Social Care Worker/Residential Care Worker

Role overview

Odyssey Social Care Ltd provides residential care for children and young people in Ireland, with a strong focus on trauma-informed practice. The organisation supports young people through therapeutic input, education, emotional wellbeing, and positive adult role modelling. Its goal is to help each young person grow in a safe, structured, and nurturing home environment.

This opening is for a Children’s Residential Care Worker, also referred to as a Social Care Worker, Residential Social Care Worker, or Youth Residential Worker. The role involves working closely with young people who may have complex needs, emotional or behavioural difficulties, or challenging behaviour.

What the job involves

You will provide day-to-day frontline care, follow individual support plans, and help young people build confidence, resilience, and practical life skills. The position suits someone who is committed to social care, youth support, and therapeutic residential work.

Benefits of working here

• Flexible shift patterns designed to support work-life balance
• Structured professional training, including TCI, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice
• Team-building activities and social events
• Education support grants
• Health insurance support and life insurance
• Incremental salary progression
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their families from day one
• A collaborative and encouraging team environment
• Clear opportunities for career growth

Main duties

• Create and put into practice behaviour support plans, placement plans, and risk assessments
• Deliver care that is child-focused, trauma-informed, and responsive to individual needs
• Support learning, homework, daily routines, and school attendance
• Encourage independence, emotional regulation, life skills, and positive conduct
• Keep detailed daily notes, logs, and incident documentation
• Liaise effectively with parents, social workers, schools, and referral agencies
• Take part in team meetings, supervision, training, and service improvement work
• Help with household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a home-like setting
• Handle petty cash and comply with financial procedures
• Follow safeguarding, child protection, TUSLA standards, confidentiality rules, and company policies
• Contribute to a secure, well-structured, and supportive residential setting

Education and qualification requirements

A minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care is required, or an accepted equivalent in one of the following areas:

• 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 working with children under 12
• Professional qualification in Teaching (non-TEFL) or Nursing
• BA in Applied Policing
• Higher Certificate in Custodial Care from the Irish Prison Service

Required experience and criteria

• A full, clean manual driving licence valid in Ireland
• Previous experience supporting teenagers with challenging behaviour
• Understanding of the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres
• Permission to live and work in Ireland
• CORU registration eligibility for the title of Social Care Worker
• Minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a related field that meets CORU registration criteria
• Familiarity with Irish National Standards in Children’s Residential Centres is preferred

About the organisation

Odyssey Social Care is committed to creating safe homes where children and young people can recover from trauma, rebuild trust, and discover their strengths. The organisation uses a trauma-informed, evidence-based, and outcome-focused approach known as The Odyssey Way.

Its specialised Odyssey Saoirse Project combines eco-therapy, adventure-based life skills, and positive mentoring to help young people heal and develop. The company also emphasises diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and measurable impact, and operates as a Certified B Corp.

Work culture and values

• Safety through secure homes, safe care, and safe relationships
• Quality through trauma-informed, evidence-based, outcome-led practice
• Trust built on honesty and consistency
• Empowerment for young people and staff
• Inclusion with equity and belonging for everyone
• Impact that is meaningful for young people, employees, communities, and the planet

Additional information

The role is based at Courtwood Lodge, Odyssey Social Care in Ballybrittas, County Laois, Ireland. The closing date is Thursday 1st October, 2026. The contract type is full-time.

Salary is listed as €37,440 to €41,184 per year.

If you are motivated by making a positive difference in the lives of young people and want to build a career in residential social care, this role offers a supportive environment with ongoing development.