Children's Residential Social Care Leader

About Odyssey Social Care

Odyssey Social Care Ltd stands as a prominent provider of children's residential care throughout Ireland, dedicated to delivering trauma-informed, high-quality support to young people. Utilizing the Odyssey Model of Care, the organisation emphasizes therapeutic interventions, education, emotional wellbeing, and positive mentorship. The core mission is to empower young people to achieve their fullest potential within safe, structured, and nurturing environments.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Children’s Residential Social Care Leader, who may also be referred to as a Senior Social Care Worker, Residential Team Leader, or Social Care Leader. This role demands delivering exceptional social and therapeutic residential care through tailored interventions supporting young people's development in resilience, independence, and confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and apply Behaviour Support Plans, Placement Plans, and perform risk assessments tailored to individual needs.
• Offer trauma-sensitive, child-focused residential care and support.
• Assist young people with educational engagement, including homework and school routines.
• Encourage development of life skills, independence, emotional self-regulation, and positive conduct.
• Maintain precise daily records, including logs and incident documentation.
• Effectively liaise with parents, social workers, educational institutions, and referral bodies.
• Engage actively in team meetings, supervision sessions, training opportunities, and service improvements.
• Participate in domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning to sustain a homely environment.
• Manage petty cash responsibly while adhering to financial procedures.
• Uphold all safeguarding, child protection, national standards (including TUSLA), confidentiality, and company policies.
• Contribute towards creating a secure, structured, and supportive residential atmosphere.

Educational and Professional Requirements

• Possess a minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or one of the following: QQI Level 8 Psychology; QQI Level 7 Youth & Community, Social Science, Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, ABA; Professional Practice in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, or Addiction Counselling; Early Years Care (specifically for centers with children under 12); Professional Teaching qualification (non-TEFL); Nursing degree; BA in Applied Policing; or Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service).
• Hold a full, clean manual driving licence valid in Ireland.
• Have a minimum of two years’ direct experience working with children or young people in a social care context.
• Be familiar with the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres.
• Possess the legal right to live and work in Ireland.
• Hold CORU Registration permitting use of the title 'Social Care Worker'.

Benefits and Work Conditions

• Flexible work schedules that promote work-life balance.
• Combination of sleepover and daytime shifts.
• Access to essential professional training such as TCI, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practices.
• Team building activities and social events to foster community.
• Education assistance grants to support further learning.
• Health insurance grants and life insurance coverage.
• A structured incremental pay scale from €42,432 to €46,176 per year.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and their families starting from day one.
• Supportive and collaborative workplace culture.
• Clear pathways for career advancement within the company.

Company Culture and Values

Working at Odyssey Social Care means joining a team that prioritizes support both for young people and staff. We provide continuous on-the-job training through certified trainers, fostering professional growth. Our model, The Odyssey Way, is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and designed to holistically meet the needs of each child.

Our foundational values include safety, quality, trust, empowerment, inclusion, and measurable impact on people, communities, and the environment. As a certified B Corp, we are committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in our care practices.

Additional Information

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 30th September, 2026.