Residential Care Manager
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
Operational & Financial Management
* 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
Candidate Profile (Essential)
* 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
Desirable
* Experience managing centre openings or service development
* 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.