Description
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.
⭐ 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.
About the Role
When you work with Odyssey Social Care, you’re part of a dedicated team that’s as supportive to each other as we are to the young people in our care. Because we know that our success depends on yours, you’ll get continuous on the job training through our network of certified trainers. Quite simply, our supportive, adaptive and flexible approach is designed to give you the best opportunities to progress through the company and further your social care career.