Social Care Worker / Residential Care Worker

Role overview

Odyssey Social Care Ltd provides children’s residential care across Ireland, with a strong focus on trauma-informed support, therapeutic intervention, education, emotional wellbeing, and positive role modelling. The organisation aims to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where young people can build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed to thrive.

The team is hiring a Children’s Residential Care Worker, also referred to as a Social Care Worker, Residential Social Care Worker, or Youth Residential Worker, for Slieve View Lodge in Mitchelstown, County Cork.

In this frontline position, you will support young people with complex needs, challenging behaviour, and emotional or behavioural difficulties. The role centres on personalised care, behaviour support, life-skills development, and creating a stable residential setting.

What the role involves

• Creating and carrying out Behaviour Support Plans, Placement Plans, and risk assessments
• Delivering care that is responsive, child-centred, and informed by trauma-aware practice
• Helping young people stay engaged with school, homework, routines, and learning goals
• Encouraging independence, emotional regulation, resilience, and positive choices
• Keeping clear and accurate daily notes, records, and incident documentation
• Working closely with parents, social workers, schools, and referral professionals
• Taking part in team meetings, supervision, training, and improvements to service delivery
• Supporting household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, domestic routines, and maintaining a homely atmosphere
• Handling petty cash and following financial controls
• Following safeguarding, child protection, TUSLA standards, confidentiality rules, and organisational policies
• Helping maintain a safe, structured, and supportive residential environment

Training, culture, and progression

Odyssey Social Care places strong emphasis on staff development. Team members receive ongoing on-the-job learning through certified trainers, along with core professional training such as TCI, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice. The organisation also highlights flexible rostering, a collaborative team atmosphere, and clear pathways for career growth.

Benefits and workplace support

• Flexible schedules that support work-life balance
• Core professional training, including TCI, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice
• Team-building activities and social events
• Education support grants
• Health insurance grant and life insurance
• Incremental pay structure
• Employee Assistance Programme for employees and their families from day one
• Supportive and cooperative team culture
• Clear opportunities for advancement

Educational requirements

A minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care is required, or another qualifying background that meets CORU registration criteria. Accepted alternatives include:

• QQI Level 8 in Psychology
• QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community, Social Science, Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, or ABA
• Professional practice qualification in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, or Addiction Counselling
• Early Years Care, for centres supporting children under 12
• Professional teaching qualification (non-TEFL) or Nursing
• BA in Applied Policing
• Higher Certificate in Custodial Care from the Irish Prison Service

Required criteria

• A full, clean manual driving licence valid in Ireland
• Previous experience supporting teenagers with challenging behaviour
• Working knowledge of the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres
• Legal permission to live and work in Ireland
• CORU registration for use of the title Social Care Worker

Preferred criteria

• Familiarity with the Irish National Standards in Children’s Residential Centres

About the organisation

Odyssey Social Care describes its mission as creating safe homes where children and young people can recover from trauma, rebuild trust, and uncover their strengths. Its model of care is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and outcome-led, with a focus on individual wellbeing and holistic support.

The company also operates the Odyssey Saoirse Project, which combines eco-therapy, adventure-based life skills, and positive mentoring to help young people heal and grow. Its values include safety, quality, trust, empowerment, inclusion, and impact. The organisation also states that it is committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainable care as a Certified B Corp.

Additional information

Location: Slieve View Lodge, Odyssey Social Care, Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland

Contract type: Full-time

Closing date: Thursday 1st October, 2026

Salary: €37,440 to €41,184 per year

Role type: Children’s residential care / social care / youth residential support