Residential Support Worker -Contract: 12-Month, Full-Time

Overview

This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of Residential Social Care Work. Odyssey Social Care is dedicated to providing 24/7 Care to Young People referred to us by TUSLA, by providing essential services for these young people, who are in the care of the State, while they are living in our Residential Care facilities. We work in partnership with TUSLA to ensure all Young People receive quality services. These include therapeutic residential care, access to education, access to psychological services, integration into local communities and preparation for aftercare. We acknowledge that each young person has their own individual needs.

You will gain experience by working directly with our young people while contributing to the day-to-day running of the residential house, and will retain an integral practice role whilst ensuring that the highest quality of care is provided to all young people. The role will require administrative duties as well as responsibilities pertaining to the progression, practice, and implementation of Placement Plan objectives for young people and ensure that they are receiving a high-quality service.

This post will involve evening, weekend and residential shift working arrangements.

About The Role

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Work directly with young people (guided by Social Care staff, until reaching a level of training, proficiency & experience as deemed appropriate by Unit Manager).
• To ensure all aspects of safe and effective service-delivery are maintained and be responsible for the day-to-day care of the young person (YP) in the house.
• Help young people who are engaged in school to complete their homework, assignments and any other requirements of their school attendance.
• Assist with Documenting the progress of the young person involved using the systems developed by Odyssey Social Care.
• Attend mandatory Company training time / days.
• Attend training as defined by your individual training plan. The staff member will attend and participate effectively in all required training specific to their learning needs.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of Odyssey Social Care.
• Attend and participate effectively in regular Team Meetings.
• Adhere to the Health and Safety Policy and associated Risk Assessment processes for young people cared for in the house and for the environment inside and outside the house.
• Be pro-active in developing team cohesion with the creation of a positive atmosphere and contribute to team building exercises that build team confidence and morale.
• Assist with administrative functions (Recording & reporting systems for Unit logs; Incident Notifications; Child Protection notifications).
• Take part in the tasks which make the house a home, routinely cooking, cleaning (the house, grounds, vehicles, etc.) and carrying out basic repairs within the designated time scales and according to the routines of the house
• Make use of and encourage “whistleblowing”, according to the whistleblowing policy.
• At all times maintain confidentiality regarding the children in our care, staffing matters, financial matters and any other matters internal to the company.
• Always take responsibility for the wellbeing of the Company, putting it before personal, financial or other gain.
• Any other duties, within the competence of the postholder, that may be required, reasonably, from time to time.
• The staff member will be subject to all the existing probationary periods of employment and must hit identified targets if identified.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills:

Recognised QQI Level 5 or 6 in a health-related field and relevant experience. Qualifications considered relevant:

• QQI Level 5/6 Social Care
• QQI Level 5/6 Disability Studies
• QQI Level 5/6 Social Studies / Social Science
• QQI Level 5/6 Early Childhood Studies
• QQI Level 5/6 Health and Social Care
• QQI Level 5/6 Custodial Care
• QQI Level 5/6 Counselling
• QQI Level 5/6 Psychology
• QQI Level 5/6 Addiction /Substance misuse
• QQI Level 5/6 Special Needs Assistant
• QQI Level 5/6 Youth and Community
• QQI Level 5/6 Healthcare
• QQI Level 5/6 Family Support
• A full, clean, manual driving license, valid in Ireland.
• The candidate will demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and ability to engage with young people.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of the key elements of effective teamwork.
• Knowledge of National Standards for Children's Residential Centres (2018).

Tasks & duties will be monitored, reviewed & overseen by the Unit Manager, who will regularly review the Job Description through supervision, to identify areas which they determine the staff member can safely perform.

What we will provide:

• Ongoing Training, Development & Professional Attainment.
• Supervision & Support (Monthly supervision for 6 months, 4-8 weeks thereafter).
• Mentoring or peer buddy system may be introduced to support the staff member with specific areas of learning and development.
• Reflective practice & Learning.
• Ongoing training, development and professional attainment, managed and monitored through an enhanced, robust, tailored induction plan.
• Mandatory training.

Required Criteria

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

€36,000.00 per year