Job DescriptionLocation:Barra Lodge, Odyssey Social CareOdyssey Social Care Ltd is a leading provider ofchildren's residential carein Ireland. We are committed to delivering high quality, trauma informed support to young people through theOdyssey Model of Care, which focuses on therapeutic intervention, education, emotional wellbeing, and positive role modelling. Our mission is to empower young people to reach their full potential in a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.We are expanding our team and seeking an experiencedChildren's Residential Care Leader(also known asSenior Social Care Worker,Residential Team Leader, orSocial Care Leader) to join our residential services. Role SummaryAs aChildren's Residential Social Care Leaderyou will play a key role in delivering high qualitysocial care,residential childcare, andtherapeutic support. You will lead shifts, supervise Social Care Workers, and ensure compliance withTUSLA standards,child protection policies, andNational Standards for Children's Residential Centres. Why Join Odyssey Social Care?Flexible rosters supporting work life balanceCore professional training (TCI, safeguarding, trauma informed practice, etc.)Teambuilding activities & social eventsEducation assistance grantsHealth insurance grant & life insuranceIncremental pay scaleEmployee Assistance Programme (EAP) for employees and families from Day 1Supportive, collaborative team cultureClear career progression pathways Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement Behaviour Support Plans, Placement Plans, and risk assessmentsProvide trauma informed, child centred, and responsive residential careSupport young people with education, homework, routines, and school engagementPromote life skills, independence, emotional regulation, and positive behaviourMaintain accurate daily records, logs, and incident reportsCommunicate effectively with parents, social workers, schools, and referral agentsParticipate in team meetings, supervision, training, and service developmentAssist with domestic routines, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a homely environmentManage petty cash and follow financial proceduresUphold safeguarding, child protection, TUSLA standards, confidentiality, and company policiesContribute to a safe, structured, and supportive residential setting Educational RequirementsMinimumLevel 7 qualificationin Social Care or one of the following:QQI Level 8 in PsychologyQQI Level 7 in Youth & Community, Social Science, Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, ABAProfessional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, or Addiction CounsellingEarly Years Care (for centres supporting children under 12)Professional Qualification in Teaching (nonTEFL) or NursingBA in Applied PolicingHigher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) Required CriteriaFull, clean manual driving licence valid in IrelandMinimum 2 years' experience working directly with children/young people in a social care settingFamiliarity with National Standards for Children's Residential CentresRight to live and work in IrelandCORU Registration for use of the Title 'Social Care Worker'If you are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and want to build a rewarding career inchildren's residential social care, we would love to hear from you.About The RoleWhen 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. Quite simply, 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.Skills NeededAbout The CompanyOverviewMission: Odyssey Social Care provides safe homes where children and young people can heal from trauma, rebuild trust, and discover their own strengths. We give them the support and opportunities they need to build resilience and step into a brighter future.Working for Odyssey Social Care involves being part of a team (led by CEO Stacey McGrath, above) dedicated to supporting children and young people.As professional caregivers, we are caring, compassionate and resilient. We work with children who have experienced trauma, and believe in healing through trusting care relationships.The Odyssey WayWe put the needs of the child at the forefront of everything we do. Our care framework is designed to be flexible, responsive and provide holistic care to our young people.Our care model,The Odyssey Way, is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and outcome-led. It supports the needs of each individual child, helping them to work through trauma by focusing on overall wellbeing.Our unique, specialised intervention, the Odyssey Saoirse Project, uses eco-therapy, adventure-based life skills and positive mentoring to help young people heal, grow and thrive.Company CultureOur ValuesSafety – safe homes, safe care, safe relationshipsQuality – trauma-informed, evidence-based, outcome-ledTrust – built through honest communication and consistencyEmpowerment – giving young people and staff the tools to succeedInclusion – equity and belonging for allImpact – measurable difference for young people, staff, communities & planetAccessibility & SustainabilityOdyssey Social Care is committed to encouraging a culture of diversity and inclusion across our organisation.As a Certified B Corp, we also believe in providing care sustainably, measuring our impact across our people, our communities, and the planet.Required CriteriaDo you have a minimum 2 years' experience working directly with children/young people in a social care setting.Desired CriteriaClosing DateSaturday 28th February, 2026Contract TypefulltimeSalaryFrom €42,432.00 Yearly to €46,176.00 Yearly