential & team environment.
• Experience working with youths and families in the community.

Skills Needed

About The Company

Compass Children’s Residential Services (CRS) is an organisation working with children, adolescents, and their families to strengthen their individual and collective functioning. Our philosophy is guided by the principles of the continental European Model of Social Pedagogy. We are a leading provider of settled, low-occupancy residential placements and put children and employees at the centre of all we do.

Company Culture

At Compass CRS, the workplace culture is rooted in values of dignity, respect and relationship-centred support. Their guiding philosophy is based on social pedagogy—treating every individual as competent, resourceful and equal—creating an environment where team members and the young people they serve are genuinely valued.

The organisation emphasises collaborative practice, learning and growth, with multidisciplinary professionals working together to strengthen families and communities. It fosters a supportive atmosphere where staff are encouraged to engage reflectively, to grow their skills, and to contribute to meaningful change in children’s lives.

In short, you’ll find a culture of empowerment, commitment, and shared purpose.

Company Benefits

Vacation, Paid time off, Employee development programs, Cycle to work, Employee Assistance Scheme, Annual performance review, Access to Health & Wellbeing app, Long service awards

Salary

€47,000.00 - €51,500.00 per year