About Best Care Residential
Best Care Residential Ltd is a new children's residential care provider based in Inishowen, Co. Donegal. We are preparing to open our first registered residential centre in 2026 and are currently building our core staff team.
Our service will provide mainstream residential care for young people aged 12 to 17 placed by Tusla under the Child Care Act. Care will be delivered within a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment using the Welltree Model of Care.
Best Care is the first home in a wider plan to develop high-quality residential and aftercare supports in Ireland. We are building the service carefully, with strong governance, and a long-term focus on both young people and the people who care for them. We are looking for social care workers who want to join at the beginning and help shape a service they can be proud of.
The Role
As a Social Care Worker, you will play a key role in providing safe, consistent, and nurturing care to young people living in the home. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team under the guidance of the Home Manager and Team Leaders.
This role involves direct work with young people, implementing care plans, supporting emotional regulation, promoting positive relationships, and ensuring safeguarding and wellbeing at all times.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide high-quality, child-centred care in line with each young person's care plan
* Build positive, trusting relationships with young people
* Support young people with daily routines, education, health, and life skills
* Implement trauma-informed practice in line with the Welltree Model of Care
* Maintain accurate records, including daily logs, incident reports, and handovers
* Work collaboratively with colleagues, social workers, guardians ad litem, and other professionals
* Follow safeguarding procedures and Children First guidance at all times
* Participate in supervision, training, and reflective practice
* Contribute to a positive, supportive team culture
* Ensure the home remains a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment
Essential Criteria
* Relevant Level 7 or Level 8 qualification in Social Care, Social Work, Youth Work, Psychology, or related discipline
* CORU registration as a Social Care Worker (or registration in progress)
* Experience working with children or young people in residential, foster care, or similar settings
* Strong understanding of safeguarding and Children First legislation
* Ability to work effectively as part of a team
* Good communication and report-writing skills
* Full driving licence
Desirable Criteria
* Experience working in children's residential care
* Experience supporting young people with trauma or complex needs
* Training in trauma-informed practice or TCI (or willingness to complete training)
* Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams
Safeguarding and Recruitment
Best Care Residential Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All appointments are subject to:
* Garda vetting
* Verification of qualifications
* CORU registration
* Satisfactory references
What We Offer
* Opportunity to be part of a new service from the beginning
* Supportive leadership and strong governance
* Ongoing training and professional development
* Trauma-informed model of care
* Structured supervision and support
* Competitive rates of pay
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a short cover note outlining your experience and interest in the role to:
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: €35,000.00-€42,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week
Benefits:
* On-site parking
* Wellness program
Application question(s):
* Do you hold a Level 7 or Level 8 qualification in Social Care, Social Work, Youth Work, Psychology, or a related discipline?
* Are you currently registered with CORU as a Social Care Worker, or eligible and in the process of applying?
* Have you worked in a trauma-informed setting or received training in trauma-informed practice?
Work authorisation:
* Ireland (required)
Work Location: In person