Social Care Manager Children Service Tipperary

Harmony Care are recruiting for a manager for our Mainstream Children's Service in Tipperary.

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.

Location: Tipperary
Hours: Full-time (with on-call responsibilities)
Reports To: Regional Manager

About The Role

About the Role

As a Social Care Manager at Harmony Care, you will lead a dedicated team in providing the highest standard of care to children. You will oversee the day-to-day management of the Centre, ensuring adherence to policies, procedures, and national standards. This role requires strong leadership, governance, and operational oversight to create a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment for young people and team members.

Principal Responsibilities

Policy and Procedures

• Adhere to all organisational policies and procedures.
• Manage the Centre in compliance with the Child Care Act 1991, Children’s Act 2015, Children First 2017, and other relevant legislation.
• Ensure all team practices and Centre procedures align with the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centre's (2018).
• Promote the rights and responsibilities of each young person in the Centre.
• Lead and engage in policy and procedure reviews as part of the policy review group.
• Implement procedures related to budgets, health and safety, team supervision, training, appraisals, and recruitment.
• Oversee the Centre’s adherence to the Safety Statement and conduct Health and Safety Risk Assessments.

Leadership

• Manage the day-to-day running of the Centre, ensuring proactive planning, accountability, and support.
• Provide leadership, motivation, and role modeling to foster good team relations and performance.
• Create and maintain a safe, stable, and caring environment through effective admission planning, risk assessments, and evaluations.
• Supervise and support deputy managers, social care team members, leaders, and relief staff.
• Ensure the quality of service provided is of the highest standard within available resources.
• Delegate duties to promote the growth and development of team members.
• Chair team meetings and other relevant discussions as required.
• Ensure effective communication and planning within the team and with young people.

Oversight and Governance

• Conduct evaluations of team member performance and provide feedback.
• Participate in Significant Event Reviews to promote learning and highlight best practices.
• Oversee audits, assessments, and monitoring of the Centre’s standards and quality of service.
• Prepare and present reports and statistics as required.

Care of the Young People

• Consult with young people, their families, team members, and external stakeholders to ensure individual care needs are met.
• Ensure young people participate in decisions affecting their lives.
• Oversee the assessment and implementation of care plans, aftercare plans, and placement plans, ensuring they reflect the young person’s voice.
• Attend court, professional meetings, care reviews, and management meetings as required.
• Respond to risks with the appropriate risk management framework.
• Support young people holistically, including their social, educational, recreational, and medical needs.

Professional Development

• Maintain effective self-care practices and promote professional growth among team members.
• Engage in training opportunities and oversee the team’s training needs.
• Take responsibility for your own development plan and support supervision of others.

Safeguarding

• Perform duties as a mandated person, reporting all child protection concerns to Tusla immediately.
• Act as Designated Liaison Person for the Centre, managing safeguarding concerns and associated risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with the Organisation’s Child Safeguarding Statement and risk management plans.

Other Responsibilities

• Manage the Centre budget, ensuring compliance with approved procedures.
• Maintain records, oversee staff rosters, and ensure appropriate resource allocation.
• Ensure the upkeep, cleanliness, and maintenance of the Centre and its facilities.
• Provide on-call services and respond to emergencies as required.

Team Member Benefits

• Comprehensive Induction: Full induction into the role of Social Care Manager.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): 24/7 support for team members and their families/partners.
• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave
• 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 Us?

• Be part of a leadership team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
• Work in a supportive, professional, and values-driven environment.
• Develop your leadership skills with training and career progression opportunities.
• Access a comprehensive range of benefits and wellbeing supports.

Required Criteria

• Minimum QQI level 7 qualification in social care and hold or be enrolled in a programme leading to a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting
• 4 years’ full time work experience in a social care setting post qualification.

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

Not disclosed