Job DescriptionLocation:Barra Lodge, Odyssey Social CareOdyssey Social Care Ltd. provides residential care services that empower young people to reach their full potential. We focus on safety, growth, and emotional wellbeing, guided by our mission to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.*Role Overview:As aChildren's Residential Care Leader*you'll play a pivotal role in designing and delivering care packages tailored to individual needs. You'll act as a shift leader, supporting colleagues, mentoring staff, and working closely with management to uphold standards and ensure the house runs smoothly. This is a senior frontline position with leadership responsibilities and strong emphasis on child-centred care. You will report to the Unit Social Care Manager / Deputy Manager.Why Join Us?Competitive SalaryFlexible Rostering focused on work-life balanceCore Professional Training in essential subjectsTeam-Building Activities & Social EventsEducation Assistance GrantsHealth Insurance Grant & Life InsuranceIncremental Pay ScaleEmployee Assistance Program for Employees and Family from Day 1*Key Responsibilities:*Lead and support your team during shiftsDesign and implement Placement and Crisis Management PlansProvide educational support to children in and out of schoolEngage in direct residential care to meet identified needsRecord and document all client interactions and activitiesMaintain regular communication with parents, social workers, and external agenciesAttend and contribute to team meetings, strategic planning, and policy implementationMonitor health and safety, and ensure compliance across the unitSupport relief staff, trainees, and student placementsParticipate in housekeeping duties and general maintenanceAssume Managerial duties in their absenceManage finances, petty cash reconciliation, and reportingUphold confidentiality, professional standards, and company valuesEncourage open communication and whistleblowing in line with policyUndertake any other relevant duties required to support the home's operations*Educational Requirements:*Do you have a minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant field listed below?*Relevant Alternative Qualifications Include:***QQI Level 8 in Psychology; QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, or Addiction Counselling; QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community (or similar), Social Science/Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, Applied Behavioural Analysis, or Early Years Care (where the centre caters for children under 12); Professional Qualification in Teaching (excluding TEFL) or Nursing Studies; BA in Applied Policing or equivalent; Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent; or CORU registration as a Social Care Worker in the absence of a relevant qualification*Required Criteria:*Minimum 2 years' experience working directly with children/young people in a social care settingExperience leading teams and working in therapeutic care models (e.g. Therapeutic Crisis Intervention)Familiarity with National Standards in Children's Residential CentresFull, clean driving license valid in IrelandRight to work and live in Ireland*About The Role*When 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 Values*Safety – 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 Criteria*Do 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