Job Title and Grade:
Social Care Leader in Residential Care
Reporting Relationship:
Reports to Social Care Manager & Operations Manager
Pay:
starting at €48,300 - point 1
above amount is inclusive of weekend premiums, sleepover allowance and bank holidays
Purpose of the Post:
To provide high quality care on a residential basis to children in the care of Pathways Ireland who have complex needs and to assist and deputize for the centre manager when required.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
· To ensure that adequate staffing levels are present at all times.
· To direct and lead the team in the planning and implementation of the programme for the children/young people, and in particular, individual care plans.
· To ensure that staff are deployed in the most effective manner, delegating where appropriate.
· To ensure that all reports, files are completed and filed at the end of the shift.
· To monitor and maintain all case records ensuring they are up to date and up to standard.
· To ensure that petty cash expenditure and other items of expenditure are duly reconciled.
· To ensure that the handover is carried out efficiently and effectively.
· To participate in the supervision of Social Care Workers and other appropriate staff designated by the Centre Manager.
· Participate in on call duties as required.
· To contribute to the coordinator of professional practice within the centre.
· To assist the manager in the preparation, participation in and carrying out of external monitoring and inspections.
· To provide active support to staff in working with challenging behaviour through direction and guidance.
· To monitor the interactions between staff and young people and to ensure that they are discussed with the centre manager and planned for accordingly.
· To ensure in consultation with the Centre Manager/Authorised Manager that the crisis management strategy in place in the centre is being implemented in line with policy.
· To ensure that the rights of the young people are respected and upheld.
· To provide a positive life experience for the young people in all aspects of their welfare.
· To prepare written reports for reviews, case conferences or other such purpose.
· To assist in the implementation of care plans, specified programmes of care for those availing of the service.
· To participate in the development and implementation of programmes for the young people, such as personal development, interpersonal skills, social skills, problem solving skills and anger management skills.
· To ensure the appropriate recreation activities are arranged and planned for and to participate in these activities.
· To engage with the young people within their community and or family setting.
· To supervise young people on outings from the centre.
· To ensure that activities both on site and off site involving young people are assessed in accordance with company policy before initiation.
· To actively participate in the physical, emotional, educational and recreational development of the young people.
· To facilitate young people in having an active role in their own care, e.g. cooking, shopping, life decisions, etc.
· To implement the crisis management plans in respect to the young people.
· To participate and assist colleagues in the delivery of care to the young people.
· To attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, strategic feedback sessions, training and induction as directed.
· To implement and adhere to all the agency policies and procedures regarding the young people in the service.
· To share in those duties that are essential to the maintenance of hygiene and the domestic duties required to maintain the centre in a clean and tidy environment.
· To contribute to the promotion of good links with neighbours, local community, schools, employment schemes, clubs, local Gardai and any other appropriate body.
· To be aware of the obligations on employees under the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
· To administer and keep strict account of all monies administered in the centre.
· To carry out any other duties that may be determined from time to time by the Centre Manager.
Essential Qualifications:
Candidates must possess:
Social Care Qualification – Level 7/8 or above
Or a professional qualification (Level 7/8 or above inclusive of a supervised practice component) in:
· Nursing/Psychiatric Nursing
· Psychology
· Teaching
· Social Science
· Youth & Community
· Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
· Social Work
And
(ii) A minimum of two years experience working with young people in a residential setting.
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge
Professional knowledge
· Knowledge of childhood development and understanding of how this can impact on presenting behaviour.
· Knowledge of childcare legislation.
· Specific training in childhood development.
Leadership/Team Building Skills
· Ability to support staff in forming relationships with troubled young people.
· Ability to contribute to the overall development of the team.
· Ability to motivate others in a work situation.
· Ability to remain calm and respond decisively in a crisis situation.
· Ability to support, direct and monitor the interactions between staff and young people
Communications and Inter-Personal Skills
· Good communication skills
· Ability to work on own initiative.
· Ability to engage in reflective practices
· Ability to prepare and write clear and concise reports.
Other Requirements
· Willingness to work shift rosters, weekends and unsocial hours.
· Flexibility.
· Counselling skills.
· Recreation and leisure skills that can be used to aid their work with the young persons.
· Computer skills.
· Report writing skills
Other
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €48,300.00-€59,800.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee assistance program
* Private medical insurance
* Sick pay
Application question(s):
* Do you have the relevant qualification?
Applied Social Studies, Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology, Teaching, Social Science, Youth & Community, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Social Work
Education:
* Bachelor's (required)
Experience:
* Mainstream Residential: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
* full driving licence (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 18/07/2025