Social Care Leader

Odyssey Social Care Ltd. provides residential care services that empower young people to reach their full potential. We focus on safety, growth, and emotional wellbeing, guided by our mission to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.

Role Overview:

As a Social Care Leader, you’ll play a pivotal role in designing and delivering care packages tailored to individual needs. You'll act as a shift leader, supporting colleagues, mentoring staff, and working closely with management to uphold standards and ensure the house runs smoothly. This is a senior frontline position with leadership responsibilities and strong emphasis on child-centred care. You will report to the Unit Social Care Manager / Deputy Manager.

Why Join Us as a Social Care Leader:

• Competitive Salary
• Flexible Rostering focused on work-life balance
• Core Professional Training in essential subjects
• Team-Building Activities & Social Events
• Education Assistance Grants
• Health Insurance Grant & Life Insurance
• Incremental Pay Scale
• Pension Contribution Match

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support your team during shifts
• Design and implement Placement and Crisis Management Plans
• Provide educational support to children in and out of school
• Engage in direct residential care to meet identified needs
• Record and document all client interactions and activities
• Maintain regular communication with parents, social workers, and external agencies
• Attend and contribute to team meetings, strategic planning, and policy implementation
• Monitor health and safety, and ensure compliance across the unit
• Support relief staff, trainees, and student placements
• Participate in housekeeping duties and general maintenance
• Assume Managerial duties in their absence
• Manage finances, petty cash reconciliation, and reporting
• Uphold confidentiality, professional standards, and company values
• Encourage open communication and whistleblowing in line with policy
• Undertake any other relevant duties required to support the home's operations

Educational Requirements:

A minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant and related field that meets the criteria to be registered as a Social Care Worker with CORU.

Relevant alternative qualifications include:

• 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
• No qualification or non-relevant qualification but holder of CORU registration as a Social Care worker.

Required Criteria:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working directly with children/young people in a social care setting
• Experience leading teams and working in therapeutic care models (e.g. Therapeutic Crisis Intervention)
• Familiarity with National Standards in Children’s Residential Centres
• Full, clean manual driving license valid in Ireland
• Right to work and live in Ireland

About The Role

When you work with Odyssey Social Care, you’re part of a dedicated team that’s as supportive to each other as we are to the young people in our care. Because we know that our success depends on yours, you’ll get continuous on the job training through our network of certified trainers. Quite simply, our supportive, adaptive and flexible approach is designed to give you the best opportunities to progress through the company and further your social care career.

Required Criteria

• Do you have a minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant and related field that meets the criteria to be registered as a Social Care Worker with CORU.
• Do you have a minimum 2 years’ experience working directly with children/young people in a social care setting.
• Do you have the right to live and work in Ireland
• Do you have experience leading teams and working in therapeutic care models (e.g. Therapeutic Crisis Intervention)
• Do you have familiarity with National Standards in Children’s Residential Centres
• Do you have a full, clean manual driving license valid in Ireland

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

€42,432.00 - €46,176.00 per year