Reporting To: Social Care Manager Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time Salary: From €22.19 p/h depending on qualifications & experience Job Purpose The Deputy Social Care Manager supports the Social Care Manager in leading a safe, nurturing and well-run residential service for young people who cannot live at home.
The role involves overseeing day-to-day practice within the home, ensuring high standards of care, safeguarding and professional conduct are consistently maintained.
Working closely with the care team, the Deputy Manager provides guidance, supervision and leadership that promotes trauma-informed, child-centred practice and supports young people to achieve positive outcomes.
The post-holder plays a key role in coordinating care planning, managing staff rosters, supporting regulatory compliance and ensuring effective communication with families, social workers and external professionals.
The Deputy Manager acts as a point of support and escalation for staff, contributes to the development of the team, and assumes responsibility for the centre in the absence of the Social Care Manager.
Key Responsibilities Management Support the Residential Manager in creating a safe, stable and nurturing environment where young people feel protected, respected and valued.
Ensure Care Plans and Placement Plans are developed, implemented and reviewed, and that young peoples rights and voices are central to all decisions.
Oversee the day-to-day running of the centre in line with organisational policies, Children First, relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
Monitor the effective use of resources, ensuring the home, equipment and vehicles are maintained to a high standard.
Act as a point of contact for young people, families, staff and external professionals, and assume responsibility for the centre in the Managers absence.
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 Residential Manager or designated person 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 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.
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 7 (BA (Ord)) or above (BA (Hons)/MA) in the following: 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 AND A minimum of 3 years post qualification experience working in a Childrens Residential with clear evidence of leadership ability within a team.
Supervisory or Management experience preferable.
OR Be registered in the Social Care Worker Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board maintained at CORU (or have entitlement to be registered and obtain registration prior to appointment).
AND Maintain live annual registration on the Social Care Workers Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU.
AND A minimum of 3 years post qualification experience working in a Childrens Residential with clear evidence of leadership ability within a team.
Supervisory or Management experience preferable.
Must have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
We seek leaders who bring warmth, sound judgement and a calm, steady presence to the residential home.
Deputy 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 Resilience Empathy Communication Adaptability Integrity Organisation