Social Care Leader

Job Description

Position Title: Social Care LeaderReports to: Unit Social Care Manager and Deputy ManagerDirect Reports: May be required to supervise some members of the staff team of the houseSalary: €38,650 - €41,836

Overview

The 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 Responsibilities

• Assessment 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.