Location: Meath / Louth Reports to: Director of Services
Role Purpose
The Residential Care Manager will have overall responsibility for the effective leadership and management of a Children’s Residential Care Centre, ensuring the provision of a safe, nurturing and stable environment for young people in care. The role requires strong regulatory knowledge, people leadership capability and a child‑centred approach aligned with best practice and statutory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Care Delivery
Create, maintain and promote a safe, caring and stable environment for young people within the centre.
Lead the delivery of high‑quality, trauma‑informed care in line with each young person’s individual needs.
Ensure care programmes are developed in consultation with social work teams, implemented effectively and regularly reviewed.
Promote the rights, responsibilities and participation of young people within the service.
Plan for each young person’s future in collaboration with the young person, families, social workers and relevant agencies.
Regulatory Compliance & Governance
Manage the centre in accordance with the Child Care Act 1991, National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres, Children First Guidelines and all relevant legislation.
Ensure policies, procedures and health & safety documentation are in place, understood and adhered to by all staff.
Maintain robust child protection, safeguarding and incident‑reporting procedures.
Ensure an effective complaints process is in place and clearly communicated to young people, families, staff and external stakeholders.
Ensure accurate, timely and professional record‑keeping is maintained and available for inspection by regulatory authorities.
Care Planning & Service Agreements
Ensure each young person has an up‑to‑date care plan and placement plan developed in consultation with the social worker, key worker and the young person.
Ensure service agreements clearly outline roles, responsibilities, placement duration, review dates, and admission/discharge procedures.
Monitor and review placement outcomes and ensure appropriate supports are in place.
People Management & Staffing
Recruit, manage and retain suitably qualified staff to ensure safe and adequate staffing levels at all times.
Ensure all staff have valid Garda Vetting, references and required qualifications prior to commencing employment.
Provide regular supervision, support and performance management to staff.
Lead, motivate and support staff in managing challenging behaviours, key working and emotional regulation.
Ensure staff training and development needs are identified and addressed.
Maintain staff records confidentially in line with employment legislation.
Oversee rotas, payroll returns and general administrative requirements.
Manage centre budgets and ensure young people have access to appropriate funding for clothing, activities, education and additional supports.
Ensure effective systems are in place for financial oversight and accountability.
On-Call & Emergency Support
Participate in an on‑call rota, providing guidance and support to staff outside normal working hours.
Be available to respond to emergencies and critical incidents as required.
Facilities & Health & Safety
Ensure the centre, furnishings, equipment and grounds are maintained to a high standard.
Ensure compliance with fire safety, health and safety legislation and risk‑management procedures.
Regularly review practices impacting the safety and welfare of staff and young people.
Qualifications
Relevant qualification in Social Care, Social Work, Youth Work or a related discipline (CORU registration where applicable).
Significant experience in children’s residential care, including management or senior leadership level.
Strong knowledge of Irish childcare legislation and regulatory standards.
Proven people‑management and leadership capability.
Excellent organisational, communication and decision‑making skills.
Full driving licence.
Experience working with Tusla and external regulatory bodies.
Postgraduate qualification in management or leadership.
Additional Information
This role requires flexibility, resilience and a strong commitment to safeguarding and best practice. The duties outlined above are not exhaustive and may be reviewed in line with service needs.
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