Children's Residential Social Care Leader

About Odyssey Social Care

Odyssey Social Care Ltd is a prominent provider of residential care services for children in Ireland. We are dedicated to offering trauma-informed, therapeutic care that encourages education, emotional health, and positive role modelling. Our mission centers on empowering young people to thrive within a secure, structured, and nurturing setting.

Role Overview

We are expanding and seeking a qualified Children’s Residential Social Care Leader, also referred to as Senior Social Care Worker or Residential Team Leader, to strengthen our residential services. This role involves directly delivering individualized support, implementing behavior support and placement plans, and promoting life skills and emotional resilience among young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute Behaviour Support Plans, Placement Plans, and conduct comprehensive risk assessments.
• Provide child-centered, trauma-responsive residential care tailored to individual needs.
• Assist young people with educational engagement, homework, daily routines, and school participation.
• Encourage development of life skills, independence, emotional self-regulation, and positive behaviors.
• Maintain precise records including daily logs and incident reports.
• Effectively communicate with families, social workers, educational institutions, and referral bodies.
• Participate proactively in team meetings, supervision sessions, ongoing training, and service enhancements.
• Support household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a homely atmosphere.
• Oversee petty cash management and adhere to financial procedures.
• Maintain safeguarding standards, child protection policies, confidentiality, and ensure compliance with TUSLA guidelines.
• Help foster a safe, structured, and supportive residential environment.

Qualifications and Experience

Required minimum is a Level 7 qualification in Social Care or equivalent qualifications such as:

• QQI Level 8 in Psychology
• QQI Level 7 in Youth & Community, Social Science, Family Support, Disability Studies, or ABA
• Professional qualifications in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling, or Addiction Counselling
• Early Years Care (applicable for centers with children under 12 years)
• Professional qualification in Teaching (excluding TEFL) or Nursing
• BA in Applied Policing
• Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service)

Additionally, candidates must have:

• Full, clean manual driving license valid in Ireland.
• At least 2 years of direct experience working with children or young people within a social care context.
• Familiarity with the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres.
• Right to live and work in Ireland.
• CORU registration authorizing the use of the title ‘Social Care Worker’.

Company Culture and Values

At Odyssey Social Care, our dedicated team supports each other and our young people through ongoing training and a flexible, inclusive work environment. Our mission-driven framework, 'The Odyssey Way', delivers trauma-informed and outcome-led care focused on each child’s unique needs. Our specialized Saoirse Project integrates eco-therapy and adventure-based mentoring to help youth recover and grow.

Our core values include safety, quality, trust, empowerment, inclusion, and measurable impact. As a Certified B Corporation, sustainable care practices and diversity are embedded in our organizational culture.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible work schedules to enhance work-life balance.
• Comprehensive professional training including TCI, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice.
• Team-building activities and social events.
• Education assistance grants.
• Health and life insurance grants.
• Incremental pay scale reflecting career progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme available to employees and families from day one.
• Supportive and collaborative team culture with clear advancement pathways.

Additional Information

Contract type is full-time, onsite at Hillview Lodge, Youghal, County Cork, Ireland. The annual salary range is from €42,432 to €46,176. The closing date for applications is Thursday 1st October 2026.