Social Care Leader - Kilkenny
Daffodil Care Services are currently recruiting for Social Care Leader positions in our residential care service in south Kilkenny on the border with Waterford, Tipperary, and Wexford.
Who we are -
Daffodil Care Services is one of Irelands leading social care service providers currently providing a range of services to meet the needs of young people and their families, these include registered residential, aftercare services as well as community outreach.
Working as part of this new team and collaboration with the Centre Manager and Social Care Leaders, you will be responsible for providing high quality social care and a safe, caring and stabilising environment to vulnerable young people aged between 0-17 years. You will play a key role in the delivery of individualised day-to-day activities in the residential service. This rewarding role will suit energetic, creative and versatile social care professionals with a passion for working with young people.
What we can offer you:
Attractive starting salary package for our Social Care Leaders of €48,000 - €51,000 per annum (depending on experience) inclusive of sleeping time and premiums
Incremental salary scale
Schedule is typically a mixture sleepover shifts / day shifts per week
About the role
Employee Benefits:
Paid core training allowance
Health Insurance Scheme
Maternity Cover
Life Assurance
Company Pension Scheme
Employee Discount Scheme
Free access to any additional professional training offered by SCTI, Social Care Training Ireland e.g. Leadership & Management in Social Care, Professional Supervision Skills
Education Assistance Grants
Professional Career Development programme
Team Building Activities
Company Social Events & away days
Refer a Friend Bonus
Qualifications & Experience
Candidates with a variety of social care related qualifications from, Level 7 or Level 8 achieved in Ireland and Internationally are invited to apply.
Qualification (degree) or above in one of the following:
• QQI Level 8 in Psychology
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Counselling / Psychotherapy
• QQI Level 7 or Professional Practice Qualification in Addiction Counselling
• QQI Level 7 in Youth and Community or similar
• QQI Level 7 in Social Science / Social Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Family Support
• Professional Qualification in Teaching (Not TEFL)
• Professional Qualification in Nursing Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Disability Studies
• QQI Level 7 in Applied Behavioural Analysis
• QQI Level 7 in Early Years Care where centre caters for children under 12 years.
• BA in Applied Policing or equivalent
• Holder of Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent
OR
If you are eligible to register as a Social Care Worker with CORU.
Social Care Leaders are required to have minimum of 2 years’ experience working with children and young people in a social care setting.
A full Irish Drivers license is a mandatory requirement for this position.
At Daffodil Care Group, we promote the professional and personal development of each team member. With a clear focus on our ethos and therapeutic approach, we provide for significant investment in our people, who in turn through their professionalism and commitment greatly enhance the experience and outcomes for our service users.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Social Care Leaders are required to have minimum of 2 years’ experience working with children and young people in a social care setting.
Daffodil Care Group
Daffodil Care Group is a respected Irish provider of therapeutic care services, operating residential homes and support centres under its brands—Daffodil Care Services, Misty Croft, and ARCS. With a focus on supporting children and young people with complex needs, the Group combines compassionate, person-centred care with evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Their dedicated team is committed to enhancing the quality of life and promoting positive outcomes for all service users.
Founded in the early 2000s, Daffodil Care Group has established a strong reputation across Ireland through its specialised services delivered via Daffodil Care Services, Misty Croft, and ARCS. The Group provides a continuum of care, including residential homes, semi-independent living, and community outreach tailored for children and young people with disabilities or autism. Emphasising therapeutic and educational support, Daffodil Care Group designs individual care plans that encourage growth, resilience, and independence. With multidisciplinary teams, the Group consistently delivers high-quality service through ongoing training and a supportive work environment. Ambitious professionals joining the Group can expect a rewarding career helping young lives and contributing to meaningful outcomes in a stable and growing organisation.
Daffodil Care Group nurtures a culture rooted in empathy, collaboration, and professional growth. Team members work in close-knit units where open communication, shared learning, and mutual support are encouraged. The Group values lived experience and therapeutic expertise, with staff empowered to reflect, innovate, and continuously improve practices. Regular supervision and team-building enrich the work environment, helping employees thrive personally and professionally. With respect for individual contributions and an emphasis on staff wellbeing, Daffodil Care Group provides a supportive, inclusive workplace where dedication to young people’s welfare is central to every decision and success is celebrated collectively.
Our benefits
Daffodil Care Group offers a compelling benefits package designed to attract and retain talented care professionals. Starting salaries for Social Care Workers range from €38,900 to €42,900, while Social Care Leaders earn between €44,400 and €46,800 annually—both including sleeping-time premiums and incremental pay scales. Staff receive paid core training, health insurance, maternity cover, life assurance, and access to a company pension scheme. Employees benefit from free professional development opportunities, including leadership courses and educational grants, alongside clear career progression pathways. The Group also organises team-building activities, staff social events, and a refer-a-friend bonus programme. With a strong focus on growth, support, and wellbeing, Daffodil Care Group ensures its workforce remains valued and motivated.
Vacation, Paid time off
Retirement plan and/or pension
Employee development programs
Referral bonus
Competitive salary
Long service recognition
Social Opportunities
Annual performance review
Culture of recognition
On the job learning
Progression opportunities
Staff celebration events
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