Job Description
Location: Vale Lodge, Odyssey Social Care
Role: Children’s Residential - Social Care Unit Manager
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
* 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
* 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. 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.
About the Company
* Mission: Provide a supportive, safe environment for children and young people in care
* 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 children and young people. Employees engage in trauma‑informed care, emphasising safety, emotional well‑being, and personal development.
Desired 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
Closing Date
Friday 31st October, 2025
Contract Type
Full‑time
Salary
From €56,160.00 Yearly to €60,320.00 Yearly
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