Home Manager – Children's Residential Care
Moville, Co. Donegal
Salary: €65,000 + €3,000 signing bonus (post-probation)
Expected Start Date: February 2026 (earlier start possible to support registration and set-up)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
About Best Care
Best Care is a new residential service in Donegal with a bold vision:
"To lead a care movement, uplifting young people, empowering communities, and redefining lasting support across a lifetime."
We provide safe, trauma-informed homes that prepare young people for independence and beyond. Our plans go further, with semi-independent living and a charity for aftercare support services, ensuring that young people are supported for life, not just while they live in our homes.
At Best Care, our values of Belonging, Excellence, Support, and Trust (B.E.S.T.) are at the heart of everything we do, for young people and for our staff. We are not about profit; we are about people.
Why Join Best Care?
* Competitive salary of €65,000
* €3,000 signing bonus after successful probation (6 months)
* Join a values-driven, non-profit-first organisation where care for young people and support for staff come first
* Ongoing professional development, reflective supervision, and wellbeing initiatives
* Be part of a team committed to helping young people grow, thrive, and reach their full potential
* Supported by a strong governance board, including an experienced Director of Care and external advisors
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and resilient Home Manager to lead our first residential centre in Donegal. You will:
* Oversee the set-up and HIQA/Tusla registration of the home
* Lead on the recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of the initial staff team (with external HR support)
* Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with HIQA/Tusla standards
* Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development to the staff team
* Ensure young people's voices are central to their care and planning
* Foster a safe, nurturing, and homely environment that supports young people to thrive
* Build strong working relationships with Tusla, families, schools, and community partners
* Lead continuous improvement in practice, audits, and reporting
Essential Criteria
* Level 8 qualification in Social Care / Social Work (or equivalent)
* Minimum 4 years' experience in children's residential care
* Previous experience as a Home Manager (essential)
* Demonstrated leadership and staff supervision skills
* Knowledge of childcare legislation, safeguarding, and HIQA standards
* Full driving licence with access to a car and business insurance
Desirable
* Experience in developing new services or leading a home through registration
* Training in trauma-informed practice (TCI Training provided)
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your experience to
For an informal conversation about the role, contact us via email, and we can arrange a phone call with our Managing Director.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
* Relocation assistance
* Sick pay
* Wellness program
Education:
* Bachelor's (required)
Experience:
* Care Home Manager: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
* Ireland (required)
Work Location: In person