Social Care Leader/Residential Care Leader

Odyssey Social Care Ltd is a leading provider of children’s residential care in Ireland. We are committed to delivering high quality, trauma informed support to young people through the Odyssey Model of Care, which focuses on therapeutic intervention, education, emotional wellbeing, and positive role modelling. Our mission is to empower young people to reach their full potential in a safe, structured, and nurturing environment. 

We are expanding our team and seeking an experienced Children’s Residential Care Leader (also known as Senior Social Care Worker, Residential Team Leader, or Social Care Leader) to join our residential services. 

⭐ Role Summary 

As a Children’s Residential Social Care Leader you will play a key role in delivering high quality social care, residential childcare, and therapeutic support. You will deliver individualised care, implement behaviour support plans, and help young people develop life skills, resilience, and confidence. This role is ideal for someone passionate about social care, youth work, and therapeutic residential practice. 

We are currently recruiting for multiple residential centres located in:

• Emyvale, Co. Monaghan

• Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon

• Ballybrittas, Co. Laois

• Avoca and Arklow, Co. Wicklow

• New Ross, Wellington Bridge, and Ballycanew, Co. Wexford

• Moneybeg, Co. Carlow

• Glenmore and Piltown, Co. Kilkenny

• Youghal, Mitchelstown, Glenville and Fermoy, Co. Cork

• Cashel, Clonmel and Thurles, Co. Tipperary

• Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

⭐ Why Join Odyssey Social Care? 

• Flexible rosters supporting work life balance 

• Core professional training (TCI, safeguarding, trauma informed practice, etc.) 

• Teambuilding activities & social events 

• Education assistance grants 

• Health insurance grant & life insurance 

• Incremental pay scale 

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for employees and families from Day 1 

• Supportive, collaborative team culture 

• Clear career progression pathways 

⭐ Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement Behaviour Support Plans, Placement Plans, and risk assessments 

• Provide trauma informed, child centred, and responsive residential care 

• Support young people with education, homework, routines, and school engagement 

• Promote life skills, independence, emotional regulation, and positive behaviour 

• Maintain accurate daily records, logs, and incident reports 

• Communicate effectively with parents, social workers, schools, and referral agents 

• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and service development 

• Assist with domestic routines, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a homely environment 

• Manage petty cash and follow financial procedures 

• Uphold safeguarding, child protection, TUSLA standards, confidentiality, and company policies 

• Contribute to a safe, structured, and supportive residential setting 

⭐ Educational Requirements 

Minimum Level 7 qualification in Social Care or one of the following: 

• QQI Level 8 in Psychology 

• QQI Level 7 in Youth & Community, Social Science, Social Studies, Family Support, Disability Studies, ABA 

• Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Counselling/Psychotherapy, or Addiction Counselling 

• Early Years Care (for centres supporting children under 12) 

• Professional Qualification in Teaching (nonTEFL) or Nursing 

• BA in Applied Policing 

• Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) 

⭐ Required Criteria 

• Full, clean manual driving licence valid in Ireland 

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working directly with children/young people in a social care setting

• Familiarity with National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres 

• Right to live and work in Ireland 

• CORU Registration for use of the Title ‘Social Care Worker’ 

If you are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and want to build a rewarding career in children’s residential social care, we would love to hear from you.