Reporting To: Senior Management Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time Salary: From €54,000 p/a depending on qualifications & experience Job Purpose The Social Care Manager holds overall responsibility for the leadership, management and quality of care within the residential centre.
The role ensures that young people experience a safe, nurturing and stable home environment where their rights, welfare and development are prioritised.
Working within national standards, legislation and organisational policy, the Manager oversees all aspects of practice, staffing, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance.
The post-holder leads the care team in delivering trauma-informed, child-centred care, ensuring that Care Plans and Placement Plans are implemented effectively and that young people are supported to achieve positive outcomes.
The Social Care Manager manages resources, coordinates multi-agency collaboration, and provides clear direction, supervision and support to staff.
They act as the primary point of accountability for the centre and ensure the service operates to the highest professional and ethical standards.
Key Responsibilities Management Lead the residential centre to ensure a safe, caring and stable environment where young peoples rights, welfare and development are central to all practice.
Oversee the implementation and review of Care Plans and Placement Plans, ensuring full compliance with legislation, HIQA Standards, Children First and organisational policies, including admissions and discharges.
Ensure the centre meets all regulatory and safety requirements, including fire safety, health and safety legislation, and the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act.
Provide required reports, updates and data to senior management, and participate in the recruitment, selection and induction of staff.
Maintain strong communication with young people, families, staff and external professionals, ensuring resources are used effectively and the centre operates to a high professional standard.
Financial Management Manage the centres budget responsibly, ensuring spending is controlled, recorded and aligned with approved financial procedures.
Maintain accurate financial records and ensure all documentation is available for internal or external review.
Provide financial updates or reports to the Senior Management as required.
Ensure household resources, petty cash and young peoples allowances are managed transparently and appropriately.
Staff Management Provide leadership, supervision and support to the care team, promoting high-quality, trauma-informed practice.
Coordinate and manage staff rosters to ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix across all shifts.
Identify training and development needs within the team and support ongoing professional learning and reflective practice.
Maintain accurate staff records in line with organisational and regulatory requirements.
Participate fully in professional supervision and contribute to a positive, reflective team culture.
Health & Safety Ensure the centre operates in line with all health, safety and fire-safety requirements, including regular checks and risk assessments and emergency procedures.
Promote safe working practices and ensure compliance with HIQA standards and Children First guidance.
Respond to incidents or emergencies in a calm, professional manner and ensure appropriate reporting and follow-up.
Support organisational initiatives that promote sustainability, safe practice and continuous improvement.
The above list outlines the core responsibilities of the role.
The post-holder may be required to undertake additional duties appropriate to the position and contribute to the ongoing development of the service.
Qualification Requirements Applicants must have a minimum QQI Level 8 qualification in Social Care with 3 years post qualification work experiencein a childrens residential centre.
Supervisory or Management experience preferable.
OR Applicants must hold a QQI level 7 qualification in social care,and holds or is enrolled in, a programme leading to a management or supervisory qualification suitable for a health or social care setting and 4 years full time post qualification work experience in a childrens residential care setting.
Supervisory or Management experience preferable.
OR Applicants hold a relevant level 7 qualification with 4 years full time work experience in a childrens residential care setting post qualification and holds or is enrolled in a programme leading to a management or supervisory qualification suitable for a health or social care setting.
Supervisory or Management experience preferable.
Relevant Level 7 qualification includes: Recognised Qualification in Social Care, Applied Social Studies, or one deemed as relevant.
Recognised Qualification in Social Work, be a student in final year of a Level 8 programme leading to a recognised Social Care qualification or hold a recognised equivalent Social Care qualification form other jurisdictions.
Recognised Qualification in Psychology Recognised Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy Recognised Qualification in Counselling / Psychotherapy Recognised Qualification in Addiction Studies Recognised Qualification in Early Years Care Recognised Qualification in Youth & Community or similar Recognised Qualification in Social Science /Social Studies Recognised Qualification in Family Support Recognised Qualification in Education / Teaching (Not TEFL) Recognised Qualification in Nursing Studies Recognised Qualification in Disability Studies Recognised Qualification in Applied Behavioural Analysis Recognised Qualification in Applied Policing or equivalent Holder of Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent OR Applicant holds a professional qualification in Social Work with 3 years post qualification practice experience and holds or is enrolled in a programme leading to a management or supervisory qualification suitable for a health or social care setting.
Supervisory or Management experience preferable.
OR An applicant who does not hold a core recognised or relevant qualification but is entered onto the CORU register of Social Care Workers and has the requisite 4 years full time work experience may be considered for a position of centre manager where they have demonstratable management and or supervisory qualifications, competencies and experience appropriate to their appointed role.
We seek leaders who bring warmth, sound judgement and a calm, steady presence to the residential home.
Social Care Managers should demonstrate the personal integrity, resilience and emotional maturity needed to guide a team and support young people through challenging situations.
The role requires good overall wellbeing and the capacity to manage active shifts, respond effectively in emergencies and model safe, reflective practice for staff.
All appointments are subject to Garda Vetting, reference checks and verification of qualifications to ensure a safe and supportive environment for the young people and staff team.
Skills: Leadership Accountability Integrity Decision Making Communication Organisation Professionalism