Job Description
Location:
DMC Children Services is an Irish Family run company that provides residential centres for children and have centres situated in various locations in Ireland. We are expanding our DMC Children Services Residential Centres and we have an exciting opportunity for 2x
Social Care Workers
to join our fantastic team in our centre in County Louth.
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Person in Charge
REPORTS TO:
Person in Charge
Job Purpose
To provide high-quality care, support, and guidance to children and young people living in a residential centre, ensuring their physical, emotional, and developmental needs are met in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. The role aims to promote positive outcomes by helping each child develop life skills, build healthy relationships, and achieve their full potential in accordance with individual care plans, safeguarding policies, and regulatory standards.
About the Role
This is a full-time on-site role located in Co. Louth for 2x Social Care Workers at DMC Children's Services. The role of the Social Care Worker (SCW) is to work directly with children while contributing to the day-to-day running of the residential centre. The SCW will retain an integral practice role and ensure that the highest quality of care is provided to young people. The role will also require administrative duties as well as responsibilities pertaining to the progression, practice and implementation of Placement Plan objectives for young people, ensuring that they are receiving the agreed quality and quantity services. The SCW will be ultimately accountable to the Person In Charge (PIC). They will also be accountable to the Deputy Person in Charge (DPIC) and or Social Care Leaders (SCL).
Full job description can be provided prior to interview.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Promoting the Welfare and Development of Children
· Provide safe, supportive, and nurturing care to meet each child's emotional, physical, social, and psychological needs.
· Develop trusting relationships with children and act as a consistent, positive adult presence.
· Support each child's individual care plan in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
· Promote positive attachments and relationships with peers and adults.
2. Safeguarding and Protection
· Be vigilant to signs of abuse or neglect and report any concerns in line with Children First and Tusla's Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook.
· Follow the centre's child safeguarding statement and procedures.
· Actively promote a culture of safety, respect, and dignity for all children.
3. Supporting Positive Behaviour
· Implement positive behaviour support strategies and individual behaviour management plans.
· Use restorative practices and avoid punitive or harmful discipline.
· Ensure all interventions respect children's dignity and rights.
4. Working in a Multidisciplinary Team
· Work closely with social workers, psychologists, teachers, health professionals, and others.
· Attend and contribute to care planning meetings, team meetings, and case reviews.
· Maintain clear communication and documentation.
5. Providing a Safe and Homely Environment
· Help create a warm, safe, and structured living environment.
· Support children in daily routines: meals, school, homework, hygiene, recreation, etc.
· Maintain a clean, secure, and appropriately risk-assessed living space.
6. Record Keeping and Reporting
· Accurately record daily logs, incident reports, medication administration, and progress notes.
· Ensure records are clear, timely, factual, and comply with Tusla and HIQA standards.
7. Supporting Education and Life Skills
· Promote and support children's participation in education and vocational training.
· Help develop independent living skills, e.g., cooking, budgeting, personal care.
· Encourage hobbies, sports, and personal interests.
8. Supporting Children's Rights and Participation
· Respect and uphold children's rights to be heard, involved in decisions, and treated with dignity.
· Facilitate children's participation in house meetings, care planning, and complaints processes.
9. Professional Development and Supervision
· Attend regular supervision, training, and reflective practice sessions.
· Stay up to date with relevant legislation, policy, and best practice.
· Be accountable for your own professional conduct and development.
10. Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements
· Adhere to Children First Act 2015, Child Care Act 1991, Tusla policies, and HIQA standards.
· Participate in inspections and support the implementation of action plans for service improvement.
11. Promote Equality and Diversity:
· Respect and value the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities of all children and colleagues.
· Ensure an inclusive environment free from discrimination or bias.
Salary and Benefits when working with DMC Children Services
* Competitive Pay Scales for Residential Social Care Workers - €35,000.
* Increments of €1000 a year for a maximum of 3 years.
* Access to company pension scheme following 6-month probation period
* Impressive annual leave package which increases in line with years' service, alongside bank holidays
* Maternity package following 2 years of services which starts at 50% of salary covered, In year 3 and 4 of service 75% of salary covered with full salary covered after 5 years of service.
* In house training and external training covered by organisation
Skills Needed
About the Company
DMC Children Services has committed to providing exceptional residential care for teenagers aged 13 to 17.
Our experienced, Irish family-run organization operates centres across Louth, Monaghan, Sligo and Meath counties, in addition to our Donegal headquarters.
Our mission is to deliver high-quality children's social services that meet the unique needs of each young person we serve. We strive to create a supportive environment that fosters growth, resilience, and well-being, ensuring every child feels valued and empowered.
Required Criteria
* Must hold a Level 7 (Ordinary Degree) or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Social Care or a related field. However other qualifications are accepted. (See list of accepted qualification below)
* QQI Level 7 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
* Ability to work in regulated activity, care for and supervise young persons
* Flexible – willing and able to adapt to changing circumstances, shift patterns and expectations. Must be available to complete live night shifts.
* Full clean driving license
Desired Criteria
* Two years' experience working in a residential setting
* Ability to coordinate with parents and guardians
* Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
* Ability to develop and implement developmental programs
* First aid certification is a plus
* Proficiency in using management software
Closing Date:
Friday 28
th
of November, 2025
Contract Type:
Fulltime
* Salary:
€35,000