At Odyssey Social Care, we are committed to providing high-quality residential care to young people across Ireland.
We believe in a child-centred approach rooted in empathy, professionalism, and respect.
Join a team where your leadership can make a real difference in the lives of young people and the professionals who support them.
Job Overview:
We're seeking a passionate and experienced Children's Residential -Social Care Unit Manager to lead a dedicated team within one of our residential homes.
You'll oversee all aspects of care delivery, team management, compliance, and strategic implementation, ensuring that our house is a safe, warm, and nurturing environment for young people.
You will report to the Regional Manager.
Why Join Us as a Children's Residential -Social Care Unit Manager:
Competitive Salary
Flexible Rostering focused on work-life balance
Core Professional Training in essential subjects
Team-Building Activities & Social Events
Education Assistance Grants
Health Insurance Grant & Life Insurance
Incremental Pay Scale
Pension Contribution Match
Key Responsibilities:
Ensure care meets company standards and national regulations
Maintain a homely, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment
Supervise Social Care Leaders, Workers, and relief staff
Lead team motivation, training, and performance management
Manage house budget and resource allocation effectively
Support referral management and report writing
Promote compliance with TUSLA inspection standards
Maintain positive relationships with external stakeholders (e.g., TUSLA, Gardaí, CAMHS)
Participate in the 24-hour on-call rota
Promote a culture of transparency through whistleblowing and safeguarding
Drive new service development and contribute to company growth
Professional Background:
The centre manager must have minimum QQI level 7 qualification in social care and hold or be enrolled in a programme leading to a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting and 4 years' full time work experience in a children's residential care setting post qualification.
Alternatively, the manager may hold a QQI level 8 qualification in social care with 3 years' post qualification work experience in a children's residential care setting.
Or Alternatively hold a relevant qualification with 4 years' full time work experience in a children's residential care setting post qualification.
A professional qualification in Social Work is also considered as suitable, for a centre manager with the requisite 4 years post qualification practice experience and hold or be enrolled in a programme leading to a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting.
Be on the CORU register of Social Care Workers, with 4 years' full-time experience, even without a formally recognised qualification
Recognised social care qualifications may include equivalents from other jurisdictions.
Educational Requirements:
A minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant and related field that meets the criteria to be registered as a Social Care Worker with CORU.
Relevant alternative qualifications include:
QQI Level 8 in Psychology
QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Counselling / Psychotherapy
QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Addiction Counselling
QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community or similar
QQI Level 7 in Social Science / Social Studies
QQI Level 7 in Family Support
Professional Qualification in Teaching (Not TEFL)
Professional Qualification in Nursing Studies
QQI Level 7 in Disability Studies
QQI Level 7 in Applied Behavioural Analysis
QQI Level 7 in Early Years Care where centre caters for children under 12 years.
BA in Applied Policing or equivalent
Holder of Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent
No qualification or non-relevant qualification but holder of CORU registration as a Social Care worker.
Required Criteria:
Full, clean manual driving licence (valid in Ireland)
Right to work and live in Ireland
Familiarity with team dynamics and Irish National Standards
Full Garda vetting and police clearance for international residency
Deep knowledge of childcare legislation and best practices
Conflict resolution and crisis management skills
About The Role
When you work with Odyssey Social Care, you're part of a dedicated team that's as supportive to each other as we are to the young people in our care.
Because we know that our success depends on yours, you'll get continuous on the job training through our network of certified trainers.
Quite simply, our supportive, adaptive and flexible approach is designed to give you the best opportunities to progress through the company and further your social care career.
Required Criteria
Right to work and live in Ireland
Full, clean manual driving licence (valid in Ireland
The centre manager must have minimum QQI level 7 qualification in social care and hold or be enrolled in a programme leading to a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting and 4 years' full time work experience in a children's residential care setting post qualification
Familiarity with team dynamics and Irish National Standards
Deep knowledge of childcare legislation and best practices
Skills Needed
About The Company
Mission: Provide a supportive, safe environment for 7 to 18-year-olds unable to stay with their families.
Values: Emphasize non-violence, emotional intelligence, social learning, democracy, open communication, social responsibility, and growth.
Care Approach: Trauma-informed and multi-dimensional, including the Sanctuary Model, Positive Behaviour Support, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and the Saoirse Project.
Company Culture
Working for Odyssey Social Care involves being part of a team dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people.
Employees engage in trauma-informed care, emphasizing safety, emotional well-being, and personal development.
The organization values continuous learning, collaboration, and a commitment to their care models, which include therapeutic practices like the Sanctuary Model and Positive Behaviour Support.
Staff members are encouraged to contribute to a positive, non-violent environment that fosters growth and social responsibility.
Company Benefits
The benefits of working at Odyssey Social Care include opportunities for professional development, a supportive work environment, and involvement in impactful, trauma-informed care.
The company emphasises continuous learning and offers training in therapeutic practices like the Sanctuary Model.
Staff members are part of a dedicated team focused on making a positive difference in children's and young people's lives.
For more details, visit Odyssey Social Care's About Us page.
Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee development programs, A diversity program, Cycle to work, Referral bonus, Company retreats, Life insurance, Employee Assistance Scheme, Social Opportunities, Culture of recognition, On the job learning, Long service awards
Salary
€56, €60,****** per year