Social Care Leader

Position Title: Social Care Leader
Reports to: Unit Social Care Manager and Deputy Manager
Direct Reports: May be required to supervise some members of the staff team of the house
Salary: €38,650 - €41,836
OverviewThe Social Care Leader plays a pivotal role in delivering services aimed at meeting the needs of children and young people under the care of Odyssey Social Care. This role involves acting as a model for the rest of the team in providing high-quality childcare. Reporting to the Social Care Manager and Deputy Manager, the Social Care Leader uses their experience and skills to creatively design childcare packages that address the specific needs of children in the house. As a member of the management team, the Social Care Leader leads shifts, ensuring that young people are cared for safely, professionally, and in a manner that helps them achieve their maximum potential, in line with Odyssey Social Care's mission and vision.
Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesAssessment and Planning: Contribute to assessments and develop Individual Crisis Management Plans (ICMP) and Placement Plans in line with Care Plans for children and young people.Educational Support: Teach young people not engaged in external schooling, individually and in groups, according to their individual educational plans. Assist in their educational development.Homework Assistance: Support young people who attend school with their homework, assignments, and school-related activities.Residential Care Participation: Engage in and model responsive residential care based on the Placement Plans developed for each young person.Documentation: Maintain accurate records of the young person's progress using Odyssey Social Care's systems.Liaison: Communicate effectively with supervisors, consultants, professionals, parents/carers, and referral agents.Service Quality: Ensure that each young person and their parent/carer (if appropriate) receives the agreed quality and quantity of care and updates.Consumer Feedback: Assist in gathering feedback on the House from children, young people, parents/carers, communities, and referral agents, and handle complaints and compliments.Training Attendance: Attend mandatory company training and training outlined in your individual training plan.Policy Implementation: Implement and contribute to the amendment of all Odyssey Social Care policies and procedures.Team Meetings: Participate in team meetings, contributing to the formation and implementation of policies and strategic planning, with a focus on the needs of the young people.Health and Safety: Implement the Health and Safety Policy and associated Risk Assessment processes for young people in the house.Support and Training: Support relief staff and students in the house. Contribute to the induction and ongoing training of all relief workers, trainees, support staff, and new staff.Team Leadership: Act as the team leader during your shift, ensuring team members adhere to and contribute to policy amendments.Communication: Maintain regular contact with social workers, parents, or other relevant individuals as indicated.Proactive Problem Solving: Actively identify and propose solutions to childcare issues within the team.Administrative Functions: Perform necessary administrative duties for the smooth operation of the team.File and Record Keeping: Ensure all client files and recordings are completed during your designated shift.Reporting: Lead key working teams and ensure that relevant reports (including complaints, incidents, accidents, and monthly reports) are submitted to the referring Social Worker.Financial Management: Adhere to financial management systems and reconcile petty cash at the end of your shift.Household Tasks: Participate in household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and basic repairs according to the house routines.Student Placements: Oversee student placements in the house.Staff Concerns: Report concerns about the childcare practices of individual staff members to the Unit Manager.Managerial Duties: Undertake the duties and designated responsibilities of the Unit Manager in their absence.Whistleblowing: Encourage whistleblowing among staff and act promptly and effectively on reports received.Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality regarding children in care, staffing matters, financial matters, and other internal company matters.Company Wellbeing: Prioritize the wellbeing of the Company, placing it above personal, financial, or other gain.Additional Duties: Perform any other reasonable duties within your competence as required.Shift Work: Undertake evening, weekend, overnight, and shift work as necessary to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the house.About the roleEssential Qualifications, Knowledge, and SkillsEducation: Minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant related qualification.
Relevant qualifications include: Psychology (Level 8), Level 7 in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, Addiction Counselling, Youth and Community Work, Social Sciences/Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, Applied Behavioural Analysis, Early Years Care (for U12 centres), BA Applied Policing, Higher Certificate in Custodial Care, Teaching, and Nursing.
Driving License: A full, clean, manual driving license valid in Ireland.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Teamwork Knowledge: Understanding of the key elements of effective teamwork.
Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of the Irish National Standards in Children's Residential Centres.
ExperienceBehavioural Experience: Experience working with teenagers with challenging behaviours.
Team Experience: Experience working within a team.
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention: Experience working in services where Therapeutic Crisis Intervention is used.
Social Care Experience: Minimum of 2 years relevant experience, including 2 years at a social care grade working with children/young persons.
What you will needRequired criteria
Relevant qualifications include: Psychology (Level 8), Level 7 in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, Addiction Counselling, Youth and Community Work, Social Sciences/Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, Applied Behavioural Analysis, Early Years Care (for U12 centres), BA Applied Policing, Higher Certificate in Custodial Care, Teaching, and Nursing.Driving License: A full, clean, manual driving license valid in Ireland.Minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or a relevant related qualification.Behavioral Experience: Experience working with teenagers with challenging behaviors.Therapeutic Crisis Intervention: Experience working in services where Therapeutic Crisis Intervention is used.Social Care Experience: Minimum of 2 years relevant experience, including 2 years at a social care grade working with children/young persons.Odyssey Social CareOdyssey Social Care provides residential care for children and young people aged 7 to 18 who cannot live with their families. They focus on creating a safe and supportive environment, using trauma-informed approaches and therapeutic interventions to promote emotional well-being and personal growth. Their care model is based on principles like non-violence, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility.
Mission: Provide a supportive, safe environment for 7 to 18-year-olds unable to stay with their families.
Values: Emphasize non-violence, emotional intelligence, social learning, democracy, open communication, social responsibility, and growth.
Care Approach: Trauma-informed and multi-dimensional, including the Sanctuary Model, Positive Behaviour Support, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and the Saoirse Project.
Working for Odyssey Social Care involves being part of a team dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people. Employees engage in trauma-informed care, emphasizing safety, emotional well-being, and personal development. The organization values continuous learning, collaboration, and a commitment to their care models, which include therapeutic practices like the Sanctuary Model and Positive Behaviour Support. Staff members are encouraged to contribute to a positive, non-violent environment that fosters growth and social responsibility.
The benefits of working at Odyssey Social Care include opportunities for professional development, a supportive work environment, and involvement in impactful, trauma-informed care. The company emphasises continuous learning and offers training in therapeutic practices like the Sanctuary Model. Staff members are part of a dedicated team focused on making a positive difference in children's and young people's lives.

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