About the Company
Emerald Care RCS is dedicated to providing high-quality, child-centred care to children and young people living in our residential services. Our mission is to support young people to feel safe, respected, and empowered, while promoting their emotional, social, educational, and developmental needs in line with statutory requirements and our policies. We embrace a culture that reflects the Emerald Model of Care: Connect – Balance – Grow.
About the Role
The Residential Care Worker is responsible for providing high-quality, child-centred care to children and young people living in Emerald Care RCS residential services, specifically separated children seeking international protection. The role involves supporting young people to feel safe, respected, and empowered, while promoting their emotional, social, educational, and developmental needs in line with statutory requirements and Emerald Care RCS policies.
Responsibilities
* Care and Support of Young People Seeking International Protection
* Provide consistent, nurturing, and trauma-informed care to children and young people.
* Build trusting and respectful relationships that promote safety, stability, and emotional wellbeing.
* Support young people with daily routines, personal care (where appropriate), education, health, and recreational activities.
* Implement individual Placement Plans, Care Plans, and Behaviour Support Plans.
* Promote independence and life skills appropriate to the young person's stage of development.
* Safeguarding and Child Protection
* Actively safeguard the welfare of children and young people in accordance with:
* Children First Act 2015
* HIQA Standards for Children's Residential Centres (2018)
* Emerald Care RCS Safeguarding Policies
* Report and record all child protection concerns, incidents, or disclosures in line with policy.
* Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
* Professional Practice and Teamwork
* Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary care team.
* Participate in shift handovers, team meetings, supervision, and training.
* Communicate effectively with colleagues, managers, external professionals, and families (where appropriate).
* Maintain clear, factual, and timely written records and reports.
* Behaviour Support and Regulation
* Support young people to regulate emotions and behaviours using therapeutic and de-escalation approaches.
* Implement approved behaviour support strategies consistently and safely.
* Health, Safety, and Housekeeping
* Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming living environment.
* Follow health and safety procedures, including medication management (where trained).
* Report hazards, maintenance issues, or concerns promptly.
* Compliance and Quality
* Adhere to all Emerald Care RCS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.
* Support a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice.
* Participate in audits, inspections, and quality assurance processes as required.
Qualifications
* A recognised Level 7 or Level 8 qualification in Social Care or a related discipline (as per CORU/Tusla requirements) and/or relevant work experience or qualifications pertaining to the role.
* Registration with CORU (or eligibility and willingness to register where applicable).
* Knowledge of child protection legislation and residential care standards.
* Ability to work rostered shifts, including nights, weekends, and sleepovers.
* Strong interpersonal, communication, and report-writing skills.
* Full manual driving licence (where required for the service).
Skills
* Child-centred and rights-based practice.
* Emotional intelligence and resilience.
* Professional integrity and accountability.
* Ability to remain calm and reflective in challenging situations.
* Commitment to learning and professional development.
Pay range and compensation package
Appointment is subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting, verification of qualifications, reference checks, and compliance with all regulatory and safeguarding requirements.
Pay range is per hour.