Support Pedagogue/Social Care Worker - Tus Nua

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 Support Pedagogue is to provide day-to-day care for and to undertake individual work with the young people placed with Compass Children’s Residential Services in the low occupancy, out of home care setting.

Typically, the Social Care Worker offers a stimulating and supportive intervention to the young people and works with them based on building relationships and social pedagogical principles*(please refer: www.compasscfs.ie ).

The Support Pedagogue 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.

Where appropriate emphasis is placed on supported collaboration with the young person’s birth family which is facilitated by the overall Compass Children’s Residential Services team.

This is not a live in position.

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 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.
• Take a lead role in the organization and on-going maintenance of all documentation relating to identified young people in the organization's care.
• Participate in the writing of reports to be presented at Child in Care Reviews.
• Management of challenging behaviour under the guidelines of Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) – Safety Intervention.
• Record and document work and daily events in the lives of young people (in line with organizational policies).
• Participate in statutory care planning, case conferences, family access and provide associated written documentation as required.
• Participate in ongoing reflection, training, supervision and community meetings.
• Participate in the on-call roster for the service if required.
• Take the lead role in implementing and maintaining an ICSP for young people living in the house.
• Report to the Residential Services Manager or designated person.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

You hold a professional qualification – NFQ Level 7 or higher - within the fields of social care, social pedagogy, social work, psychology or other appropriate training within an associated social care/social work/social pedagogy field. Excellent verbal and written English language skills are essential.

Competencies (Professional and personal)

• Willingness and ability to share a living space with young people.
• Effective communication skills (Verbal and Written).
• Creative, active and success-oriented commitment to your work.
• 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.
• Resilience and the willingness and ability to engage with young people who display challenging behavior and have complex needs.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to be aware of, create and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Knowledge and awareness of childcare legislation and guidelines.
• 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.
• Professional conduct.
• Working within a multidisciplinary team.
• Computer literacy, incl. word, excel, use of internet.
• Full Irish driving license required.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Daily support (Residential Services Manager and Compass team).
• Internal and external relevant training.
• Regular professional supervision.
• Regular clinical supervision provided by the senior clinical psychologist.
• Teamwork and exchange with colleagues – regular team days.
• Appropriate remuneration as agreed.
• Comprehensive influence on creativity in service delivery, service development and decision making.
• Positive working climate.
• Facilitate own interests and creativity when involving Young People, e.g. outdoor pursuits, hobbies, arts and crafts, etc.
• 24h, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

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 professional qualification in social pedagogy, social care, social work, psychology, or other associated field.
• Excellent verbal and written English language skills.
• Full driving license required.

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

€40,000.00 - €44,000.00 per year