Social Care Leader, Under 18s Residential, Dalkey

Location: Dalkey, Dublin
Contract: Full Time, Permanent Contract

Benefits: 25 days Annual Leave & 3 Concession Days, 7% Employer Pension Contribution, Maternity Top Up 26 Weeks, Tax-Saver Scheme, Education Assistance Policy, Paid Sick Leave policy, Premium rates for unsocial hours

Supports: Employee Assistance Program, Reflective Practice, Supervision, Well-being initiatives including monthly meditations

Are you driven to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable young people? We’re looking for a committed and compassionate Social Care Leader to join our under-18s residential service for those experiencing homelessness.

In this vital role, you’ll lead by example—providing care, protection, and support to young people facing complex challenges. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team and partner agencies, you will oversee and deliver interventions that address the root causes preventing young people from living safely at home or in foster care.

This is more than a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to guide a dedicated team, create a safe and supportive environment, and help young people take the next step toward stability and independence.

What you will do:

• Participate in the development and implementation of Care and Placement Plans and to ensure appropriate recording of same.
• Promote the rights and responsibilities of each young person within the Service.
• Encourage attendance at school, training centres, medical and clinical appointments.
• To be responsible for the organisation of personal documents, arrangements, information and finance on behalf of the young person.
• Liaise with the parent, family, general services and other agencies on behalf of the young person.
• Attend meetings in relation to the care and development of the young person.
• Engage in age appropriate play and other activities with each young person within the Service.
• Engage in physical intervention where this is in keeping with local policies and procedures.
• Accountable for any money spent on behalf of the service during the course of duty, demonstrating evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of resource management and importance of value for money.
• Make written and verbal reports to the Manager on a regular basis on the progress of development of the young person.
• Reporting and recording any incidents, however minor, that may happen to the young person or are caused by them.
• Assist with the supervision of students, as appropriate/ required under the direction of the Social Care Manager.
• Be familiar with emergency procedures and to know who to contact in an emergency.
• Ensure Child Protection procedures are followed in accordance with the responsibilities of a designated officer.
• Keep abreast of current legislation and current professional child care knowledge.
• Attend meetings and to report to the Manager on matters affecting the delivery of service.

What you will need:

• Be registered in the Social Care Workers Register maintained by the Social Care Workers Registration Board maintained by CORU.
  or
• Hold a CORU approved Social Care Worker qualification and have applied for CORU registration (evidence of application will be necessary)
  (https://coru.ie/health-and-social-care-professionals/education/approved-qualifications/social-care-workers/)
• Full clean driving license.
• Proven direct work experience in a social care setting at a social care level or equivalent.
• Experience of supporting marginalized clients/groups preferably adolescents.
• A working knowledge and insight into the social issues (e.g. substance abuse) that affect young people, in particular young people, who have or are experiencing trauma and attachment issues.
• Ability to manage and support young people in crisis who present with challenging behaviours based on the values and principles of best practice in Focus Ireland.
• Working knowledge of the national standards for children’s residentials.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Child Protection.

To apply please submit your CV & Cover Letter Here

Closing date for applications: 12.00pm, 2nd August 2025.

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.