Social Care Team Leader

The Social Care Team Leader supports the day‑to‑day running of the residential centre by providing practice leadership, guidance and oversight to the care team. The role ensures that young people experience a safe, nurturing and stable home environment where their rights, welfare and development are prioritised. Working closely with the Deputy Manager and Social Care Manager, the Social Care Leader helps to implement high‑quality, trauma‑informed care and ensures that routines, plans and interventions are delivered consistently.

The post‑holder plays a key role in supporting care planning, supervising and mentoring staff, contributing to assessments and safety planning, and promoting young people’s participation in decisions that affect their lives. The Social Care Leader acts as a point of support and escalation for Residential Care Workers, helping to maintain a positive team culture and ensuring that practice aligns with HIQA Standards, Children First and Emerald Care policies.

Key Responsibilities

Working Directly with Young People

• Lead high‑quality, trauma‑informed direct work with young people, ensuring they are treated with dignity, respect and unconditional positive regard.
• Support young people’s physical, emotional, social, cultural and educational development, advocating for their needs and rights.
• Contribute to assessments, safety planning and care planning in line with Children First and organisational procedures.
• Work in partnership with families, social workers and external professionals to support positive outcomes, reunification or permanency planning where appropriate.
• Support young people’s participation in decisions that affect their lives, both individually and within the centre community.

Practice Leadership & Supervision

• Provide day‑to‑day guidance, support and oversight to Residential Care Workers, modelling best practice and maintaining a consistent, child‑centred approach.
• Assist with supervising staff, students or volunteers as required, ensuring practice aligns with HIQA Standards and Emerald Care policies.
• Support the Deputy Manager and Social Care Manager in implementing care plans, routines, behaviour support strategies and centre procedures.
• Lead or support access visits, family contact and court‑directed arrangements, ensuring they are safe, purposeful and well recorded.

Administration & Accountability

• Maintain accurate records, reports and documentation in line with organisational and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to assessments, reviews, team meetings and multi‑agency planning processes.
• Ensure child protection concerns are responded to and reported in line with Children First and designated officer responsibilities.
• Stay informed on relevant legislation, policy updates and best‑practice guidance.
• Participate in supervision, reflective practice and ongoing professional development.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Promote a positive, supportive and consistent team culture, working collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals.
• Assist in implementing practice models, routines and behaviour support approaches across the team.
• Contribute to team meetings, handovers and planning discussions, ensuring clear communication and continuity of care.
• Support new staff and students through guidance, mentoring and modelling of high‑quality practice.

Health & Safety

• Ensure safe working practices are followed and that the centre complies with HIQA Standards, Children First and all relevant legislation.
• Support fire safety, risk assessments and emergency procedures within the centre.
• Promote a safe, clean and well‑maintained environment for young people and staff.
• Contribute to organisational sustainability initiatives relating to energy, waste and resource use.

The above list is not exhaustive. The post‑holder may be required to undertake additional duties appropriate to the role and to contribute to the ongoing development of the service.

Applicants must have a minimum QQI Level 7 (BA (Ord) or above (BA (Hons)/MA) in one of the following:

·       Recognised Qualification in Social Care, Applied Social Studies, or one deemed as relevant.

·       Recognised Qualification in Social Work, be a student in final year of a Level 8 programme leading to a recognised Social Care qualification or hold a recognised equivalent Social Care qualification form other jurisdictions.

·       Recognised Qualification in Psychology

·       Recognised Qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy

·       Recognised Qualification in Counselling / Psychotherapy

·       Recognised Qualification in Addiction Studies

·       Recognised Qualification in Early Years Care

·       Recognised Qualification in Youth & Community or similar

·       Recognised Qualification in Social Science /Social Studies

·       Recognised Qualification in Family Support

·       Recognised Qualification in Education / Teaching (Not TEFL)

·       Recognised Qualification in Nursing Studies

·       Recognised Qualification in Disability Studies

·       Recognised Qualification in Applied Behavioural Analysis

·       Recognised Qualification in Applied Policing or equivalent

·       Holder of Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (Irish Prison Service) or equivalent

AND

·       A minimum of 1 year (2 years preferable) post qualification experience working in a Children’s Residential with clear evidence of leadership ability within a team.

OR

·       Be registered in the Social Care Worker Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board maintained at CORU (or have entitlement to be registered and obtain registration prior to appointment).

AND

·       Maintain live annual registration on the Social Care Workers Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board at CORU.

AND

·       Must have the requisite knowledge, ability & experience (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.