At Odyssey Social Care, we are committed to providing high-quality residential care to young people across Ireland. We believe in a child-centred approach rooted in empathy, professionalism, and respect. Join a team where your leadership can make a real difference in the lives of young people and the professionals who support them.
Job Overview:
We’re seeking a passionate and experienced Children’s Residential -Social Care Unit Manager to lead a dedicated team within one of our residential homes. You’ll oversee all aspects of care delivery, team management, compliance, and strategic implementation, ensuring that our house is a safe, warm, and nurturing environment for young people. You will report to the Regional Manager.
Why Join Us as a Children’s Residential -Social Care Unit Manager:
- Competitive Salary
- Flexible Rostering focused on work-life balance
- Core Professional Training in essential subjects
- Team-Building Activities & Social Events
- Education Assistance Grants
- Health Insurance Grant & Life Insurance
- Incremental Pay Scale
- Pension Contribution Match
- Employee Assistance Program for Employees and Family from Day 1
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure care meets company standards and national regulations
- Maintain a homely, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment
- Supervise Social Care Leaders, Workers, and relief staff
- Lead team motivation, training, and performance management
- Manage house budget and resource allocation effectively
- Support referral management and report writing
- Promote compliance with TUSLA inspection standards
- Maintain positive relationships with external stakeholders (e.g., TUSLA, Gardaí, CAMHS)
- Participate in the 24-hour on-call rota
- Promote a culture of transparency through whistleblowing and safeguarding
- Drive new service development and contribute to company growth
Professional Background:
- The centre manager must have minimum QQI level 7 qualification in social care and hold or be enrolled in a programme leading to a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting and 4 years’ full time work experience in a children’s residential care setting post qualification.
- Alternatively, the manager may hold a QQI level 8 qualification in social care with 3 years’ post qualification work experience in a children’s residential care setting. Or Alternatively hold a relevant qualification with 4 years’ full time work experience in a children’s residential care setting post qualification.
- A professional qualification in Social Work is also considered as suitable, for a centre manager with the requisite 4 years post qualification practice experience and hold or be enrolled in a programme leading to a management qualification suitable for a health or social care setting.
- Be on the CORU register of Social Care Workers, with 4 years' full-time experience, even without a formally recognised qualification
- Recognised social care qualifications may include equivalents from other jurisdictions.
Requirements:
Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a QQI Level 7 qualification in Social Care, be enrolled in (or hold) a management qualification relevant to health or social care, and have 4 years' post-qualification experience in children's residential care.
OR
- Hold a QQI Level 8 qualification in Social Care and have 3 years' post-qualification experience in children's residential care.
OR
- Hold another relevant professional qualification and have 4 years' post-qualification experience working in children's residential care.
OR
- Hold a Social Work qualification, have 4 years' post-qualification practice experience, and be enrolled in (or hold) a management qualification relevant to health or social care.
OR
- Be eligible for or registered on the CORU Register of Social Care Workers and have 4 years' full-time experience in children's residential care.
- Equivalent social care qualifications from other jurisdictions will be considered.
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:
- CORU registration
- Full, clean manual driving licence (valid in Ireland)
- Right to work and live in Ireland
- Familiarity with team dynamics and Irish National Standards
- Full Garda vetting and police clearance for international residency
- Deep knowledge of childcare legislation and best practices
- Conflict resolution and crisis management skills
